Immigration Law
With a deep understanding of the complexities involved in immigration matters, our team is dedicated to guiding clients through every step of the process. We provide clear advice on visa applications, permanent residency, and other immigration issues, ensuring that our clients fully comprehend their rights and options.
Our diverse backgrounds enable us to connect with clients from various cultural perspectives, offering tailored solutions that resonate with their unique circumstances. Whether you need a skilled migration visa (Subclass 189, 190, or 491), employer sponsorship (Subclass 482 or 186), or a partner visa (Subclass 820/801 or 309/100), our team has the expertise to guide you through complex Australian immigration requirements. We also handle AAT appeals for visa refusals and citizenship applications under the Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth). We are committed to delivering exceptional legal services with compassion and efficiency, simplifying the often daunting immigration journey by keeping our clients informed and supported throughout.
Contact UsOur Immigration Law Services
- Skilled migration and employer-sponsored visas
- Partner, parent, and family visas
- Student visas and graduate pathways
- Business and investment visas
- Permanent residency applications
- Australian citizenship applications
- Visa refusal appeals and tribunal reviews
- Migration compliance and advice
- Sponsorship obligations and monitoring
- Humanitarian and protection visas
- Regional migration and DAMA programs
- Labour agreement applications
- Visa cancellation representations
- Migration litigation and judicial review
Immigration Law FAQs (Queensland Law)
How long does an Australian visa application take?
Processing times vary by visa subclass. Skilled migration visas (Subclass 189/190) typically take 6–12 months. Partner visas can take 12–24 months for the full two-stage process. Employer-sponsored visas are generally faster at 3–6 months. We provide realistic timelines for your specific situation.
Can I appeal a visa refusal in Australia?
Yes, most visa refusal decisions can be reviewed by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT). You must apply within 21 days of receiving the refusal decision (for onshore applicants). Our team has extensive experience preparing AAT appeals and can advise on the merits of your case.
What are the requirements for Australian citizenship?
Australian citizenship by conferral requires you to be a permanent resident for at least 12 months (4 years of lawful residence total), meet the residence requirement (no more than 12 months absence in 4 years), pass the citizenship test (if aged 18–59), and demonstrate good character. We guide clients through the entire application process.
Which Australian visa is best for skilled workers from overseas?
Skilled workers typically apply for Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent), Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated), or Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional). The best option depends on your occupation, age, English proficiency, and whether your occupation is on the relevant skilled occupation list.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Brisbane?
Immigration lawyer costs in Brisbane vary based on visa type and complexity. At Enlight Lawyers, we provide clear upfront pricing for visa applications, AAT appeals, and citizenship applications. Contact us for a fixed-fee quote tailored to your circumstances.
Related Practice Areas
Skilled Migration Visas
Australia's skilled migration program is the primary pathway for skilled workers to obtain permanent residence and contribute to the Australian economy. The program is designed to attract individuals with specific skills, qualifications, and experience that are in demand across the Australian labour market. Our team provides comprehensive assistance with all skilled migration visa subclasses, including the Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent) visa for points-tested workers without sponsorship, the Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated) visa for state and territory government nominees, and the Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional) visa for those willing to live and work in designated regional areas. Each visa pathway has distinct eligibility criteria, application processes, and benefits that require careful assessment and strategic planning.
View ServicesEmployer Sponsored Visas
Employer sponsored visas enable Australian businesses to address critical skills shortages by sponsoring skilled workers from overseas. These visas require a cooperative relationship between the employer and the visa applicant, with both parties having specific obligations and responsibilities under Australian migration law. Our team advises both employers and employees on all aspects of employer sponsored migration, including the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa (formerly the Temporary Skill Shortage visa), the Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa providing a direct pathway to permanent residence, and the Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa for employers in regional Australia. We assist with sponsor registration and approval, ensuring that businesses understand and can meet their sponsorship obligations, including record-keeping requirements, market salary rate obligations, and reporting responsibilities to the Department of Home Affairs.
