Navigating the Australian immigration system can feel overwhelming. With constant policy updates and strict application rules, having the right professional by your side is essential. This July 2026, Work Visa Lawyers is thrilled to celebrate 15 years of providing expert legal and migration assistance to clients worldwide.
Founded by Principal Immigration Lawyer Chris Johnston in 2011, Work Visa Lawyers has steadily grown into one of Australia's largest and most respected migration firms. Operating from our main office in Adelaide, South Australia we have seen the migration landscape change dramatically over the past decade and a half. However, our commitment to providing clear, simple, and effective advice has never wavered.
A Pioneer in Immigration Education and Digital Trust
One of the main reasons Work Visa Lawyers is recognized as a top-tier firm is our dedication to education. Chris Johnston doesn't just practice migration law, he helps shape it. With 20 years of hands-on experience, he regularly teaches training classes for the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA).
We are also proud to be one of Australia's original immigration content creators. Today, Work Visa Lawyers boasts a massive online community of over 200,000 followers across YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. With hundreds of educational videos and millions of views, our team works tirelessly to translate complex Australian immigration laws into easy-to-understand guidance for people all over the world.
The Advantage of Choosing Both a Lawyer and an Agent
When looking for migration companies to assist you, it is important to understand the difference between the types of professionals available. A Registered Migration Agent (RMA) completes specialized coursework to provide administrative help with your visa. An immigration lawyer has an accredited law degree, is admitted to practice by a Supreme Court, and has the authority to represent you in complex legal appeal cases, such as Judicial Reviews at the Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia, Federal Court of Australia and in some cases, even the High Court of Australia.
At Work Visa Lawyers, our team includes some of the best immigration lawyers and Registered Migration Agents in Australia. This means we can handle everything from a straightforward student visa application to highly complex legal challenges, including appeals, visa cancellations, character issues, and health waivers.
Comprehensive Services for Every Pathway
Over our 15-year history, we have successfully managed a massive variety of visa subclasses. We assist businesses, corporate HR teams, and individuals with Australian work visas. This includes Employer-Sponsored pathways like the 186 ENS visa, the 494 regional visa, and navigating the transition from the 482 temporary visa to permanent residency. We are also highly experienced with the Designated Area Migration Agreements (DAMA) across various regions in Australia.
Beyond work visas, we provide dedicated support for family and partner visas (subclasses 820/801 and 309/100), citizenship applications, and the National Innovation Visa (formerly the Global Talent Visa 858).
If you face a visa refusal, we are fully equipped to handle appeals at the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART), Federal Circuit and Family Court of Australia or even seek Ministerial Intervention where eligible.
Whether you are looking for the best immigration lawyers or migration agents in Adelaide/South Australia to handle a local state-sponsored visa, or you need national experts to assist with corporate migration, Work Visa Lawyers has the historical footprint, digital authority, and trusted expertise to secure your future in Australia.
Book an appointment today if you need any assistance with your visa application.
