Contacts and Resources

Based on the contribution of The Late Michael Clothier, former Accredited Immigration Law Specialist, as amended by Er-kai Wang, Migration Lawyer (LPN: 5512853) and current to 06/06/2022

NOTE: The Immigration and Refugees chapter is under substantial revision. The information in the following section may not be accurate. Readers should be aware that the Migration Regulations change rapidly. Before using the information listed here, we recommend that you check if the law is still current by seeking advice from a migration agent or visiting the Department of Home Affairs' website.

For Information

The following agencies provide free information about immigration matters. Only registered migration agents or lawyers with a current practising certificate can provide immigration assistance or immigration legal assistance.

Department of Home Affairs

National Office
6 Chan Street
Belconnen ACT 2617
Tel: 02 6264 1111 (Switchboard)

Web: www.homeaffairs.gov.au

Legal Aid ACT

2 Allsop Street
Canberra City 2601
Tel: 1300 654 314 (does not advise on student and skilled visas)
Email: migration@legalaidact.org.au
Web: www.legalaidact.org.au

ACT Law Society - The Legal Advice Bureau

Level 4, 1 Farrell Place
Canberra City ACT 2601
Tel: 02) 6274 0300 (free 15 minute consultations and only by appointments)
Web: www.actlawsociety.asn.au

Migration Agents Registration Authority

If you want to visit or stay in Australia, or sponsor someone to visit or stay in Australia, you can get help with the visa process from a registered migration agent. To locate a private agent, see www.mara.gov.au.

Administrative Appeals Tribunal (AAT)

Most of the merits review applications related to migration are heard by the Migration and Refugee Division (MRD) of the AAT. For cancellation decisions concerning business visas, or visa refusal or cancellation on the ground of character, those matters are heard by the General Division (GD).

Level 8, 14 Moore St
Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: 1800 228 333
Email: mrdivision@aat.gov.au
Web: www.aat.gov.au

Translating and Interpreting Service

The Australian Government, through the department of Home Affairs, provides a Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS) for people who do not speak English and for English speakers needing to communicate with them. TIS is a national service, and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to any person or organisation in Australia requiring interpreting assistance. It is accessible from anywhere in Australia for the cost of a local call.

Tel: 13 14 50
Web: www.tisnational.gov.au
This service is available Australia-wide, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.