View ServicesPartner & Family Visas
Partner and family visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their family members for Australian residence. These visas recognise the importance of family unity and provide pathways for partners, parents, children, and other family members to join their Australian relatives. Our team provides sensitive and comprehensive assistance with all family-based visa applications, recognising the deeply personal nature of these matters. We handle partner visa applications for married couples, de facto partners (including same-sex relationships), and fiancés through the Prospective Marriage visa pathway. Partner visas are available in both onshore (Subclass 820/801) and offshore (Subclass 309/100) streams, each with a two-stage process that provides temporary residence initially and permanent residence after two years of continued relationship. We also assist with parent visas, child visas, and other family reunion categories, each of which has distinct eligibility requirements, processing times, and application strategies.
View ServicesBusiness & Investment Visas
Australia's business and investment visa programs are designed to attract successful business owners, investors, entrepreneurs, and exceptionally talented individuals who can contribute to the Australian economy. These visas offer pathways to permanent residence for individuals with significant business experience, investment capital, or outstanding talents in target sectors. Our team provides strategic advice and comprehensive application management for the full range of business and investment visa options. The Business Innovation and Investment visa program (Subclass 188) encompasses several streams for different business and investment profiles, including the Business Innovation stream for established business owners, the Investor streams for those willing to invest significant capital in complying investments, the Significant Investor stream for high-net-worth individuals investing AUD 5 million, and the Entrepreneur stream for individuals with innovative business ideas. The Global Talent visa (Subclass 858) provides a streamlined pathway to permanent residence for exceptionally talented individuals in target sectors including technology, health, energy, and financial services, while the new National Innovation visa targets entrepreneurs and investors who can drive innovation in Australia.
View ServicesAustralian Citizenship
Australian citizenship represents the final step in the migration journey, conferring full rights and responsibilities as a member of the Australian community. Australian citizens enjoy the right to vote in federal and state elections, apply for an Australian passport, access consular assistance overseas, work in the Australian Public Service and Australian Defence Force, and stand for Parliament. Citizenship cannot be cancelled except in limited circumstances involving fraud or misrepresentation. Our team provides comprehensive assistance with all aspects of Australian citizenship, including citizenship by conferral for permanent residents who meet the residence requirements, citizenship by descent for children born overseas to Australian citizen parents, and citizenship by adoption for children adopted by Australian citizens outside Australia. We also assist with citizenship renunciation, resumption applications for former citizens, and the increasingly complex area of citizenship revocation proceedings. The Australian Citizenship Act 2007 (Cth) sets out the legislative framework for citizenship eligibility, conferral, and loss, and we provide expert guidance on navigating this framework to achieve your citizenship goals.
View ServicesMigration Appeals & Tribunal Reviews
When a visa application is refused or a visa is cancelled, the decision can often be challenged through the Australian migration review system. Our team provides experienced representation in migration appeals and tribunal reviews, helping clients navigate the complex legal pathways available to challenge adverse migration decisions. The migration review framework includes merits review by the Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT), judicial review in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and the Federal Court of Australia, and ministerial intervention under section 351 or 417 of the Migration Act. Each review pathway has distinct jurisdictional requirements, procedural rules, and time limits that must be strictly observed. Our team has extensive experience representing clients in AAT migration and refugee division hearings, preparing written submissions for judicial review proceedings, and drafting ministerial intervention requests. We also handle character-related matters under section 501 of the Migration Act, including visa cancellation decisions based on character grounds, which require specialised knowledge of Australian criminal law and migration law interaction.
View ServicesLast updated: July 2026
Our Approach to Immigration Law
We take a thorough, detail-oriented approach to immigration law. Every application is meticulously prepared to maximise the chances of approval. We assess your circumstances, identify the most appropriate visa pathway, and manage the application process from start to finish. If your application is refused, we are experienced in preparing appeals and tribunal reviews.
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