Australian immigration lawyers, led by Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law
Since 1990, Chua Tan Associates has helped individuals, families and businesses in Australia and around the world with Australian visas, permanent residence and appeals. Our two Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law will help you choose the right pathway and stay with you at every step.
Video consultations for Chinese-speaking clients across Australia
Wherever you are in Australia, you can speak with our immigration lawyers by video or phone. We act for clients in Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Canberra, Hobart and Darwin, and in regional centres such as the Gold Coast, Cairns, Townsville, Newcastle, Wollongong, Toowoomba, Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo. We speak Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and Malay, you can send your documents by email, and you can attend Administrative Review Tribunal (ART) hearings by video.
We most often help with:
- Visa refusals and cancellations, including ART appeals and other remedies that must be pursued before a strict deadline
- Requests for further information from the Department, and notices of intention to refuse or cancel a visa (natural justice letters, s57 notices and NOICCs)
- Complex cases involving character, the health requirement or PIC 4020 (false or misleading information)
- Business, investor, National Innovation, contributory parent, employer-sponsored and partner visa applications
Appeal deadlines can be as short as a few days or weeks, and a missed deadline usually cannot be fixed. Book as soon as you receive a decision.
Your first step is a 30-minute paid consultation with a lawyer, in which a lawyer personally assesses your situation and your options. We do not offer free consultations or legal aid.
Urgent assessment for refusals, cancellations and deadline notices
Have you received a visa refusal or cancellation decision, a notice of intention to consider cancellation (NOICC), a natural justice letter or an ART hearing notice – and time is short? Our urgent assessments are handled as a priority by an Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law:
- A lawyer reviews the decision and your documents as a priority
- We aim to give you preliminary written advice and clear next steps within 2 business days
- We set out your deadlines and the options open to you: an ART appeal, a response to the Department, Ministerial intervention, judicial review or a fresh application
- We list the evidence and documents you need to gather, so no deadline is missed
Urgent assessments cost more than a standard consultation. We quote according to the volume of documents and the urgency of the matter, and book you in as soon as you confirm.
Practising Australian immigration law
Established in 1990, the firm has more than three decades of experience with Australian visas, permanent residence and immigration appeals.
Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law
To be accredited, a lawyer must pass the Law Institute of Victoria's specialist assessment and complete prescribed professional development every year.
Visa and appeal matters
Visa applications, refusal appeals and cancellation matters for individuals, families and businesses.
Languages
Our immigration lawyers speak English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Hokkien and Malay.
Favourable outcomes in published decisions (AustLII)
Below are some favourable decisions in matters we acted in, published by the Australasian Legal Information Institute (AustLII). Click a citation to read the full decision:
- Character refusal: the Tribunal set aside the decision and directed that the visa not be refused on character grounds — [2005] AATA 94
- Offshore applicant with a criminal record (character): the decision was set aside and remitted to the Minister for reconsideration — [2021] AATA 797
- Business skills visa cancelled: the Tribunal set aside the cancellation and the client kept the visa — [2008] AATA 729
- Business visa (subclass 127): the decision was set aside and remitted for reconsideration — [2004] AATA 341
- Employer-sponsored (RSMS) nomination refused: the Tribunal substituted a decision to approve it — [2013] MRTA 2321
- Carer visa (subclass 836) refused: the matter was remitted to the Department for reconsideration — [2003] MRTA 728
- Judicial review (hospitality employer sponsorship): the Court quashed the Tribunal's decision — [2010] FMCA 228
- Judicial review (student visa): the Court quashed the Tribunal's decision — [2007] FMCA 952
These are only some of our published decisions. Many more matters were resolved at the Department stage or were never published. Every outcome depends on the facts and evidence in the particular case, and past results do not guarantee the outcome of a similar matter.
