Immigration lawyer costs at a glance
Most Australian immigration firms quote a fixed fee for standard applications and an hourly rate for complex or appeal work. Indicative ranges (professional fees only, excluding government charges and disbursements) are below.
- Hourly rates: $250–$600+ GST depending on seniority and city
- Partner visas (309/100, 820/801): $3,000–$7,000+
- Skilled & employer visas (189/190/491/482/186): $2,500–$8,000+
- Student/Graduate (500/485): $800–$2,000
- Protection visas (866): $3,000–$10,000
- AAT migration appeals: $4,000–$10,000+ (plus AAT fee)
- Judicial review: $6,000–$25,000+ depending on scope
Important: Fees vary by scope, evidence, deadlines and complexity. Quotes should set out inclusions, exclusions and milestones in writing.
Typical immigration lawyer costs in Australia
These ranges reflect common professional fee quotes in major Australian cities. They exclude Department of Home Affairs charges and other out‑of‑pocket costs noted further below.
| Matter type | Typical fixed fee range (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Partner visa (309/100 or 820/801) | $3,000–$7,000+ GST |
| Prospective Marriage visa (300) | $2,500–$5,000+ GST |
| Skilled independent/state (189/190/491) | $2,500–$6,000+ GST |
| Employer sponsored (482/186) | $3,000–$8,000+ GST |
| Student visa (500) | $800–$1,800 (some providers $0 if subsidised) |
| Graduate visa (485) | $800–$1,800 |
| Visitor visa (600) | $500–$1,200 |
| Protection visa (866) | $3,000–$10,000+ GST |
| Citizenship (conferral) | $500–$1,500 |
| AAT migration appeal (refusal/cancellation) | $4,000–$10,000+ GST |
| Ministerial intervention request | $2,000–$5,000+ GST |
| Judicial review | $6,000–$25,000+ GST |
Government and third‑party costs to budget for may include: visa application charges, skill assessments, English tests, health checks, police checks, translations and postage/couriers.
Fixed fee vs hourly rate
Fixed fees
- Best for well‑defined applications with predictable scope
- Includes clear deliverables and staged payments
- Ask what happens if scope changes or extra evidence is needed
Hourly billing
- Useful where issues are uncertain or evolving (refusals, AAT)
- Request a written scope, time estimates and a fee cap
- Typical rates: junior $250–$380/h; senior $400–$600+/h (plus GST)
What drives immigration lawyer price
Main cost factors
- Complexity: health, character, previous refusals/cancellations
- Urgency: tight deadlines add review and drafting pressure
- Evidence load: number of forms, statements and documents
- Who does the work: paralegal, registered agent or senior lawyer
- Location and firm overheads (CBD vs suburban/regional)
- Interpreter/translation needs and third‑party assessments
Ways to reduce cost
- Choose a clear fixed fee with staged deliverables
- Provide organised, legible documents up front
- Use certified translations only where required
- Avoid scope creep: agree changes in writing
- Ask if templates or checklists are provided for statements
What to prepare before requesting quotes
Having the right documents ready helps firms give accurate, lower‑variance quotes.
- Passport bio page(s) and current visa grant/VEVO record
- Relationship or employment evidence (as relevant)
- Education, skills assessments and English test results
- Previous applications, refusals, cancellations or AAT papers
- Police checks, medicals (if available) and key timelines
- Any notices from the Department (s56, s57, PIC requests)
Common extras and government charges
| Item | Indicative amount (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Visa application charge (varies by subclass) | $0–$8,000+ per applicant (set by Government) |
| AAT application fee (migration) | $3,374 (50% refunded if successful) |
| Health checks | $300–$450 per person |
| Police checks | $42–$99 per check (AU/state/overseas vary) |
| Translations (NAATI) | $35–$65 per 100 words (language dependent) |
| Skills assessment fees | $600–$1,200+ (by assessing authority) |
These amounts are indicative and change periodically. Always confirm current fees before you lodge.
How an immigration matter usually moves forward
| Stage | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Eligibility and options | Your facts are mapped to visa pathways, risks and timelines. Initial estimates and the best billing model are discussed. |
| Evidence and plan | A document list, templates and deadlines are set. Any gaps or risks are addressed early. |
| Drafting and checks | Forms, statements and submissions are drafted, checked and finalised with you. |
| Lodgement | Application is lodged and receipt saved. Follow‑up evidence may be requested. |
| Decision or review | Outcome is received. If refused or cancelled, consider AAT appeal or other pathways within strict time limits. |
Immigration lawyers near you
Fees can vary by location. Major centres like Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane may quote higher hourly rates than regional areas, while fixed fees are often similar nationally for standard matters. We can connect you with firms across Australia, including:
- Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong (NSW)
- Melbourne, Geelong (VIC)
- Brisbane, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast (QLD)
- Perth (WA), Adelaide (SA), Canberra (ACT)
- Hobart (TAS), Darwin (NT) and regional centres
Immigration lawyer cost FAQ
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Australia?
Hourly rates commonly range from $250–$600+ GST. Fixed fees for standard matters are typical: partner $3,000–$7,000+, skilled/employer $2,500–$8,000+, student/graduate $800–$2,000, protection $3,000–$10,000, AAT $4,000–$10,000+ and judicial review $6,000–$25,000+.
Is a migration agent cheaper than a lawyer?
Agents often quote lower prices for straightforward applications. For complex, refused or appeal matters, experienced lawyers may be preferable despite a higher fee. Compare scope, experience and responsiveness, not just price.
What extra costs should I expect?
Expect government visa charges, translations, health checks, police checks, English tests, skills assessments and any AAT fees. These are separate from professional fees and usually GST‑free.
Can I get a fixed‑fee quote?
Yes. Many firms offer fixed fees for defined tasks. Ask for a written scope, timelines, inclusions/exclusions and what triggers a variation.
How can I keep fees down?
Be organised, provide complete documents early, agree a fixed fee or cap, avoid last‑minute changes and respond quickly to information requests.
Are there free or low‑cost options?
Legal Aid (in limited cases), community legal centres, pro bono programs and university clinics may help. Some education agents subsidise student visa assistance.
Get immigration cost guidance and quotes
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