Australian immigration law. Personal, wherever you are.+61 414 835 105
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A little clarity.
A better next step.

Start with the essentials. For advice about your own circumstances, speak with us.

What’s the difference between an immigration lawyer and a migration agent?

Both can provide immigration advice and lodge applications, but an immigration lawyer is a qualified solicitor, bound by additional professional and ethical obligations under NSW legal profession law, and able to represent you in review and court proceedings that a migration agent cannot.

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Do I need a lawyer to apply for a visa, or can I apply myself?

You can apply for most visas yourself. Many people choose to get advice first because visa applications are assessed strictly against the criteria in force at the time of decision, and errors or missing evidence can lead to delays or refusal, which is often harder and more expensive to fix than getting it right the first time.

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How long does a visa application take to be decided?

Processing times vary significantly by visa subclass and individual circumstances, and are set by the Department of Home Affairs rather than by us. We’ll give you the most current guidance for your specific visa type during a consultation.

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What happens if my visa is refused?

Depending on the visa and the reason for refusal, you may have a right to apply for merits review with the Administrative Review Tribunal, or other options may be available. Time limits for review are usually strict, so it’s important to get advice as soon as possible after a refusal.

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Can you help if my visa has been cancelled?

Yes. Visa cancellation matters are time-sensitive and can have serious consequences, including detention or removal from Australia. Contact us as soon as possible if your visa has been cancelled or you’ve received a notice of intention to cancel.

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What evidence do I need for a partner visa?

The Department looks for evidence across several categories: the financial, social, household and commitment aspects of your relationship. We can advise on what’s needed for your specific circumstances and help you put together a well-supported application.

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Do you offer fixed-fee services?

Yes. We charge a fixed fee agreed with you upfront before any work begins, so you know your costs from the outset with no surprises. The fee reflects the complexity of your matter and is confirmed with you in writing before we start.

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Can you help with employer-sponsored visas for my business?

Yes. We advise both employers and prospective employees on sponsorship obligations, nomination requirements and the visa application itself.

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Do you offer consultations online?

Yes. We conduct consultations by video call as our preferred way of meeting, which means we can act for clients anywhere in Australia or overseas, not just in Sydney.

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What areas do you service?

We act for clients across Sydney and Greater NSW and, for most visa matters, clients anywhere in Australia or overseas, since immigration law is federal and much of the process can be handled remotely.

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Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. As a legal practice, we’re bound by solicitor confidentiality obligations, and we handle your personal information in line with our Privacy Policy.

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How do I get started?

Contact us by phone or email to arrange an initial consultation, where we’ll discuss your circumstances and the options available to you.

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LET’S TALK ABOUT YOUR NEXT STEP

You don’t have to navigate
this alone.

Speak with Onside