Fixed-fee packages: clear costs, charged in stages
For the common matters below, once we understand your circumstances at the first consultation, we provide a written fixed-fee quote, payable in stages, with no hidden costs:
- ART appeals against visa refusals and cancellations
- Partner visas (820/801, 309/100)
- Parent visas (143, 173, 864, 870 and others)
- Business Innovation and Investment visas (188/888) and the National Innovation visa (858)
- Employer-sponsored visas (482, 186, 494)
Because every matter is different, we don't publish standard prices online. Instead, we give you an accurate quote once we understand your case.
Kin Wee Chua and Chit Thian Chua are Law Institute of Victoria Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law. Only Accredited Specialists may display this logo.
Life-changing decisions deserve an experienced immigration lawyer
Our Accredited Specialists combine in-depth knowledge with many years of practical experience. They regularly handle complex matters – including the health requirement, character concerns (such as criminal records) and PIC 4020 (false or misleading information) – and check every stage of your permanent residence application.
Pathways to permanent residence in Australia
Skilled migration visas
General Skilled Migration (GSM) is Australia's main visa program for skilled workers. It assesses your skills, qualifications and work experience, and offers a pathway to Australian permanent residence (PR).
Skills assessment: if your occupation is on an Australian skilled occupation list, the first step is to have your skills assessed.
SkillSelect: once your skills are assessed, you lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and wait for an invitation to apply from the Department of Home Affairs.
Types of skilled visa
Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189)
For skilled workers who are not sponsored by an employer, a state or territory government or a family member. You lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and must then be invited to apply by the Department of Home Affairs.
Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190)
You must be nominated by an Australian state or territory government. The 190 lets skilled workers and their families live, work and study in Australia as permanent residents. As with the 189, you first lodge an Expression of Interest (EOI) and then seek a state or territory nomination.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
The 494 lets skilled workers take up roles in regional Australia with employers who cannot find an Australian citizen or permanent resident to fill the position. You need sponsorship from an eligible employer.
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 491)
You can be nominated by an Australian state or territory government, or sponsored by an eligible family member living in a designated regional area. After living and working in a designated regional area for the required period, you may be eligible for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191)
Available since November 2022, this permanent visa is for 491 and 494 visa holders who have lived, worked or studied in regional Australia for at least three years and met the minimum taxable income requirement.
How employer sponsorship works
- Employer requirements: the employer must show a genuine need for an overseas worker and that no Australian worker is available for the role. Once approved, the employer can nominate a skilled worker.
- Visa application: once nominated, the worker can apply for the visa. This means meeting the age, skills and English requirements, and the occupation must be on an Australian skilled occupation list.
- Grant and conditions: if the application succeeds, the visa is granted. Depending on the subclass, conditions may apply – for example, living and working in a particular area or working for a particular employer.
Employer-sponsored visa requirements
- Occupation list: your occupation usually needs to be on one of Australia's skilled occupation lists.
- Employer nomination: an approved Australian employer must nominate you for a specific position in their business.
- Skills assessment: most employer-sponsored visas require a skills assessment.
- English: you need to show your English ability through a test such as IELTS or PTE.
- Age limits: some employer-sponsored visas have an age limit, depending on the subclass.
Types of employer-sponsored visa
Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa (subclass 186)
Also known as the Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) visa, the 186 is a permanent visa for skilled workers nominated by an Australian employer. You must be nominated by an Australian employer and meet the age, skills and English requirements. Once granted, you and your family members can live, work and study in Australia indefinitely, with most of the rights and privileges of Australian citizens.
Regional Sponsored Migration Scheme visa (subclass 187)
The subclass 187 visa has not accepted new nominations since November 2019, apart from transitional arrangements. Regional employer sponsorship now generally goes through the subclass 494 visa, with a later pathway to the subclass 191 permanent visa.
Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional) visa (subclass 494)
The 494 is a provisional (temporary) visa, usually valid for up to five years. Your occupation must be on the relevant regional occupation list, and you need a suitable skills assessment and the required level of English. After living and working in a regional area for the required period, you may be eligible for the Permanent Residence (Skilled Regional) visa (subclass 191).
Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482)
Since December 2024, the subclass 482 visa has been known as the Skills in Demand visa, replacing the Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa. Applicants need a nomination from an approved employer and must meet the skills, work experience and English requirements. Depending on the stream, holders may later apply for the subclass 186 permanent visa.
