Expertise

Migration Law

We advise individuals, families, employers and businesses across visa applications, sponsorship matters, refusals and cancellations, ART reviews and judicial review proceedings. Whether planning an application or responding to an adverse decision, we provide clear, strategic advice on the options, risks and next steps.

Migration advice at every stage

Australian migration matters can range from carefully planned visa applications to urgent disputes involving refusals, cancellations and court deadlines. We help clients understand not only what pathway may be available, but also the legal and practical consequences of each decision.

From initial strategy and application preparation to ART reviews and judicial review proceedings, our solicitors provide considered advice and experienced representation throughout the process.

What We Do

Three core areas of practice

Visa Applications & Migration Strategy

Strategic advice and carefully prepared applications for individuals, families, employers and businesses. We consider eligibility, evidence, timing and longer-term migration objectives before recommending a pathway.

Skilled and employer-sponsored visas
Partner and family visas
Student and graduate visas
Protection and humanitarian visas
Business and innovation pathways
Sponsorship and nomination applications
Citizenship and resident return matters
Bridging visas and immigration status issues

Visa Refusals, Cancellations & ART Reviews

When a visa, sponsorship or nomination is refused or cancelled, the available response is often subject to strict time limits. We assess review rights, identify the issues in dispute and prepare the evidence and submissions required for Administrative Review Tribunal proceedings.

Visa refusal reviews
Visa cancellation matters
Mandatory cancellation and non-revocation matters
Protection visa reviews
Character-related decisions
Sponsorship and nomination reviews
ART submissions and hearing preparation
Witness and evidence preparation
Requests for expedited or priority review

Judicial Review & Migration Litigation

Where an administrative decision may be affected by jurisdictional or legal error, we advise on judicial review options and conduct migration proceedings in the federal courts.

Assessment of jurisdictional error
Judicial review of ART decisions
Judicial review of ministerial and departmental decisions
Federal Circuit and Family Court proceedings
Federal Court proceedings and appeals
Urgent applications and interlocutory relief
Extension of time applications
Court documents, affidavits and written submissions
Briefing and working with counsel

Strict time limits often apply. Early legal advice is essential.

Visa & Migration Pathways

Visa pathways we advise on

We advise individuals, families, employers and businesses across a broad range of Australian visa and migration pathways. The appropriate pathway will depend on each client's circumstances, eligibility, timing and longer-term objectives.

Skilled Visas

Advice on points-tested, state-nominated, regional and other skilled visa pathways for professionals, tradespeople and other eligible applicants.

Employer-Sponsored Visas

Advice for Australian employers and skilled workers on sponsorship, nomination and temporary, regional and permanent employer-sponsored visa pathways.

Partner & Family Visas

Advice on partner, prospective marriage, parent, child and other family visa pathways, including matters involving complex relationship evidence or previous visa histories.

Student & Graduate Visas

Advice on student and graduate visas, genuine student requirements, course-related issues and post-study migration options.

Protection & Humanitarian Visas

Sensitive advice and representation in protection and humanitarian visa matters, including applications involving complex personal circumstances.

Business & Innovation Pathways

Advice for entrepreneurs, business owners and applicants considering available business, investment and National Innovation visa pathways.

Citizenship & Resident Return

Advice on Australian citizenship, resident return visas and matters involving residence requirements or previous immigration history.

Bridging Visas & Immigration Status

Advice on bridging visas, visa conditions, unlawful status and options available to people whose immigration status has become uncertain or complex.

Our Approach

When the matter is more than an application

Migration matters often involve more than completing forms. Previous refusals, visa conditions, character concerns, relationship evidence, unlawful status and procedural deadlines can materially affect the available pathway. We examine the full history of the matter before advising on the next step.

Assess

We review the decision, visa history, relevant legislation, evidence and applicable deadlines.

Advise

We explain the available options, prospects, risks, costs and practical consequences in clear terms.

Prepare

We develop the evidence, legal submissions and case strategy required for the matter.

Represent

We communicate with the Department, represent clients before the ART and conduct court proceedings where appropriate.

ART review and judicial review

The correct pathway depends on the decision made, the available review rights and the applicable deadline.

Administrative Review Tribunal

The ART generally conducts merits review. It considers the facts, evidence and applicable law and determines what the correct or preferable decision should be.

We assist with identifying the issues under review, preparing supporting evidence, drafting submissions and representing clients through the hearing process.

Judicial Review

Judicial review is different. A court does not ordinarily reconsider whether a visa should have been granted on its merits. It examines whether the decision-making process was affected by a reviewable legal or jurisdictional error.

We assess whether an arguable ground of judicial review exists and advise candidly on the prospects, risks and costs of commencing court proceedings.

Not every adverse decision gives rise to a viable judicial review application. Early assessment is important, particularly where a court filing deadline applies.

Why Lexcord

Legal advice that considers the whole matter

Migration decisions can affect employment, family relationships, business operations and a person's ability to remain in Australia. Our role is not simply to prepare an application. We consider the broader legal position, identify the risks and help clients make informed decisions at each stage.

Lawyer-led advice

Your matter is handled by admitted solicitors who understand both migration procedure and legal dispute strategy.

Clear assessment

We provide realistic advice on available pathways, evidentiary issues, prospects and risks.

Continuity of representation

Where a matter progresses from an application to review or court proceedings, we can remain involved throughout the process.

Your legal team

Migration advice led by lawyers

Our migration matters are handled by admitted solicitors across visa applications, ART reviews and judicial review proceedings. We provide clear advice on both the immediate issue and its longer-term legal consequences.

Discuss your matter

Elijah Feng

Director & SolicitorMigration, Property & BusinessView profile