How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Australia?
Last updated December 17, 2025
Discover the immigration lawyer cost, including typical fees by visa type, what influences pricing and how to compare professionals. Learn the average cost for an immigration lawyer so you can plan with confidence.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in Australia?
Last updated December 17, 2025
Discover the immigration lawyer cost, including typical fees by visa type, what influences pricing and how to compare professionals. Learn the average cost for an immigration lawyer so you can plan with confidence.
Written by
The average cost for an immigration lawyer is Australia is $1,650, however costs can range massively between $800 and $10,000 depending on what you need and the complexity of your case. In order to have a better understanding of how much you can expect to pay, read this guide or reach out to immigration lawyers near you.
What is an immigration lawyer?
Immigration lawyers are highly qualified professionals who guide clients through the immigration process so they can live, work, study or invest in a target country. In Australia, this includes securing visas, challenging deportations, guiding naturalisation and broader matters under the Department of Home Affairs (DHA) regime. They help evaluate which visa subclass is appropriate, gather evidence, draft submissions and represent clients in appeals or review tribunals when needed.
How much does an immigration lawyer cost?
There is no fixed fee across all cases, because the immigration lawyer cost depends significantly on visa type, complexity, urgency, family composition and whether appeals are involved. Here’s a table to give you a realistic picture:
Service type | Fee range (AUD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skilled graduate (Subclass 485) | $2,650 – $4,400 | Fixed-fee model |
ENS/SESR (Subclass 186 / 494) | $8,800 + | Includes nomination & visa stages |
Citizenship by conferral | $2,000 | Standard application |
Administrative review (ART) | $8,000 | Complex appeal |
Business/investor visa | $17,000 + | High-value clients |
General range | $2,000 – $10,000 | Based on case complexity |
So if you’re asking how much does an immigration lawyer cost, you’ll need to budget at least a baseline amount for straightforward applications. You should expect to pay more if your case involves employer sponsorship, regional nominated pathways, parent visas or appeals.
Before committing to one firm, compare fixed-fee and hourly quotes from registered immigration lawyers to quickly see how pricing shifts by visa category, case complexity and firm reputation.
What affects immigration lawyer cost
A range of practical factors determine the average cost of an immigration lawyer, from visa type to location and firm size.
Key cost drivers
Factor | Description | Typical impact on fees |
|---|---|---|
Visa type | Temporary (student, visitor, work) is cheaper than permanent, family or investor visas | Student visa help from $1,200; permanent residence from $3,850+ |
Case complexity | Prior refusals, sponsorships or medical issues require more preparation and increase the level of work involved. | Adds $1,000 – $3,000+ |
Appeals or reviews | Tribunal or ministerial reviews are time-intensive | $8,000 – $12,000 typical |
Lawyer’s experience | Accredited specialists charge more but bring higher expertise | $250 – $600 per hour or premium fixed fee |
Location & firm size | Major cities have higher labour and rent costs | 10 – 20% increase on national average |
Scope of service | Advice-only vs full submission & representation | Broader scope = higher total cost |
Typical cost ranges
The table below shows the average cost for an immigration lawyer by service type based on current industry data.
Type of service | Typical cost range (AUD) | Description |
Student / Visitor Visa | $1,200 – $3,000 | Simple individual applications |
Skilled / Employer-Sponsored Visa | $3,000 – $7,000+ | May include nomination & visa stages |
Permanent Residence / Family Visa | $3,850 – $8,800+ | Common fixed-fee service |
Appeals / Review (AAT / ART) | $8,000 – $12,000 | Complex, multi-stage process |
Business / Investor Visa | $10,000 – $17,000+ | High documentation & compliance level |
When you look at the average cost for an immigration lawyer, the typical range sits between AUD $2,000 and AUD $10,000, depending on the service level and complexity.
Is it worth hiring an Immigration Lawyer?
Yes, particularly if your case involves complex family, sponsorship or appeal matters. The immigration system in Australia is detailed and subject to frequent changes, so professional help reduces the risk of costly mistakes. An immigration lawyer:
- Keeps your application decision-ready and compliant.
- Knows current visa regulations and policy interpretations.
- Saves you time and reduces delays.
- Can represent you in complex appeals or ministerial intervention requests.
Given the financial and emotional investment, hiring a lawyer can often save you money in the long term by avoiding refusals and re-lodgement costs.
Final thoughts
When you ask “How much does an immigration lawyer cost?”, the answer varies. The guidance above should help you estimate and compare with confidence. It’s always a good idea to request a detailed written quote on Bark, check your lawyer’s credentials, and make sure you understand the full scope of the service before moving forward.
FAQs
Most immigration lawyers in Australia now use fixed-fee pricing for standard visa applications, making it easier to budget. However, complex matters such as appeals or ministerial requests may still be billed hourly, at rates typically between AUD $200 and $600 per hour.