Australian family visas
Family visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor family members to come to Australia.
General requirements for family visas
- Proof of relationship: you'll need documents showing your relationship with your Australian sponsor – such as a marriage certificate, birth certificate or other evidence of family ties – that establish a genuine family relationship.
- Sponsor eligibility: your sponsor will usually need to be an Australian citizen, permanent resident or eligible New Zealand citizen, and must meet certain requirements, including showing they can support you financially.
- Health: most family visas require a health examination to show you don't pose a health risk or place an undue burden on Australia's community and health system.
- Character: you'll usually need to meet the character requirement, including by providing police certificates and other documents showing you have no criminal record or history of poor conduct.
- Assurance of support: in some cases your sponsor may need to give a financial assurance, so that you won't rely on social security in Australia.
- English: family visas generally don't have an English language requirement.
Partner visas
The partner visa process involves confirming your eligibility, gathering your documents, lodging an online application, completing health and character checks, and waiting for a decision. Once approved, you receive a temporary visa so you can live in Australia with your partner, and after the required period you can move to the permanent stage. Each visa has its own specific requirements, so follow them carefully and seek professional advice where you need it.
Parent visas
Parent visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their parents to come to Australia, so parents can be reunited with their children and live here for a period of time.
Child visas
Child visas allow Australian citizens, permanent residents and eligible New Zealand citizens to sponsor their dependent children to come to Australia, so families can be together and children can live and study here.
Remaining Relative and Carer visas
The Remaining Relative visa is for people whose only close relatives live in Australia; the Carer visa is for people who will provide long-term care to a relative here. Requirements and processes differ for each visa.
Australian investor visas
Investor visas are for people who want to migrate to Australia by investing in, or starting, a business here.
General requirements for Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visas
- Investment: you'll usually need to meet a minimum investment amount, which varies between streams.
- Age: some streams have an upper age limit.
- Business experience: some streams require relevant business or investment experience.
- Health and character: you'll need to meet the health and character requirements.
Types of investor visa
Business Innovation and Investment (Provisional) visa (subclass 188)
The subclass 188 visa closed to new applications in July 2024. Existing 188 holders can apply for the subclass 888 permanent visa once they meet the business or investment requirements. If you want to move to Australia through investment or business, options include the subclass 858 National Innovation visa, employer sponsorship and state nomination – talk to us for an assessment.
Subclass 888 – Business Innovation and Investment (Permanent) visa
The 888 is a permanent visa for subclass 188 holders who meet the relevant business, investment or asset requirements. Once it is granted, you and your family can live, work and study in Australia permanently.
Common reasons Australian visas are refused
Visas are refused for many reasons. Errors or gaps in the application, health issues, or failing to show clearly why you are travelling to Australia can all lead to a refusal. Sometimes the Department of Home Affairs is not satisfied about your financial position, or considers that documents are missing or cannot be verified.
How to appeal a visa refusal
A visa refusal is not necessarily the end of the road. Many decisions can be reviewed by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), which replaced the AAT in October 2024. Where there is an error of law, you may also be able to seek judicial review in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia or the Federal Court of Australia. Time limits are usually short, so seek advice early.
How we can help
Our Accredited Specialists have experience at every stage of review and appeal. We regularly appear for clients in the Administrative Review Tribunal and seek judicial review of Tribunal decisions in the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia and the Federal Court of Australia. Where appropriate, we also help clients request Ministerial intervention.
Employer-sponsored visa refusals
These refusals usually arise because the employer hasn't met its sponsorship obligations, the position doesn't match the nominated role, or the applicant doesn't meet the skills, qualifications or English requirements.
Partner visa refusals
A partner visa may be refused if the relationship isn't shown to be genuine, or if key documents – such as evidence of an ongoing relationship – are missing or weak. Inconsistent answers at interview can also cause problems.
