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Work Visa Lawyers 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.

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CMI Legal - Est. 2014

Law Society NSW Member

Chatswood Office

Australia-wide & International

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.

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

Eligibility Requirements for a
Work or Skilled Visa

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

Employer-sponsored visas require your employer to be an approved sponsor and nominate you in an eligible occupation. PromptLaw guides both employers and applicants through the sponsorship, nomination, and application process, ensuring compliance and a smooth visa application journey.

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.

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:

Subclass 482 (TSS)
4 to 9 months
Subclass 186
9 to 18 months
Subclass 189 / 190
11 to 24 months

While 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 Step-by-Step Work Visa Application Process

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

Breakdown of Partner Visa Application Costs

Subclass 482

Skills in Demand

Main Applicant
$3,115
Dependent (+18)
$3,115
Dependent (under 18)
$780
Subclass 186

Employer Nomination Scheme

Main Applicant
$4,770
Dependent (+18)
$2,385
Dependent (under 18)
$1,195
Subclass 189 / 190

Skilled Independent & Nominated

Main Applicant
$4,770
Dependent (+18)
$2,385
Dependent (under 18)
$1,195
Subclass 491 / 494

Skilled Work Regional (Provisional)

Main Applicant
$4,240
Dependent (+18)
$2,120
Dependent (under 18)
$1,195

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 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.

Client Testimonials and Reviews

Google
Ying Wan profile picture
Ying Wan
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We had an excellent experience with CMI Legal during our property purchase. The team was highly professional, detail-oriented, and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. They carefully reviewed all contracts, clearly explained potential risks, and provided practical advice at every stage, which gave us great peace of mind. Communication was prompt and clear, and they were always patient in answering our questions. Their efficiency and attention to detail made what could have been a stressful process smooth and well-managed. We would confidently recommend CMI Legal to anyone looking for reliable and trustworthy conveyancing and legal services, with special thanks to Tina for her professionalism, patience, and exceptional support throughout the process.
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郭小姐
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Attorney Tina was professional and patient; I am very grateful for her legal assistance during my home sale process.
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Solutions NovaBuild
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John and Tina are the best! I just had another settlement through them. Everything was so smooth and they are reminding you every step for the key points.
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P W profile picture
P W
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I recently used CMI and worked with Tina for my property settlement. Tina was extremely helpful, patient and very professional throughout the entire process. She explained everything clearly, kept me updated at every step and made the whole experience smooth and stress-free. I couldn’t have asked for a better lawyer. Highly recommend Tina and the CMI team!
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Andy Hsieh
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I’ve been incredibly lucky to have Tina as my solicitor. She has been outstanding throughout the entire contract exchange and settlement process. She is always the first to respond, timely, and extremely efficient. Her attention to detail is exceptional, and she consistently makes sure everything is in the buyer’s best interest. Super attentive, helpful, and genuinely caring. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Tina to anyone looking for reliable and professional legal services.
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David Lin profile picture
David Lin
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Many thanks to Senior Lawyer Tina Tang for helping me handle the sale of my property in Sydney. She liaised with the real estate, banks and buyers broker and explained everything well and handled the sale meticulously.Her professional ability, experience and sense of responsibility are trustworthy. I recommend Tina and CMI for anyone looking for support in real estate sales. David Lin
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Denis Lebrun
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John Zhang has been absolutely great in helping me with my EOI and application for a skilled visa in Australia. On both calls I've had with John, I have had a multitude of questions for him which he answered in depth and gave me all the information I required. He really has a great amount of knowledge and I would highly recommend him and the CMI legal team for their efficiency and professionalism.
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Joe Shi profile picture
Joe Shi
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Tina Tang is doing excellent service job as a profesional lawer and provide valued information about property purchase issue.Thank you so much,we are appreciated to your skilled help and hope to cooperate with your esteemed company,current residential living apartment 506/2-4 Culworth Ave Killara should be put in market,we hope Tina Tang will provide support as well.thank you so much. Joe Shi
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Jing LI profile picture
Jing LI
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I was very fortunate to have Tina TANG from CMI as my conveyancing solicitor for the recent sale of my property. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout the entire process — from preparing the contract, exchanging contracts, right through to settlement. What impressed me the most is that even after settlement, she continued to go above and beyond to assist me as the vendor, making sure everything was properly taken care of. Her diligence, patience, and attention to detail gave me great peace of mind and took away a lot of the stress of selling a property. I would highly recommend her to anyone looking for a reliable, professional, and truly supportive conveyancing solicitor. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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Sabrina Ng
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Outstanding service from start to finish. Tina Tang handled my unit's sales contract with exceptional professionalism. Communication was always clear and prompt, making the whole process smooth and stree free. I highly recommand Tina to anyone seeking a reliable and knowledgeable solicitor.

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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


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.

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