Select an area below to see common visa subclasses, requests and issues. These notes are general only; the right strategy depends on your circumstances and current law.
We can advise on
Partner and prospective marriage visa strategy
Relationship evidence and consistency across documents
Sponsorship, timing and procedural questions
Applications involving previous relationships or complex histories
Questions to clarify early
What pathway fits the relationship and location? What evidence demonstrates the relationship over time? Are there sponsorship, status or timing issues that need attention before lodgement?
Consider advice when
The evidence is not straightforward, a prior visa history may matter, deadlines are approaching or the relationship circumstances require careful explanation.
Coordination between employer and worker applications
Ongoing immigration planning for key personnel
Questions to clarify early
Is the business eligible? Does the role meet the relevant requirements? How should the employer and worker evidence be coordinated to avoid gaps or inconsistencies?
Consider advice when
The business structure, role history, occupation classification or timing requires planning before documents are assembled.
Evidence of employment, qualifications and professional history
Questions to clarify early
Which pathway is realistically available? What criteria are decisive? Is there a sequencing issue between skills, sponsorship, expression of interest or visa status?
Consider advice when
Several pathways appear possible, eligibility turns on technical evidence, or a current visa expiry affects the strategy.
Requests for information or concerns raised by the Department
Planning where eligibility is uncertain
Questions to clarify early
Does the residence history satisfy the relevant requirements? Are absences, identity records, past conduct or immigration history likely to require explanation?
Consider advice when
The application is not routine, records are incomplete, or the Department has raised a concern.
The Subclass 820 visa lets eligible spouses or de facto partners remain in Australia during the temporary onshore stage while the permanent Subclass 801 visa is assessed.
We can help with
Partner visa pathway and eligibility advice
Application preparation or independent review
Relationship evidence and supporting documents
Department requests, delays or complex immigration histories
Subclass 801 Partner visa
The Subclass 801 visa is the permanent onshore Partner visa stage, usually assessed after Subclass 820 using updated evidence of the continuing relationship and any relevant changes.
We can help with
Permanent-stage eligibility and evidence review
Updated relationship statements and documents
Changes in relationship, address or family circumstances
Department requests, delays or take-over matters
Subclass 309 Partner (Provisional) visa
The Subclass 309 visa is the temporary offshore Partner visa stage for eligible spouses or de facto partners, followed by consideration of the permanent Subclass 100 visa.
We can help with
Offshore Partner visa pathway advice
Cross-border relationship, communication and travel evidence
Application preparation and supporting documents
Department requests, complex issues or take-over matters
Subclass 100 Partner visa
The Subclass 100 visa is the permanent offshore Partner visa stage and generally requires updated evidence that the relationship continues and relevant changes have been explained.
We can help with
Permanent-stage eligibility and document review
Updated relationship evidence and statements
Separation, travel, family or practical changes
Department requests, delays or take-over matters
Subclass 300 Prospective Marriage visa
The Subclass 300 visa is an offshore prospective marriage pathway focused on relationship evidence, genuine intention to marry and planning for the later Partner visa.
We can help with
Prospective marriage pathway advice
Relationship history and intention-to-marry evidence
Sponsor and applicant document preparation
Timing, Department requests and later Partner visa planning
Subclass 103 Parent visa
The Subclass 103 Parent visa is a permanent parent visa pathway for parents of eligible Australian children. It is usually lower in application charge than contributory parent visas, but processing times can be very long.
We can help with
Parent visa pathway advice
Balance of family and sponsorship questions
Document preparation and application review
Responding to Department requests
Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa
The Subclass 143 Contributory Parent visa is a permanent parent visa pathway with a higher visa application charge than the standard parent visa. It is often considered where families want a permanent parent option with a contributory pathway.
We can help with
Comparing parent visa options
Balance of family and assurance of support issues
Preparing evidence and application materials
S56 responses and follow-up submissions
Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa
The Subclass 173 Contributory Parent (Temporary) visa is a temporary parent visa that can provide a pathway toward the permanent Subclass 143 visa. It may suit families who want to stage the contributory parent process.
