Are you a lawyer wanting to immigrate to Australia? This is what you need to know!

Are you a lawyer wanting to Immigrate to Australia?

The occupation of Solicitor/Lawyer is currently on the skills occupations list schedule 1 for general skills migration. To apply for a visa under this program you need to meet a threshold of 60 points and can apply independently or you can be sponsored by a state or territory government or a close family member in a regional area of Australia. Visa sub classes under the general skilled migrant program that can be used are the 189/190/489

In addition to obtaining points for age, English ability, work experience and qualifications you also must have a skills assessment by the appropriate authority. This must be completed before an expression of interest can be made under the skill select program.

Skills assessment authority

Before you can migrate to Australia as a skilled migrant you must have your skills assessed by the relevant national assessment authority. The assessment authority for your occupation is the Legal Admission Authority of the state or territory you want to practise in.

New South Wales

New South Wales Legal Profession Admission Board
See: New South Wales Legal Profession Admission Board

Victoria

Supreme Court Victoria
See: Supreme Court Victoria

Queensland

Queensland Law Society
See: Queensland Law Society

South Australia

The Law Society of South Australia
See: Admission and Practice in SA

Western Australia

Western Australia Legal Practice Board
See: Western Australian Legal Practice Board

Tasmania

The Law Society of Tasmania
See: The Law Society of Tasmania

Northern Territory

Law Society Northern Territory
See: Law Society Northern Territory Admissions Board

Australian Capital Territory

The Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory
See: The Supreme Court of the Australian Capital Territory

Permanent visas are also available if you are sponsored by an Australian law firm to practice as a solicitor under Employer Sponsored Visas. Whilst there is no points test, other eligibility criteria will apply for the sponsor and applicant, however the skills assessment and registration/licensing will still be required.

For a further assessment of your visa options, please contact a member of the Migration Team.