Prompt Law Australia | Contract Review & Commercial Law Firm
- Work & Skilled Visa Law
Work Visa Lawyer Sydney
Navigating Australia’s skilled migration system is complex. PromptLaw’s Sydney migration lawyers manage every stage of your work visa application, from skills assessments and points test strategy through to employer sponsorship, nomination, lodgement, and Department communications. Our Sydney lawyers provide expert guidance at every step.
Registered Agents
Fee Pricing
5.0 ★★★★★ | 600+ Reviews
CMI Legal - Est. 2014
Law Society NSW Member
Chatswood Office
Australia-wide & International
- Visa Categories
Types of Work & Skilled Visas We Handle in Sydney
Skills in Demand Visa (Subclass 482)
This employer-sponsored work visa allows Australian businesses to sponsor skilled overseas workers in nominated occupations. It is designed for professionals seeking to live and work in Australia temporarily, with pathways to permanent residence available for eligible applicants.
Employer Nomination Scheme (Subclass 186)
This employer-sponsored work visa allows skilled workers nominated by an eligible Australian employer to live and work in Australia permanently. It is ideal for professionals seeking long-term employment stability and permanent residency through Australian skilled migration pathways.
Skilled Independent Visa (Subclass 189)
This points-tested permanent visa allows skilled workers to live and work anywhere in Australia without requiring employer sponsorship or state nomination. It is designed for professionals whose occupation is in demand and who meet the required points threshold through SkillSelect.
Skilled Nominated Visa (Subclass 190)
This points-tested permanent visa allows skilled workers nominated by an Australian state or territory government to live and work in Australia permanently. It is suited to professionals willing to settle in a nominating state and whose occupation appears on the relevant state occupation list.
Skilled Work Regional Visa (Subclass 491)
The Skilled Work Regional Visa 491 allows skilled workers nominated by a state or territory government, or sponsored by eligible family members, to live and work in regional Australia for up to five years. It offers a pathway to permanent residency for those contributing to regional skilled migration.
Permanent Residency (Subclass 191)
This skilled regional permanent visa is available to individuals who have lived and worked in regional Australia on an eligible visa. It provides a clear pathway to Australian permanent residency, supporting regional growth while rewarding commitment to local employment
Nominated Occupation & Skills Assessment
Your occupation must be on a skilled occupation list (MLTSSL, Core Skills, or state-specific). We assess if your duties match the ANZSCO definition and guide you on the best visa subclass. Skilled visas require a positive assessment from relevant authorities like VETASSESS or ACS.
Points Test & English Language Proficiency
Points-tested visas (189, 190, 491) require a minimum score of 65 points. We conduct a full points analysis to maximise your score. You must demonstrate English proficiency via IELTS, PTE, or TOEFL. Higher scores add points, crucial in competitive invitation rounds.
Health & Character Requirements
Applicants must undergo a health examination and provide police clearance certificates for countries lived in for 12 months or more within the past decade. A criminal record doesn’t automatically result in refusal but may require legal submissions for approval.
Employer Sponsorship
- Documentation
Work Visa Documents Checklist for Sydney Applicants
Passport & Identity Documents
A current passport valid throughout your application, along with identity documents for all dependants included in the application.
Employment References
Detailed references from past and current employers confirming your duties, hours worked, and remuneration, aligned with the ANZSCO description of your occupation.
English Test Results
A valid IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, or OET result. Test results are generally valid for three years from the test date.
Health Examination Results
A medical examination completed by an approved panel physician, submitted through the Department's online portal (HAP). Timing relative to lodgement matters.
Skills Assessment Certificate
A positive skills assessment from the relevant assessing authority for your nominated occupation, within the required validity period.
Educational Qualifications
Academic transcripts and degree certificates. Documents not in English must be accompanied by certified translations from a NAATI-accredited translator.
Police Clearance Certificates
Police clearances from every country in which you have lived for 12 months or more in the past decade, including Australia.
Employer Sponsorship Documents (if applicable)
Standard Business Sponsorship approval, position description, labour market testing evidence, and employment contract for employer-sponsored streams.
- Processing Times
Work Visa Processing Times Sydney
Processing times for skilled and work visas vary significantly by subclass and individual circumstances. Current Department of Home Affairs indicative timeframes:
mWhile your application is pending, we manage all Department requests promptly to avoid preventable delays. For employer-sponsored visa holders, we advise on bridging visa conditions to ensure you remain lawful and authorised to work. Prompt Law monitors every file and responds immediately to any Departmental communication.
- Our Process
Our Step-by-Step Work Visa Application Proces
Consultation and Visa Pathway Assessment
We assess your occupation, qualifications, work history, English scores, and employer situation to identify the most viable visa subclass and strategy. Fixed professional fees are confirmed upfront before you spend a dollar on Department fees or assessments.
Skills Assessment & Points Maximisation
Where required, our lawyers prepare your skills assessment application strategically, building your employment evidence to align precisely with the ANZSCO duties. For points-tested visas, we identify every claimable factor to maximise your invitation score.