We can help with
Temporary-to-permanent parent visa planning
Eligibility and sponsorship review
Evidence preparation for family circumstances
Timing and next-stage strategy
Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa
The Subclass 804 Aged Parent visa is a permanent parent visa for aged parents who are in Australia and meet the relevant eligibility requirements. Timing, bridging visa position and long processing periods often need careful planning.
We can help with
Onshore aged parent visa advice
Visa status and bridging visa questions
Balance of family and sponsorship evidence
Application preparation and follow-up responses
Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent visa
The Subclass 864 Contributory Aged Parent visa is a permanent contributory parent visa for aged parents applying in Australia. It can involve eligibility, sponsorship, assurance of support and timing issues.
We can help with
Contributory aged parent visa strategy
Onshore status and bridging visa review
Application and supporting document preparation
Department request responses
Subclass 884 Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa
The Subclass 884 Contributory Aged Parent (Temporary) visa is a temporary pathway for aged parents in Australia that may lead to the permanent Subclass 864 visa. It can be useful where families want staged planning.
We can help with
Temporary aged parent pathway planning
Eligibility and status review
Preparing evidence and application documents
Planning for the permanent stage
Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa
The Subclass 870 Sponsored Parent (Temporary) visa allows eligible parents to stay in Australia temporarily where an approved parent sponsor is in place. It does not itself lead directly to permanent residence.
We can help with
Parent sponsor and visa eligibility advice
Application timing and stay period planning
Document preparation and review
Responding to requests or concerns
Subclass 101 Child visa
The Subclass 101 Child visa is for a child outside Australia to live in Australia with an eligible parent. Evidence may need to address parentage, dependency, custody and the child’s living arrangements.
We can help with
Child visa eligibility advice
Parentage, custody and dependency evidence
Application preparation and document review
Responding to Department questions
Subclass 102 Adoption visa
The Subclass 102 Adoption visa is for a child outside Australia who has been, or is in the process of being, adopted by an eligible Australian parent. Adoption, custody and migration requirements need to be aligned carefully.
We can help with
Adoption visa pathway advice
Reviewing adoption and custody documents
Application preparation and evidence strategy
Responding to Department requests
Subclass 802 Child visa
The Subclass 802 Child visa is for a child in Australia to live permanently with an eligible parent. The application may require clear evidence about the child’s relationship to the parent, dependency and care arrangements.
We can help with
Onshore child visa advice
Evidence of parentage, care and dependency
Visa status and bridging visa questions
Application preparation and S56 responses
Subclass 445 Dependent Child visa
The Subclass 445 Dependent Child visa is a temporary visa for a dependent child of a parent who holds certain temporary partner visas. It is often used so the child can be included before the parent’s permanent partner visa is decided.
We can help with
Dependent child pathway advice
Linking the child’s matter to the parent’s partner visa
Dependency and family evidence
Application preparation and timing issues
Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa
The Subclass 461 New Zealand Citizen Family Relationship visa is for eligible family members of certain New Zealand citizens. It can allow a partner, child or other eligible family member to live and work in Australia for up to five years, with eligibility depending on the New Zealand citizen relationship and visa position.
We can help with
Assessing eligibility through a New Zealand citizen family member
Relationship, identity and family evidence strategy
Preparing or reviewing the visa application
Responding to Department requests or concerns
Subclass 114 Aged Dependent Relative visa
The Subclass 114 Aged Dependent Relative visa is for an aged dependent relative outside Australia who relies on an eligible Australian relative for financial support. Dependency and family support evidence are central.
We can help with
Dependency and family eligibility review
Evidence of financial support
Document preparation and application strategy
Responding to requests for further information
Subclass 838 Aged Dependent Relative visa
The Subclass 838 Aged Dependent Relative visa is for an aged dependent relative in Australia who relies on an eligible Australian relative. Visa status, dependency and family support evidence may need careful review.
