A short call to assess your situation and confirm we can help. Best for:
Employers wanting to sponsor a worker
Employees whose employer is willing to sponsor them
Partners of Australian citizens or permanent residents
DAMA and Labour Agreement enquiries
Paid Consultation
Strategy & Advice Session
A detailed session for complex situations. No obligation to proceed. Best for:
Complex visa situations or previous refusals
Strategic planning across multiple pathways
Guidance on preparing and lodging your own visa application
Australian Immigration Law & Migration Advisory
Bringing the right people to the right place.
Your visa, handled.
Visa Advice is a specialist migration advisory for Australian employers, the skilled professionals they sponsor and families finding their way home. MARA regulated, legally qualified, and built around the outcome that matters to you.
Where others present obstacles, we present pathways.
We have been giving Visa Advice since 2008 with a simple belief: the complexity of immigration law should never be the thing that stands between a great business and the exceptional person they need.
Our team works with technology companies, high-end hospitality operators, engineering and mining businesses, innovation-focused organisations and universities, typically advising HR directors, founders and business owners who need reliable, responsive advice.
Our process is detailed and fast. We work at the pace of business, not the pace of bureaucracy.
0 yrs
Specialist experience
Since 2008
0+
Visas processed
Employer & partner visas
0%
Approval rate
Applications granted
0+
Industries served
Sector-specific expertise
What We Do
Employer-led. Outcome-focused.
We focus on the visa pathways Australian employers use most, built around the needs of your business, your industry and your people.
Employer Sponsored Visas
Sponsor skilled overseas workers with confidence. Our team manages the full sponsorship process for the Skills in Demand (482) and Employer Nomination Scheme (186) visas, from eligibility assessment through to grant.
Employer sponsored visas
DAMAs & Labour Agreements
Access expanded occupation lists and visa concessions through Designated Area Migration Agreements and company-specific Labour Agreements, opening pathways that standard programs simply cannot provide.
DAMAs & Labour Agreements
Are you an individual looking for visa advice?
Whether your employer is sponsoring you, you qualify for a National Innovation Visa, or you need a short-term work visa, we have a pathway for you.
Reuniting couples across borders. Our team guides Australian citizens and permanent residents and their overseas partners through the onshore (820/801) and offshore (309/100) partner visa pathways.
Partner visas
National Innovation Visa
For individuals with internationally recognised records of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a priority sector. A direct pathway to permanent residence for world-class talent.
National Innovation Visa pathway
Short-Term Specialist Work
The subclass 400 visa allows highly specialised workers to come to Australia for short-term, non-ongoing work. Ideal for project-based expertise, equipment commissioning or specialist training.
Subclass 400 visas
Your visa, handled.
The Visa Advice Framework
A structured process. Managed from first call to grant.
We take ownership of the process so you do not have to. Every engagement follows the same structured methodology, consistent, transparent and accountable.
01
Assess
Eligibility assessment for employer and employee. Clear picture of pathways, timelines and costs before any commitment.
02
Strategise
Recommended approach confirmed. Clear cost agreement, structured document checklist and access to your secure client workspace.
03
Prepare
Every element prepared: documents reviewed, gaps flagged, submissions drafted to be accurate, well-evidenced and compelling.
04
Lodge
Senior review before lodgement. Active monitoring, departmental liaison and proactive updates. No guessing, no silence.
05
Comply
Post-grant compliance advice, ongoing obligation management and proactive alerts on legislative changes that affect your program.
Results
Proven outcomes for employers
Real scenarios demonstrating how we solve complex immigration challenges for Australian businesses.
Fine Dining & Hospitality
DAMA pathway when every other agent said no
A Melbourne restaurant group needed to sponsor a head chef in a role not on the standard occupation list. After two other migration agents confirmed it was not possible, we identified a DAMA pathway with concessions that made the sponsorship viable.
482 visa granted under DAMA within 4 months
Engineering & Infrastructure
Eight engineers sponsored over three years
A Perth-based infrastructure firm needed a reliable immigration partner to manage an ongoing pipeline of skilled engineer sponsorships. We set up their Standard Business Sponsorship and have managed all nominations and visa applications since.