Work visa refusals
Common reasons include doubts about whether the business genuinely needs the role, insufficient evidence of relevant skills, or inconsistencies in the employment contract.
Student visa refusals
Common reasons include doubts about whether you genuinely intend to study, not meeting the financial requirements, inconsistent education documents, or not meeting the health or character requirements.
Family visa refusals
These refusals usually come down to insufficient evidence of a genuine relationship with the sponsor, doubts about the sponsor's ability to support the applicant, or health and character issues.
Permanent visa cancellation
A permanent visa may be put at risk if you spend too long outside Australia, breach your visa conditions, or are found to have given misleading information in your original application.
Visa guides
Practical guides for professionals, business owners and families planning a move to Australia:
- Australia's National Innovation Visa (858): permanent residence for exceptional talent, entrepreneurs and investors
- After the 188 closed: realistic options for business owners and investors
- Skilled migration for professionals from Asia: the 189, 190 and 491 visas
- Employer-sponsored visas: Skills in Demand (482), the 186 and opening an Australian branch
- Hong Kong passport holders: the 485 graduate visa and the 189/191 Hong Kong streams
- Studying in Australia with a parent: student visa 500 and guardian visa 590
- Bringing your parents to Australia: choosing between the 143, 173, 864, 870 and other parent visas
- Before you move to Australia: a legal checklist for wealthy families
Client reviews
Frequently asked questions
Law firm Kin Wee Chua has been practicing in Melbourne since 1990 and has two Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law. The practicing lawyers can handle visa applications and also handle legal matters such as re-examination of denials, cancellation of visas, and judicial review.
Yes. We provide video consultations for clients in all Australian states and overseas. Documents can be electronically signed and transmitted, and there is generally no need to visit the Melbourne office.
Most reviewable visa decisions must be requested within 28 days of receiving the decision notice to the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART); for immigration detention, it is 14 days; and the court has no authority to extend the deadline. If the deadline is urgent, please contact us as soon as possible to arrange for priority review.
Yes. The lawyer can communicate with you directly in Mandarin, Cantonese, or English, and assist in reading and interpreting English documents and the Immigration Department's correspondence.
These include spouse and family visas, parent visas, technical immigration, employer sponsorship, business and investment visas, protection visas, and denial of entry, cancellation of visas, and ART review.
可Book a 30-minute paid consultation (Interview or video). If you subsequently entrust us with the processing, the consultation fee will be deducted from the first bill.
Contact our Accredited Specialists in Immigration Law
Start your move to Australia with an experienced immigration lawyer by your side
We'll help you find the right path to Australian permanent residence for your circumstances.
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Guides and articles
- Visa Refused in Australia? How to Appeal to the ART: Process, Deadlines and Next Steps
- Moving from Malaysia to Australia: Visas, Taxes, Money, Property and Wills for Successful Families
- Moving to Australia Later in Life from Singapore: A Checklist for Retirees and Parents
- Long Stays with Your Grandchildren in Australia: Visitor Visa, ETA or Subclass 870?
- Moving to Australia to Join Your Children: A Guide for Singaporean Parents
- Retiring in Australia from Singapore: What Visa Options Are There in 2026?
- Becoming an Australian Citizen as a Mainland Chinese National: Hukou, Property and Inheritance in China
- Before Your Client Moves to Australia: A Pre-Immigration Checklist for Wealth Advisers
- Setting Up in Australia and Relocating Your Executives: A Guide for Singaporean, Malaysian and Indonesian Companies
- Australian Investor and Business Visas in 2026: Options for Business Families from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia Following the Closure of the 188 Visa Programme
- Estate Planning for Families Who Have Migrated to Australia: A Note for Migration and Education Agents
- Partner Visa Lawyer in Melbourne: Requirements, Evidence and Process
Articles
Visa Refused in Australia? How to Appeal to the ART: Process, Deadlines and Next Steps
Which visa refusals can be appealed, how the deadline is counted, the ART review process step by step, and what to do if the appeal fails.
