Get the Legal Support You Need for Your Immigration Matters
Hiways Lawyers is your trusted partner for all immigration law matters across Australia. Founded in 2018, our experienced team provides expert and specialised legal support tailored to your unique circumstances, ensuring compliance with Australia’s complex immigration framework.
Navigating immigration law can be intricate and challenging. Whether you’re seeking visa applications, appealing decisions, or ensuring compliance with immigration regulations, our dedicated immigration lawyers guide you through the process with professionalism and care. As one of Australia’s leading immigration law firms, we focus on transparent, reliable, and client-focused services, ensuring we understand and address your specific needs.
Sino-Australian Immigration Services
Hiways Lawyers has a strong connection with the Chinese community in Australia, offering specialised immigration services for Chinese individuals and businesses. In partnership with Jingrun Group, our Immigration Department, led by lawyers with over 20 years of legal experience, leverages extensive resources in business investment to provide comprehensive support for visa applications and related legal advice.
Our Australian Immigration Law Services Include
- Visa applications and related legal advice
- Reviews of adverse decisions (AAT and Federal Circuit Court)
- Citizenship refusal appeals
- Requests for ministerial intervention
- Character submissions
- Applications for health waivers
- Assisting employers with DIBP monitoring and compliance issues
With years of experience, Hiways Lawyers combines expertise with a client-focused approach to resolve your immigration law matters efficiently. Let us help you navigate Australia’s immigration system with confidence.
Hiways Lawyers is Your Australian Legal Support
Hiways Lawyers was established in 2018 in Australia as a legal practice with a focus on providing legal services in areas such as commercial litigation, family law, wills and estates, migration law, employment law, and conveyancing. We also have a strong connection with the Chinese community in Australia, offering services in both English and Chinese.
Immigration Law FAQ
What are the eligibility requirements and processing timeframes for the onshore Partner visa (Subclass 820/801) in Australia?
Eligibility Requirements:
Applicants must be in a genuine and continuing relationship with an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen (either married or in a de facto relationship). Evidence must be provided across the following four key aspects:
• Financial aspects of the relationship
• Nature of the household
• Social aspects of the relationship
• Nature of the commitment to each other
Processing Timeframes:
• Subclass 820 (temporary visa): approximately 12–24 months
• Subclass 801 (permanent visa): generally assessed around 2 years after the 820 application is lodged
Special circumstances (such as long-term relationships or having dependent children) may result in faster processing.
What are the common reasons for Partner visa refusal, and how can a refusal be appealed?
Common Reasons for Refusal:
• Insufficient evidence of a genuine and continuing relationship
• Inconsistent or contradictory information in the application
• Sponsor does not meet eligibility requirements
• Adverse visa history (e.g. providing false or misleading information under PIC 4020)
Appeal Process:
Applicants may apply for a merits review with the
Administrative Review Tribunal
(ART), typically within 28 days of receiving the refusal decision.
A successful appeal generally requires a well-prepared submission with strengthened evidence addressing relationship genuineness and/or relevant legal grounds (e.g. family violence provisions).
What are the requirements and waiting times for Parent visas (Subclass 143/173)?
Eligibility Requirements:
• The applicant must have a child who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible New Zealand citizen
• Must satisfy the Balance of Family Test
• Must provide an Assurance of Support
Processing Timeframes:
• Subclass 143 (Contributory Parent visa): approximately 12–14 years
• Subclass 173 (temporary visa): staged pathway leading to Subclass 143, with an estimated waiting period of 4–8 years
These visas are subject to long queue periods and require strategic long-term planning.
If a Student visa is cancelled, how can one appeal or reapply?
Student visa cancellations are commonly due to:
• Failure to meet attendance or academic requirements
• Breach of visa conditions (e.g. exceeding work limitations)
Available Options:
• Apply for a merits review through the
Administrative Review Tribunal
• Lodge submissions with supporting evidence within the prescribed timeframe
• Consider applying for an alternative visa, depending on individual circumstances
Strict time limits apply, and prompt action is critical.
What are the pathways for transitioning from a Subclass 482 visa to permanent residency?
Holders of the Subclass 482 Temporary Skill Shortage visa may transition to permanent residency through pathways such as the
Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme visa.
Key Requirements:
• Employment with the same sponsoring employer for 2–3 years (subject to policy changes)
• Occupation listed on the relevant skilled occupation list
• Meeting English language, age, and skills requirements
• Ongoing employer sponsorship
Strategic planning is essential to ensure continuity and avoid visa gaps.
What should you do if your visa has expired and you are unlawfully in Australia?
If your visa has expired, you may become an unlawful non-citizen and face detention or removal from Australia.
Possible Solutions:
• Apply for an appropriate visa as soon as possible (e.g. a protection visa, if applicable)
• Apply for a Bridging Visa E
• Proactively contact the Department of Home Affairs to regularise your status