Sponsorship, Nomination & Application
For employer-sponsored streams, we advise both the employer and the applicant through the Standard Business Sponsorship, nomination, and application stages. For points-tested visas, we manage your SkillSelect EOI and prepare a comprehensive application upon invitation.
Lodgement, Monitoring & Outcome
We lodge your combined application through ImmiAccount and handle all Department correspondence. If the Department raises concerns or requests further information, we respond precisely. If your application is refused, we advise immediately on review rights and AAT appeal options.
- Application cost
Breakdown of Partner Visa Application Costs
Skills in Demand
Employer Nomination Scheme
Skilled Independent & Nominated
Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)
- Specialised Legal Support
Work Visa Problems? Our Sydney Lawyers Resolve Difficult Cases
Adverse Skills Assessment Outcomes
A negative or deferred skills assessment does not necessarily end your application. Our lawyers assess the grounds for review, prepare supplementary evidence, and where appropriate pursue formal reconsideration through the assessing authority or alternative pathways.
Health Low Points Score: Invitation Not Received
If your points score is not generating invitations, our lawyers identify additional claimable points factors, assess alternative occupation codes, and advise on state nomination strategies to improve your competitive position in SkillSelect rounds.
Health Waivers
Adverse health findings, including chronic conditions, HIV, hepatitis, or significant medical histories, do not automatically mean refusal. Our lawyers prepare detailed health waiver submissions documenting humanitarian, economic, and community considerations for the Department's discretion.
Character Issues & Criminal Records
A prior conviction does not automatically end your skilled visa prospects. We prepare s501 character submissions, liaise with law enforcement where required, and present your case in the strongest possible terms, addressing each of the character test criteria directly.
Visa Refusals & AAT Appeals
A refused skilled visa can be reviewed at the Administrative Review Tribunal. Strict time limits apply, and missing the deadline in your refusal letter is fatal to the appeal. Prompt Law acts immediately on refusals to protect your review rights and prepare the strongest possible submissions.
Employer Sponsorship Complications
If your sponsoring employer withdraws, closes, or fails to meet sponsorship obligations, your visa status may be affected. Our lawyers advise on change-of-employer provisions, bridging visa conditions, and alternative pathways to ensure your status remains lawful and your options are protected.
- Why CMI Legal
Why Sydney Clients Choose Our Team
Prompt response guarantee
Every enquiry receives a same-day response, no exceptions. You will never wait days to hear from your lawyer.
Sydney-based legal team
Local knowledge of the Department, the AAT, and Sydney's employer and migration landscape, not an offshore call centre.
Fixed and transparent legal fees
Confirmed in writing before you engage. No hourly billing surprises, just clear upfront pricing for each service.
MARA-registered lawyers only
No unregistered agents, no handoffs to junior staff. Your matter is handled by a MARA-registered migration lawyer throughout.
Full-service law firm
If your matter touches property, commercial, or employment law alongside migration, we handle it all within the same firm, with no referrals required.
Direct lawyer access
You deal with your migration lawyer throughout, not a case manager or paralegal. Direct contact, direct accountability.
- What Our Clients Say
Client Testimonials and Reviews
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- FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a migration agent and a migration lawyer?
A migration agent is registered with OMARA and provides visa advice and lodgement services. A migration lawyer can offer legal advice, represent clients in the AAT, and address broader legal issues.
How do I know if I need a skills assessment for my visa?
Skills assessments are required for most points-tested visas (189, 190, 491). The assessing authority depends on your occupation, such as Engineers Australia for engineers or ACS for IT professionals.
How many points do I need to receive an invitation for a skilled visa?
The minimum points score for a skilled visa is 65, but invitation scores usually range between 70-90+, depending on occupation and visa subclass. Our migration lawyers maximise your points score.
Can I change employers on a Subclass 482 visa?
Yes, you can change employers if your new employer is an approved Standard Business Sponsor and nominates you in a closely related ANZSCO occupation. Prompt Law guides you through this process.
How much does a work visa lawyer cost in Sydney?
Our fixed professional fees depend on your visa subclass and case complexity. We provide a transparent fee breakdown upfront, ensuring you understand all costs involved in the visa application process.
What happens if my work visa is refused?
If your visa is refused, Prompt Law advises on the review process through the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART). We prepare submissions to challenge the refusal and protect your migration pathway.
Do I need a lawyer if my employer is already handling my visa?
While your employer handles sponsorship, you may still benefit from legal advice. A migration lawyer ensures your personal interests are protected, especially in employer-sponsored visa applications.
Can I include my family in my skilled visa application?
Yes, most skilled visas allow you to include your spouse or de facto partner and dependent children. We assist with eligibility and documentation to ensure your family’s inclusion in the application.
- Get Expert Advice
Book Your Migration Consultation
Our qualified immigration lawyers offer paid consultations to guide you through your visa or migration journey. Get practical advice you can trust from
a Sydney-based team.
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