Immigration Lawyer in Sydney
If you are searching for an immigration lawyer in Sydney, you usually have something specific on your plate. A business that needs a worker, a partner overseas, a graduating student, or a refusal letter with a deadline.
Our Sydney office is at Axis House, 81-83 Campbell Street, Surry Hills. You can meet one of our migration lawyers in person or by video call, and our fees are fixed, so you know the cost up front.
- Fixed fees, agreed up front
- Offices in Sydney and Melbourne
- Video consultations Australia-wide
- Led by Principal Lawyer Tina Nematian
How we help
Employer sponsorship
For Sydney businesses that need to bring in or keep overseas staff. We work through sponsor approval, nominations and the worker's visa, and then the obligations that stay with your business after the visa is granted.
Learn morePartner visas
For couples applying onshore or from overseas. Depending on your circumstances, the work is mostly about assembling clear relationship evidence and making sure the application is complete before it is lodged, not after. We also explain how onshore and offshore applications are treated differently.
Learn moreParent, child and family visas
For families who want to reunite or stay together in Australia. We look at which family pathway fits your situation, who the sponsor is, and what the Department is likely to ask for. Parents, children and other relatives each have their own rules.
Learn moreSkilled and state nominated visas
For skilled workers weighing the 189, 190 and 491. We help with points, skills assessments and Expressions of Interest, and where it applies, with NSW nomination and the choice between states. We will tell you plainly if a different route looks stronger.
Learn moreStudent visas and next steps
For students who want to study, change course or work out what comes after graduation. The rules for applying onshore changed on 2 October 2026, so it is worth checking your position before you lodge anything.
Learn moreRefusals and ART reviews
For anyone with a refused or cancelled visa. We look at the reasons given, your review deadline and whether a Tribunal review, or a different option, is worth pursuing in your circumstances. Time limits are short, so the first step is always the date on your letter.
Learn moreDAMA applications
For employers in designated regions whose roles do not fit the standard programs. A Designated Area Migration Agreement can open up different occupation and concession options, and we help you work out if it suits. We help prepare it.
Learn moreLabour agreements
For businesses that cannot fill a role through the standard sponsorship settings. A labour agreement is negotiated with the Department, so the early planning and the case you put forward both matter. We help prepare that case.
Learn more
What brings people in Sydney to an immigration lawyer
Most first conversations fall into one of a few groups. Knowing which one you are in helps us point you to the right pathway quickly.
- You run a Sydney business and need staff. Sponsoring a worker is three steps, not one: the business becomes an approved sponsor, lodges a nomination for the role, and then the worker applies for the visa. Each step has its own conditions. See our employer sponsorship page.
- Your partner or family is overseas, or here on a temporary visa. Whether you apply onshore or offshore affects which visa, which processing priority and which conditions apply. Start with our partner visa lawyer and family migration pages.
- You are skilled and want permanent residence. Points, a skills assessment and a state nomination decision all feed into this. Our skilled visas page covers the pathways.
- You studied in Sydney and want to stay. Graduates often look at a sponsored role or a skilled visa. Our student visa page explains where study fits in.
- You have had a refusal or cancellation. Time limits start from the day you are notified. Our appeals page sets out the review options.
- Your business sits outside the standard rules. A DAMA or a labour agreement may be worth a conversation.
Many matters involve two pathways at once, such as a graduate whose employer wants to sponsor them, and the order you do things in can matter.
If your situation does not fit neatly into any of these, that is normal. Book a consultation and we will tell you where we think the real question lies.
Meeting us in Surry Hills, or on video
Our Sydney office is at Axis House, 81-83 Campbell Street, Surry Hills. Many clients prefer to bring their documents and talk face to face. Others book a video call, which works just as well from elsewhere in Sydney, interstate or overseas.
You can book with Tina Nematian, our Principal Lawyer, who has more than 15 years of experience in Australian immigration law, or with Ivana Djoneski, our Immigration Practice Lead. The wider team includes Joseph Sukkar, Simon Jeans and Eva Chen (MARN 2015065), so your matter is looked after day to day, not only at the first meeting.
We act for individuals, families and businesses, from local SMEs to global corporations. Our fees are fixed, and we explain what is included before you decide whether to go ahead. Government charges are separate.
It helps to bring your passport details, any visa grant or refusal letters, and a short timeline of what has happened so far. If a deadline is running, tell us at the start.
NSW nomination and what it does and does not do
If you are looking at a Subclass 190 or 491, the New South Wales Government runs its own nomination process. It is separate from the Department of Home Affairs, which decides the visa itself. You normally need an Expression of Interest in SkillSelect first, and a nomination is not a visa. Home Affairs still assesses your application.
NSW changes its program from year to year, including which occupations it prioritises and how many places it offers. We have not repeated figures here because they go out of date. Check the NSW Government skilled visas page for the current position.
Where we can help is the decision underneath it. Does your occupation and points score make 190 or 491 realistic, or would another state, or an employer-sponsored route, be a better fit? That comparison is often more useful than any single number. Our skilled visas page has the starting point, and we can compare the options with you.
Talk to a lawyer about your situation
Book a ConsultationIf your visa has been refused or cancelled
A refusal is not always the end. Many onshore refusals can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the AAT on 14 October 2024. The time limit is generally 28 days from being notified of the decision, shorter if you are in immigration detention, and the Tribunal cannot extend it.
Your decision letter states the deadline that applies to you. Do not assume it matches anyone else's, even if you have a similar visa.
Bring the refusal letter and anything the Department relied on to your consultation. We will look at the reasons given and whether a review application, or another option, makes sense. Our appeals page has more on the process.
The ART has offices in New South Wales, and hearings may be held in person, by video or by phone. Which format applies to you will be set out in the notices you receive from the Tribunal.