Moving from Malaysia to Australia: Visas, Taxes, Money, Property and Wills for Successful Families
A practical overview for Malaysian business owners, investors and professionals planning a move to Australia: visas, tax residency, moving money, buying a home and Wills.
Moving to Australia Later in Life from Singapore: A Checklist for Retirees and Parents
Moving countries in your
Long Stays with Your Grandchildren in Australia: Visitor Visa, ETA or Subclass 870?
Many Singaporean grandfathers
Get to know our lawyers:Lawyer Kin Wee Chua - Mr Chua Zhixin - Mr Chua Yizhu
Related guide: Immigration in Australia
- Overview of Australia’s business visa program in 2026: the Entrepreneurial Nation Innovation Visa (formerly the Global Talent Visa) and other options
- Moving to Australia from Malaysia: A guide to visas, taxes, finances, property, and wills for successful families in Malaysia
- Long-term stay in Australia to care for grandchildren: ETA, visitor visa or 870 visa?
- Moving to Australia to reunite with children: Parents' visa guide for Singaporean parents
- Retiring from Singapore to Australia: What are the visa options available in 2026?
- Will leaving the abuser lose my visa? Family violence provisions in immigration law | Family Violence and Your Visa: The Family Violence Provisions
- Visa expires, must the Australian house be sold? FIRB details six-month sale conditions
- Before clients move to Australia: A pre-migration planning checklist for wealth advisers
- After the closure of the 188 visa: Australia investment and business visa options for families from Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia in 2026
- What happens to my Chinese citizenship, property rights, and inheritance rights after I become a citizen of Australia?
- Estate planning for families moving to Australia: a note for migration and education agents
- Criminal charges and visas: why immigration and criminal lawyers need to work together
- Australian Legal Matters for Thai and Thai-Chinese Families and Businesses: Cross-Border Estates, Victorian Property, Family Wealth and Visas
- Australian Legal Matters for Singapore Families and Businesses: Resealing Grants, Apostilles, Property and Visas
- Australian Legal Matters for Malaysian Chinese Families: Visas, Property, Estates and Document Legalisation
- Australian Legal Matters for Indonesian Chinese Families: Estates, Apostilles, Property and Visas
- Hong Kong and Macau Clients: Immigration, Property, Estate and Family Law Matters in Australia
- Becoming an Australian Citizen: Residence, the Citizenship Test and Dual Nationality Issues for Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Indonesian Nationals
- Bridging Visas A, B, C and E Explained: Work Rights, Travel and Your Status When Your Visa Ends
- Received a Notice of Intention to Consider Cancellation (NOICC)? Deadlines, Your Response and ART Review Rights
- Partner Visas 820/801 (Onshore) vs 309/100 (Offshore): Process, Relationship Evidence and Common Refusal Reasons
- Bringing your parents to Australia: choosing between the 143, 173, 864, 870 and other parent visas
- Studying in Australia with a Parent by Your Side: Student Visa 500 and Student Guardian Visa 590
- Hong Kong Passport Holders: 485 Graduate Visa and the 189/191 Hong Kong Streams Explained
- Employer-Sponsored Visas to Australia: The Skills in Demand (482) Visa, the 186 and Expanding Your Business
- Skilled Migration to Australia for Professionals from Asia: Subclass 189, 190 and 491 Explained
- After the 188 closed: realistic options for business owners and investors
- Australia's National Innovation Visa (858): permanent residence for exceptional talent, entrepreneurs and investors
- Australian citizenship lawyer Melbourne: residence, character and review
- Federal Court immigration lawyer Melbourne: judicial review and appeals of migration decisions
- ART migration review lawyers in Melbourne: scope, time limits and procedure at the Administrative Review Tribunal
- Visa cancellation lawyers in Melbourne: grounds for cancellation, responding to a notice and review
- Visa refusal lawyers in Melbourne: review and other options after an Australian visa is refused
- Business and investor migration to Australia: current pathways now the Business Innovation and Investment Program has closed
- Parent visa lawyers in Melbourne: parent visa options, the balance of family test and key application points
- Employer-sponsored visa lawyers in Melbourne: the 482 Skills in Demand visa and the 186 permanent visa