8 x 482 visas granted, 100% approval rate
Technology & SaaS
482 approved ahead of onboarding date
A Sydney SaaS company had a critical hire starting in eight weeks and needed the 482 processed before their onboarding date. We fast-tracked the eligibility assessment, lodged within two weeks and secured the grant on time.
Visa granted in 6 weeks, onboarding on schedule
Sectors We Serve
Deep experience across industries where talent is global
Sector-specific knowledge means we understand your occupation requirements, salary benchmarks and compliance obligations before you brief us.
Technology & SoftwareHigh-End HospitalityWineries & Fine DiningEngineeringMining & ResourcesUniversities & ResearchInnovation & ScienceLuxury HotelsGovernment BodiesRegional EmployersHealthcareAgriculture & Primary Industry
Immigration Programs
Managing volume sponsorship for growing businesses
For employers sponsoring multiple workers, whether five or fifty, we function as an extension of your HR team. One point of contact, structured reporting and full compliance management across your entire sponsorship portfolio.
One senior point of contact who knows your business, your people and your compliance history.
Compliance Reporting
Quarterly compliance reports as standard. Sponsorship obligation tracking and proactive legislative alerts.
Portfolio Visibility
Clear status visibility across all active matters. No chasing. No surprises. Progress updates when they matter.
Scalable Capacity
From one-off sponsorships to ongoing workforce programs. Our process scales without quality slipping.
What Clients Say
The people behind the people you rely on
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"During COVID when the world was on fire, Paula provided me with amazing assistance to obtain an Australian Permanent Resident visa. Not only that, but it was a National Innovation Visa which I am super proud of receiving. I have since emigrated to Australia and am currently living and working in Sydney as a patent attorney/lawyer. It was apparent during the process that Paula was highly regarded by public officials who were dealing with visa approvals. Getting my Visa has been life changing and I am very grateful to Paula for all her assistance. I cannot recommend her too highly to others."
Dr Phil Jeffrey
Sydney
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"Paula's superb service and experience, her insight into taking the right actions at the right moment, were absolutely crucial to our successful visa applications. Her personalised and caring, case-by-case approach was not only highly effective, but also reassuring and stress-relieving throughout this lengthy and potentially stressful process."
Alexander Janssens
Director, Innozen
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
"I would happily recommend Paula and Visa Advice to anyone. From the start, the team was extremely helpful, giving me all the information I needed and making it clear what was needed. It was a real peace of mind to know that my application was in good hands as they handled the whole submission right from the beginning to the end. If I had any questions someone was always available and there to help, giving me updates on my application and assuaging any fears I had. If you want an expert and also someone who you feel comfortable with I can't recommend this company enough."
Changes to the 186 TRT pathway: what employers need to know before November 2025
From 29 November 2025, employers must remain an Approved Sponsor for the entire duration of any employment being claimed toward the 186 TRT requirement. Here is what that means for your business.
March 2026
Employer Guide
Sponsorship obligations: the five things every employer must get right
A practical summary of the key compliance obligations for Standard Business Sponsors under the current framework.
February 2026
DAMA Update
Regional DAMAs in 2026: which regions offer the best concessions?
An overview of the 13 active DAMAs across Australia and the key concessions available to regional employers.
January 2026
Quick Assessment
Which visa pathway suits your situation?
Answer four quick questions and we will point you in the right direction.
Are you an employer looking to sponsor a worker, or an individual with a personal visa question?
I am an employer or HR professional
I need a partner visa
I am an individual employee
How many workers are you looking to sponsor?
One specific person
Multiple workers (2-10)
Volume program (10+)
Is your partner currently in Australia?
Yes, they are in Australia now
No, they are overseas
I am not sure which pathway to take
Has your employer agreed to sponsor you?
Yes, my employer has agreed to sponsor me
We have discussed it but not confirmed yet
Not yet, I am exploring my options
Is the role in a regional or remote area of Australia?