We can help with
Onshore aged dependent relative advice
Dependency and sponsorship evidence
Visa status and timing review
Application preparation and submissions
Subclass 115 Remaining Relative visa
The Subclass 115 Remaining Relative visa is for a person outside Australia whose only near relatives are usually living in Australia as eligible relatives. Family composition and residence evidence are important.
We can help with
Remaining relative eligibility advice
Family tree and residence evidence
Document preparation and application review
Responding to Department concerns
Subclass 835 Remaining Relative visa
The Subclass 835 Remaining Relative visa is for a person in Australia whose only near relatives are usually living in Australia as eligible relatives. It can involve careful evidence of family relationships, location and status.
We can help with
Onshore remaining relative advice
Family relationship and location evidence
Visa status and bridging visa questions
Application preparation and submissions
Subclass 116 Carer visa
The Subclass 116 Carer visa is for a person outside Australia who needs to move to Australia to provide substantial and continuing care or assistance to an eligible relative with a long-term medical condition.
We can help with
Carer visa eligibility advice
Medical, care and family evidence review
Application preparation and submissions
Responding to requests or concerns
Subclass 836 Carer visa
The Subclass 836 Carer visa is for a person in Australia who needs to provide substantial and continuing care or assistance to an eligible relative. Medical evidence, care needs and visa status can be important.
We can help with
Onshore carer visa advice
Medical and care evidence strategy
Visa status and timing review
Application preparation and submissions
Subclass 117 Orphan Relative visa
The Subclass 117 Orphan Relative visa is for a child outside Australia whose parents cannot care for them and who has an eligible relative in Australia. The application can require sensitive family and care evidence.
We can help with
Orphan relative visa pathway advice
Family relationship and care evidence
Custody, consent and welfare documents
Application preparation and Department responses
Subclass 837 Orphan Relative visa
The Subclass 837 Orphan Relative visa is for a child in Australia whose parents cannot care for them and who has an eligible relative in Australia. Evidence may need to address family circumstances, care and the child’s welfare.
We can help with
Onshore orphan relative visa advice
Family relationship and welfare evidence
Visa status and care arrangement review
Application preparation and submissions
The Subclass 500 Student visa allows international students to study an eligible course in Australia. Applications often turn on course enrolment, genuine student considerations, financial capacity, English, health, character and visa history.
We can help with
Student visa consultation and application strategy
Genuine Student and study history issues
S56/S57 responses, refusals and submissions
The Subclass 590 Student Guardian visa allows an eligible parent, guardian or relative to stay in Australia to support a student visa holder who is under 18 or requires care because of exceptional circumstances.
We can help with
Guardian visa eligibility and evidence strategy
Explaining care arrangements, funding and accommodation
Application preparation, responses and submissions
The Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate visa allows eligible international graduates to live, study and work in Australia temporarily after completing an eligible Australian qualification.
We can help with
Timing, stream and eligibility assessment
Skills assessment, English, health and character issues
Application preparation, take-over matters and responses
The Subclass 600 Visitor visa is for people seeking to visit Australia temporarily for tourism, family visits, business visitor activities or other short-stay purposes.
We can help with
Visitor visa strategy and supporting evidence
Explaining purpose of visit, funding and intention to return
S56 requests, refusal history and submissions
The Subclass 601 Electronic Travel Authority is a short-stay travel authority for eligible passport holders visiting Australia for tourism or business visitor purposes.
We can help with
Checking whether an ETA is the right pathway
Addressing previous refusals, character or travel history concerns
Considering alternative visitor visa options where needed
The Subclass 651 eVisitor is for eligible passport holders who want to visit Australia temporarily for tourism or business visitor activities.
We can help with
Eligibility and short-stay pathway advice
Understanding conditions and intended activities
Next steps where an online visitor pathway is not suitable
The Subclass 602 Medical Treatment visa is for people seeking to travel to or remain in Australia for medical treatment, consultation, organ donation or to support someone receiving treatment.