- Skilled migration lawyers in Melbourne: eligibility and the points test for 189, 190 and 491 visas
- Partner Visas Australia | De Facto and Prospective Marriage Visas | Chua Tan Associates
- Student visa lawyers in Melbourne: subclass 500 eligibility, compliance obligations and dealing with refusals
- Australian migration law FAQs (Part 5): immigration detention, removal, protection visas and ministerial intervention
- Australian migration law FAQs (Part 4): the Administrative Review Tribunal, judicial review and appeals
- Australian migration law FAQs (Part 3): character, health requirements and citizenship
- Australian migration law FAQs (Part 2): choosing a visa, bridging visas, overstaying and proving a partner relationship
- Australian migration law FAQs (Part 1): choosing a representative, visa refusals, cancellations and review
- Immigration lawyers in Melbourne: our services and key steps
- Australian visa processing times and priorities: how the system works and what applicants should know
- Parenting arrangements in Melbourne: how migrant families can protect the parent–child relationship
- Spousal maintenance and child support in Australia: what migrant families need to know
- Income thresholds for employer-sponsored visas: from TSMIT to the Core Skills and Specialist Skills Income Thresholds
- After the COVID visa (subclass 408): your options for staying in Australia
- Seeking ART review after a visa refusal: reviewable decisions, time limits and fees
- After an Australian visa refusal: review rights, limits on reapplying and exclusion periods
- Skills in Demand visa (subclass 482): streams, requirements and costs after it replaced the TSS visa
- Protection and humanitarian visas for Ethiopian nationals: legal criteria and the application process
- Sponsoring family once you have Australian permanent residence: partner, child, parent and other family visas
- What to declare and what you can't bring into Australia: biosecurity, customs and cash reporting
- Immigration lawyers and registered migration agents: qualifications, regulation and scope of services
- Onshore family-sponsored visas: requirements for the Remaining Relative, Aged Dependent Relative and Carer visas
- Visa options for international students after graduation: the Temporary Graduate visa, skilled migration and other pathways
- The main pathways to migrate to Australia: an overview of skilled, employer-sponsored, family, exceptional talent and humanitarian visas
- Skilled Independent visa (subclass 189): eligibility, the points test and the invitation process
- Studying in Australia: student visa requirements, your obligations while studying and options after graduation
- Employer Nomination Scheme visa (subclass 186): eligibility, nomination requirements and the three streams
- The costs of migrating to Australia: government charges, third-party costs and professional fees
- Pros and cons of migrating to Australia: legal considerations for visas, welfare, qualifications, tax and buying property
- Migrating to Sydney or elsewhere in Australia: how to choose a qualified immigration lawyer or registered migration agent
- Five core requirements for Australian permanent residence: age, skills, English, health and character
- Australian partner visas: requirements, relationship evidence and processing
- Darwin Immigration Lawyers | NT Nomination, DAMA & Reviews
- Hobart Immigration Lawyers | Tasmanian Nomination, Regional Visas & Reviews
- Canberra Immigration Lawyers | ACT Nomination, Regional Visas & Reviews
- Gold Coast Immigration Lawyers | Regional Visas, State Nomination & Reviews
- Adelaide Immigration Lawyers | SA Nomination, Regional Visas & Reviews
- Brisbane Immigration Lawyers | Queensland Visas, State Nomination & Reviews
- Perth Immigration Lawyers | WA Nomination, Regional Visas & Reviews
- Sydney Immigration Lawyers | NSW Visas, State Nomination & Reviews
- Pathways to permanent residence for Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) holders
- Employer Nomination Scheme (subclass 186) visa: streams, requirements and process
- Australian work visas: employer sponsorship and other pathways
- Partner visa sponsorship limits: the cap on sponsorships and the five-year rule
- Melbourne Immigration Lawyers
Other guides: Wills and Estates - Family law - Family business succession
Long-term legal support for the family: Chinese family law consultant in Australia
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