Yes, regional or remote
No, capital city or metro area
We have roles in both
DAMA or Labour Agreement may be your best pathway
Regional employers often have access to expanded occupation lists, salary concessions and age limit increases through Designated Area Migration Agreements. Combined with the standard 482 program, this gives you powerful options for building your workforce. We specialise in exactly this area.
Skills in Demand (482) visa is likely your pathway
The standard employer sponsorship program through the Skills in Demand visa allows you to sponsor skilled workers for positions you cannot fill locally. We will assess eligibility, manage the sponsorship application and handle the full visa process.
With roles in both metro and regional areas, you likely need a mix of standard 482 sponsorship and DAMA or Labour Agreement pathways. We can design a program that covers both, with consistent compliance management across all locations.
If your partner is in Australia, the onshore partner visa allows them to remain while the application is processed. We will guide you through the evidence requirements and manage the full application with care.
For partners currently outside Australia, the offshore pathway allows you to apply while they are overseas. We handle the entire application process and keep you informed at every stage.
Partner visa pathways depend on your specific circumstances, location, relationship history and timing all matter. A short call with our team will give you a clear picture of your options.
Many of our clients come to us as the employee first, and we then work directly with your employer to manage the sponsorship process from their end. We handle both sides, assessing your eligibility and guiding your employer through their sponsorship obligations. Book a call and we will map out the pathway for both you and your employer.
It is common for employees to approach us first while discussions with their employer are still underway. We can assess your eligibility, confirm whether sponsorship is a viable pathway, and then brief your employer on what is involved from their side, the costs, obligations and timeline. This often helps move the conversation forward.
If you are exploring whether employer sponsorship might be a pathway for you, we can assess your situation and advise on what would need to happen for your employer to sponsor you. Many of our engagements start with the employee, and we then bring the employer into the conversation when you are ready. We also handle National Innovation Visas for individuals with exceptional achievements.
When there is not an Australian employee available when you need them, the employer sponsorship visa framework gives you a clear legal pathway to sponsor overseas nationals, temporarily or permanently. Our team makes that process manageable, compliant and fast and allows you to plan staffing levels for years in advance.
Temporary Employer Sponsored
Skills in Demand Visa Subclass 482
The Skills in Demand (SID) visa replaced the former TSS 482 and allows approved Australian employers to sponsor skilled overseas workers for positions they cannot fill locally. It is the primary temporary work visa for employer sponsorship in Australia.
There are two key streams: the Core Skills stream, for occupations on the Core Skills Occupation List (CSOL) and the Specialist Skills stream which requires a higher salary. In addition, you may be able to benefit from the Labour Agreement stream, for employers operating under an approved Labour Agreement or DAMA. All pathways require the employer to be an approved standard business sponsor before the nomination and then visa applications can proceed.
For Employers
Business sponsorship obligations
Before nominating any worker, an employer must obtain approval as a Standard Business Sponsor. This involves demonstrating that the business is lawfully operating in Australia and has a commitment to employing Australians.
Obtain Standard Business Sponsor status
Demonstrate genuine need for the position
Meet the labour market testing requirement, unless exempt
Ensure position meets the minimum required salary threshold
Comply with ongoing sponsorship obligations
Notify Home Affairs of changes to employment
For Workers
Applicant eligibility requirements
Applicants must be nominated by an approved sponsor for an occupation on an approved occupation list. The visa allows the holder to work for their sponsoring employer in the nominated occupation for up to four years, and can be renewed indefinitely.
Occupation on an approved Occupation List
Minimum 1 year relevant work experience
Skills assessment (for some occupations)
English language proficiency requirement
Salary at or above the current salary threshold and market salary
Pathway to permanent residence via 186 TRT
How we handle the 482 process
Full eligibility assessment for employer and employee before any costs are incurred
Preparation and lodgement of Standard Business Sponsor application
Occupation and salary review against market salary and minimum required salary thresholds
Labour Market Testing advice and exploration of exemptions
Nomination and visa application preparation and lodgement
Departmental liaison and response to requests for further information
The Employer Nomination Scheme (ENS) subclass 186 is Australia's primary permanent employer-sponsored visa. It allows employers to nominate skilled overseas workers for permanent residence, either directly or as a transition from a temporary work visa.