Badges
Awards and Affiliations
Google Reviews
We believe in the power of migration.
Simplifying Immigration, Connecting Humanity.
Gwen Coghill
1 year ago
Tina and Deepika have guided me through, what felt to me, like a complex case.
They answered my endless questions with empathy and used terms I would understand. I was lacking confidence of the process at times, but I was reassured by both of them when needed. Overall a pleasure to work with. Thank you for getting me over every hurdle that popped up and managing to have all our visas granted in such a short amount of time. I am so glad that I found Tina again, I was also so pleased to find she had her own law firm from the last time we spoke. Very well deserved.
Reza
1 year ago
We had the pleasure of working with Tina and her team recently. My partner and I were in a very stressful situation due to a sudden change in our circumstances. Tina gave us a clear plan, spent enough time addressing our concerns, and kept us informed throughout the process. She and her team helped us effectively with my wife's visa within a very short timeframe. I would strongly recommend One Planet Migration Law.
Taraneh Kassiri
1 year ago
Tina’s help was indispensable when I began the process of moving to Australia. She helped my husband and I work through the paperwork and gain clarity on what was needed. Without her, the process would have been so much more difficult. We’re very grateful for her assistance, which she carried out professionally, responsiveness, clarity and joy
Josh
1 year ago
So great at their jobs. Absolutely a dream to work with. These people go above and beyond and as a Canadian lawyer myself, I cannot think of another time I've worked professionally with people who are so kind, diligent, and competent. I cannot recommend One Planet enough.
shaghayegh lotfi
1 year ago
I’m incredibly grateful to Tina Masrour, Deepika, and Rhel from One Planet for their outstanding support with my parents’ Subclass 600 Tourist Visa application. Thanks to their expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail, both of my parents received their visas with a smooth and successful outcome.
I truly appreciate their hard work, responsibility, and patience throughout the process. They were clear, responsive, and genuinely committed to helping us. I highly recommend One Planet Immigration to anyone in need of expert immigration assistance. Thank you again for everything!
Anton Jordaan
1 year ago
Appreciate the meeting with Tina. She is an experienced professional who thinks laterally, and methodically presented various visa application and success data in a way that guides and supports informed decision making.
Thivanka Silva
2 years ago
Figuring out the PR process felt really confusing, but One Planet Migration really helped me find the right way forward. Tina was super helpful and gave me so much useful information. If you're trying to understand the PR process and want great support, especially from someone as helpful as Tina, I definitely recommend One Planet Migration.
Mel
2 years ago
Thank you Deepika and Tina for assisting me all throughout my visa application. It's been a breeze and I am grateful.
Naim Smith
2 years ago
Tina Masrour and the team at One Planet Migration Law were a great resource in guiding us through our application for migration to Australia. From the initial consultation, to getting my qualifications recognized by Engineers Australia and submitting an expression of interest on our behalf they demonstrated exceptional knowledge of the immigration process, providing clear and accurate guidance at every step. They took the time to understand our unique circumstances and tailored their advice accordingly. I would highly recommend them to anyone considering migration to Australia.
Talk to a migration lawyer in Sydney
Tell us what is happening and we will tell you where we think you stand and what the sensible next step looks like. Meet us at Surry Hills or on video, with a fixed fee explained before you commit. Book through our consultation page.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in Sydney to use your Sydney office?
No. You can meet us in person at Surry Hills, or book a video consultation from anywhere in Australia. Plenty of clients start on video and never need to visit the office. If you are based in Victoria, our Melbourne office is the other option. Many first consultations are simply a conversation about what is possible.
What is the difference between a migration lawyer and a migration agent?
Both can give immigration assistance if they are properly authorised. A lawyer is an Australian legal practitioner holding a practising certificate, and what you tell a lawyer is generally protected by legal professional privilege. Whoever you choose, check their authorisation first. Home Affairs publishes a consumer guide for legal practitioners. That check applies to us too.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Sydney?
It depends on the visa and how complex your situation is. Our fees are fixed, so you know the cost up front once we have understood your matter, and we explain what the fee covers before you commit. Government visa charges and any assessment fees are separate and set by the relevant agency.
Can you help my Sydney business sponsor an overseas worker?
Yes, depending on your business and the role. Sponsorship usually involves sponsor approval, a nomination for the position and then the worker's visa application. We act for employers and can also help the worker, and we can talk through your sponsor obligations. See employer sponsorship. Speak to us before you advertise the role.
My visa was refused. How long do I have to apply for review?
For most onshore refusals the ART time limit is generally 28 days from being notified of the decision. It is shorter if you are in immigration detention, and the Tribunal cannot extend it. Your decision letter states the deadline that applies to you, so read it carefully and contact a lawyer as soon as you receive it.
Can I stay in Australia and work after studying in Sydney?
You may have options such as a Temporary Graduate visa, an employer-sponsored visa or a skilled visa, depending on your qualification, occupation and visa history. The rules for applying for a further Student visa onshore changed on 2 October 2026, so check before you lodge. See student visas. We can map the options once we know your visa history.
Does NSW nomination mean I will get a visa?
No. Nomination is one requirement for the Subclass 190 and 491. The Department of Home Affairs still decides the visa application, and you still need to meet the health, character and other criteria. Nomination places are limited and an invitation is not guaranteed. A nomination is a step, not an outcome, so plan with that in mind.
Can I get a partner visa if I am in Sydney on a temporary visa?
You may be able to apply onshore for a partner visa if you meet the criteria, but it depends on your relationship, your visa history and your current visa. Applying onshore or offshore also affects how your application is prioritised by the Department. See our partner visa lawyer page. Bring your current visa grant letter and a short timeline of your relationship to the consultation.