We can help with
Medical purpose, support and funding evidence
Applications for accompanying family or support persons
Complex history, health, character or status issues
Standard Business Sponsorship allows an Australian business to sponsor overseas workers for eligible temporary skilled visa pathways.
We can help with
SBS eligibility and business evidence
Sponsorship application preparation and take-over matters
Responses to Department requests and related submissions
Temporary Activities Sponsorship is used for certain temporary activity, training, entertainment, research, religious, sports and other sponsored activity visa pathways.
We can help with
Assessing whether TAS is the correct sponsorship pathway
Sponsor, activity and supporting evidence strategy
Application preparation, submissions and Department responses
Employer nomination applications involve the nominated position, market salary, business need and worker eligibility for an employer-sponsored visa pathway.
We can help with
Nomination strategy and position evidence
Salary, occupation and business justification issues
Nomination take-over matters, submissions and refusal risk
A Labour Agreement may be relevant where standard skilled visa settings do not fit the business need, occupation, location or workforce circumstances.
We can help with
Assessing whether a Labour Agreement pathway may be suitable
Business case, workforce need and supporting evidence
Requests, submissions and Department correspondence
DAMA pathways are location-based labour agreement arrangements that may assist employers in designated regions where standard skilled visa settings do not meet workforce needs.
We can help with
DAMA eligibility and designated area requirements
Endorsement, nomination and visa coordination
Evidence preparation, submissions and response strategy
A skills assessment may be required for skilled migration, employer-sponsored visas or professional registration-related pathways, depending on the occupation and visa.
We can help with
Identifying whether a skills assessment is required
Reviewing occupation, qualification and employment evidence
Responding to assessment issues and planning the visa pathway
The Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa is a permanent employer-sponsored pathway for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer.
We can help with
Employer nomination and visa strategy
Role, salary, skills, English and age issues
Application preparation, take-over matters and submissions
The Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa is a temporary employer-sponsored visa for skilled workers nominated to work in an eligible occupation in Australia.
We can help with
Business sponsorship, nomination and visa coordination
Occupation, salary threshold and work experience issues
S56/S57 responses, refusals and legal submissions
The Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa allows regional employers to sponsor skilled workers for roles in designated regional areas.
We can help with
Regional sponsorship, nomination and visa requirements
Skills, experience, salary and location evidence
Pathway planning toward permanent residence
The Subclass 407 Training visa allows a person to take part in workplace-based occupational training or professional development activities in Australia.
We can help with
Training plan, sponsor and nomination evidence
Explaining the purpose and structure of training
Application preparation, responses and submissions
The Subclass 189 Skilled Independent visa is a points-tested permanent visa for invited skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, state, territory or family member.
We can help with
Occupation, skills assessment and points strategy
Expression of interest and invitation issues
Application preparation and evidence review
The Subclass 190 Skilled Nominated visa is a points-tested permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government.
We can help with
State nomination and occupation pathway strategy
Skills assessment, points and evidence issues
Application preparation, responses and submissions
The Subclass 191 Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa is a permanent residence pathway for eligible holders of certain regional provisional visas.
We can help with
Checking regional residence and visa history requirements
Evidence of compliance with previous visa conditions
Permanent residence application preparation
The Subclass 491 Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa is a points-tested provisional visa for skilled workers nominated by a state or territory or sponsored by an eligible family member in a designated regional area.
We can help with
Nomination, sponsorship and points strategy
Skills assessment and occupation evidence
Regional pathway planning and application preparation
The Subclass 858 National Innovation visa is a permanent visa for invited applicants with an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement.
We can help with
Invitation, nomination and achievement evidence strategy
Preparing persuasive submissions about national benefit
Complex evidence, status and timing issues
The Subclass 400 Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) visa is for short-term, highly specialised work in Australia where the work is non-ongoing.
We can help with
Short-stay work purpose and evidence strategy
Explaining specialised skills and project timing
Application preparation, responses and submissions
The Subclass 403 Temporary Work (International Relations) visa is for specified international relations, government agreement, domestic worker, seasonal worker and related temporary work arrangements.
