Is My Migration Lawyers Legit?

How can I check that a migration law firm is legitimate?

A migration law firm can be checked by confirming that its lawyers hold current practising certificates, which can be searched on the public register kept by the law society or legal profession regulator in the relevant state. A legitimate firm also gives a physical address, identifies its principal lawyer and puts its fees and scope in a written costs agreement. Clients should be wary of anyone who gives migration advice but cannot show either a practising certificate or registration as a migration agent. Our guide to choosing Australian migration lawyers explains these checks step by step.

Who regulates lawyers who give migration advice?

Lawyers who give migration advice are regulated by the legal profession bodies in their state or territory, not by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. Since 2021, Australian legal practitioners have not needed to register as migration agents to give immigration assistance. Registered migration agents are regulated by the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority, and both lawyers and registered agents can lodge visa applications. Our article on migration agent versus immigration lawyer explains the difference factually.

Who is the principal lawyer at My Migration Lawyers?

The principal lawyer at My Migration Lawyers is Weiwei Zhang, who leads the firm's work and is responsible for its legal practice. Weiwei Zhang speaks Mandarin, so the firm can consult in Mandarin as well as English. Readers can learn more on the profile page for Weiwei Zhang and on the firm's about page.

What warning signs suggest a migration service is not legitimate?

Warning signs that a migration service may not be legitimate include a guarantee that a visa will be granted, pressure to pay before any advice is given, refusal to put fees in writing, no physical address, and suggestions to give false information or documents to the Department. False information can lead to refusal under PIC 4020 and can affect future applications. Our article on partner visa PIC 4020 explains why honesty in every form matters.

How does My Migration Lawyers engage new clients?

My Migration Lawyers engages new clients through a paid consultation requested via the online form, followed by a written costs agreement that sets out the fixed fee and scope of work before anything is done. The firm then acts as the client's authorised representative with the Department through Form 956. Our article on Form 956 and 956A explains how authorisation works and how a client can end it.

How does My Migration Lawyers show its work on a partner visa?

My Migration Lawyers shows its work on a partner visa by putting its advice and the scope of work in writing and keeping clients informed by email as the matter moves through each stage. Because the application belongs to the applicant, clients can also import it into their own ImmiAccount and see its status and the documents attached at any time. That transparency means a client never has to rely only on what the firm reports. Couples who want to see how the firm approaches partner visas can read about its partner visa lawyers before requesting a consultation.