We can help with
Identifying the correct stream and evidence requirements
Preparing support documents and explanations
Managing timing, status and response issues
The Subclass 408 Temporary Activity visa allows eligible applicants to come to Australia for specific temporary activities, events, programs or work arrangements.
We can help with
Choosing the correct activity stream
Sponsor, support and event evidence
Application preparation and submissions
The Subclass 417 Working Holiday visa allows eligible young adults from specified countries to holiday and work in Australia for a temporary period.
We can help with
Eligibility, conditions and work rights questions
Second or third working holiday issues
Refusal history, character or status concerns
The Subclass 462 Work and Holiday visa allows eligible young adults from specified countries to holiday and work in Australia for a temporary period.
We can help with
Eligibility, education and document requirements
Second or third work and holiday issues
Application preparation, responses and submissions
A Section 56 request usually asks for further documents, information or clarification before the Department makes a decision. The response should answer what is actually being requested and manage the deadline carefully.
We can help with
Understanding what the Department is asking for
Preparing evidence and written submissions
Managing deadlines and response strategy
A Section 57 natural justice letter usually raises adverse information or concerns that may affect the visa decision. A careful response can be important because the Department may rely on that information when deciding the application.
We can help with
Identifying the adverse information or concern
Preparing evidence and legal submissions
Responding clearly before the deadline
Schedule 3 may become relevant where an onshore applicant does not hold a substantive visa and needs to explain compelling reasons, immigration history and supporting circumstances.
We can help with
Assessing whether Schedule 3 may arise
Explaining unlawful status, bridging visa history and timing
Preparing evidence and legal submissions
PIC 4005 health issues may arise where the health requirement is not met and a health waiver is not available for the visa pathway. The response often depends on the medical finding, likely costs or services, and the available evidence.
We can help with
Understanding the health assessment and visa consequences
Reviewing medical, cost and service evidence
Preparing submissions where a response is available
PIC 4007 health waiver submissions may be relevant where the visa pathway allows the Department to consider a waiver of the health requirement. The case usually needs careful evidence about medical needs, costs, family circumstances and community impact.
We can help with
Health waiver strategy and evidence planning
Medical, financial, family and community impact submissions
Responding to Department requests or adverse health findings
A medical issue response may be needed where the Department asks for further health information, specialist reports or an explanation of a health-related concern before deciding the application.
We can help with
Identifying what health information is being requested
Coordinating medical evidence and written explanations
Preparing S56 responses or supporting submissions
Character concerns may involve past charges, convictions, police history, disclosure questions or conduct that may affect a visa or citizenship matter. The significance depends on the visa, the history and the evidence available to explain the circumstances.
We can help with
Character disclosure and police record strategy
Evidence about rehabilitation, risk and community ties
Submissions responding to Department concerns
Section 501 character refusal or cancellation matters can have serious consequences and strict deadlines. A response usually needs careful evidence about conduct, risk, family impact, ties to Australia and the legal criteria.
We can help with
Responding to refusal, cancellation or natural justice notices
Preparing character evidence and legal submissions
Review pathways and deadline strategy
Family violence orders, ADVOs and AVOs may need careful explanation in an immigration matter, especially where there are police records, allegations, court documents or concerns about character and risk.
We can help with
Explaining the order, allegations and outcome
Reviewing court, police and supporting documents
Preparing submissions where the issue affects a visa or citizenship matter
A visa refusal means the Department has decided not to grant the visa application. The next step may involve checking the reasons for refusal, whether review rights exist, and any deadline for action.
We can help with
Reviewing the refusal decision and reasons
Identifying review rights, deadlines and next steps
Preparing submissions and supporting evidence
A visa cancellation matter can affect lawful status, work rights and future visa options. The response may involve explaining the facts, addressing the legal basis for cancellation and acting within strict timeframes.
We can help with
Responding to cancellation notices or decisions
Preparing evidence about circumstances, risk and impact
Advising on review options and urgent deadlines
A citizenship refusal may involve residence, identity, good character or document concerns. The decision should be reviewed carefully to understand whether further evidence, review or a new application may be appropriate.
We can help with
Reviewing the refusal reasons and evidence gaps
Preparing review material or supporting submissions
Advising on timing for review or re-application
A merits review application asks the Administrative Review Tribunal, ART, previously AAT, to reconsider the decision on the facts, evidence and law. Review deadlines are strict and the evidence should be prepared around the issues identified in the decision.
We can help with
Assessing review rights and filing deadlines
Preparing tribunal evidence and submissions
Assisting with hearing preparation and strategy
Judicial review in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia is different from merits review. It focuses on whether there may have been a legal error in the decision-making process, rather than asking the court to decide the visa application again.
We can help with
Identifying whether judicial review may need specialist assessment
Explaining the difference between legal error and merits
Coordinating next steps where court deadlines may apply
Citizenship by conferral is the pathway for eligible permanent residents and some New Zealand citizens to become Australian citizens. Eligibility may involve residence history, identity, character, absences and current immigration status.
We can help with
Eligibility and residence history review
Document and identity evidence strategy
Complex application issues before lodgement
Resuming Australian citizenship may be available to some people who previously lost or gave up Australian citizenship. The pathway depends on how citizenship was lost and whether the legal requirements can be met.
We can help with
Checking whether resumption may be available
Reviewing past citizenship and immigration records
Preparing supporting evidence and submissions
Some citizenship matters may require consideration of ministerial discretion, especially where strict eligibility rules do not clearly fit the circumstances. These matters often need careful factual explanation and supporting evidence.
We can help with
Identifying whether discretion may be relevant
Preparing factual explanation and supporting material
Addressing residence, hardship or exceptional circumstances
A citizenship request for information or refusal should be reviewed carefully to understand the Department's concerns, the evidence required and any available response or review options.
We can help with
Responding to Department requests for information
Reviewing refusal reasons and evidence gaps
Advising on review rights, timing and next steps
Citizenship character issues may involve criminal history, pending charges, intervention orders, disclosures or concerns raised by the Department. The relevance of the issue depends on the facts and evidence available.
We can help with
Character disclosure and evidence strategy
Submissions responding to Department concerns
Explaining rehabilitation, risk and community ties
A ministerial intervention request is a discretionary pathway that may be relevant only in limited circumstances, usually after ordinary review options have been exhausted. The request should explain why the matter is exceptional and why intervention may be appropriate.
We can help with
Assessing whether ministerial intervention may be appropriate
Organising compassionate, compelling or exceptional circumstances
Preparing supporting evidence and written submissions
Unlawful status and bridging visa issues can affect what options remain available, whether urgent action is needed and how future applications may be assessed. The starting point is to clarify current status, visa history and deadlines.
We can help with
Reviewing current visa status and visa history
Advising on bridging visa and deadline issues
Preparing explanations for periods without a substantive visa
Complex immigration pathways may involve overlapping visa options, past refusals, unlawful status, family circumstances, health, character or timing issues. A structured review can help identify the most practical next step.
We can help with
Mapping available visa or review options
Identifying risks, evidence gaps and timing issues
Planning a staged strategy for complex circumstances
Complex legal submissions may be needed where the facts, evidence and law require careful explanation. The aim is to present the relevant history, legal criteria and supporting material in a clear and organised way.
We can help with
Preparing submissions for complex factual histories
Addressing discretion, risk and evidentiary issues
Structuring supporting documents around the legal issues
WHEN TO SEEK ADVICE
Early advice can clarify the issues and available options
01
You are uncertain about the appropriate visa pathway, your current status or the evidence required
02
You have received a refusal or cancellation notice, a section 56 request for information or a section 57 natural justice letter
03
A visa expiry, deadline, travel plan, sponsorship or change in circumstances may affect your options
NEXT STEP
Plan the next step with clarity
A consultation can help clarify the legal issues, evidence and timing relevant to your circumstances