Temporary Residence Transition
TRT Stream · Most common route
For workers already holding a subclass 482 visa who have been working for their sponsoring employer for at least two years in the last three. This is the most common pathway to permanent residency through employer sponsorship.
Hold or have held a 482 visa
2 years full time work with a sponsoring employer in Australia
Employer nominates the employee again but for permanent residency
Occupation must remain on eligible list
English language proficiency required
Direct Entry Stream
DE Stream · For new hires
For workers being nominated for permanent residence without first holding a temporary employer sponsored visa. Occupations must appear on the relevant skills list and a formal skills assessment is generally required.
Occupation on the relevant skills list
Skills assessment by relevant assessing authority
Minimum 3 years relevant work experience
English language proficiency requirement
Employer must nominate the employee
2025 Important Update
Changes to the 186 TRT pathway
From 29 November 2025, employers must remain an Approved Sponsor or Labour Agreement holder for the entire duration of any employment being claimed toward the 186 TRT requirement. This significantly affects employers who have changed their sponsorship status. Our team advises clients on these changes proactively so no pathway gets closed by mistake.
Our 186 service includes
Assessment of TRT and Direct Entry eligibility against current legislation
Review of employment history for TRT two-year period qualification
Skills assessment advice and applications to appropriate the assessing authority
Full nomination and visa application preparation and lodgement
Advice on the implications of ongoing sponsorship changes
A Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) is a formal arrangement negotiated between the Australian Government and a regional authority to address the specific workforce shortages of that area. For employers in covered regions, DAMAs open doors that are simply closed under the standard program.
There are currently 13 DAMAs active across Australia, covering regions from Western Australia to the Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania and beyond. Each has its own list of eligible occupations, often including semi-skilled and trade roles not available on the standard skilled migration lists.
DAMAs offer concessions on standard requirements: relaxed English language thresholds, age limit increases for permanent residence (up to 55 for some occupations), salary concessions aligned to regional market rates, and reduced experience requirements.
Key benefits of a DAMA Labour Agreement
Access semi-skilled and trade occupations not on the standard CSOL
Age concession: permanent residence pathway for applicants up to age 55
English language concessions for eligible occupations
Salary concessions aligned to genuine regional market rates
Work experience concessions for transition to permanent residence
Five-year agreement term, renewable and variable
Pathway for workers who would have no PR option under standard migration
The DAMA Process
How it works for employers
Accessing a DAMA requires the employer to first obtain endorsement from the relevant Designated Area Representative (DAR). Our team assists with every step of this process.
We confirm DAMA coverage for your region and occupation
Obtain endorsement from the Designated Area Representative
Apply for a DAMA Labour Agreement with Home Affairs
Once approved, nominate workers under the agreement
Lodge individual visa applications for sponsored workers
Is a DAMA right for you?
Ideal employer situations
DAMAs are not for every employer, but for those in the right region facing specific workforce challenges, they are extraordinarily powerful.
Your business operates in a regional or remote area, in most cases
You need workers in occupations not on the standard CSOL
Your candidates may be over 45 and need a PR pathway
Standard salary thresholds are above genuine market rates in your area
Your industry is underrepresented on the standard skilled lists
Labour Agreements: a custom pathway for complex needs
A Labour Agreement is a formal arrangement negotiated between an individual employer (or an industry body) and the Australian Government that allows the sponsorship of overseas workers in circumstances where the standard employer sponsorship program cannot accommodate the employer's genuine needs.
Labour agreements operate as a separate stream within the standard 482, 494 and 186 visa programs, providing concessions and flexibility on eligibility criteria that standard sponsorship would not allow. They require a compelling case reflecting genuine industry or regional need.
There are three types: Company-specific agreements (tailored to a single employer), Industry agreements (negotiated for a sector, such as on-hire labour or dairy), and DAMA agreements (regionally negotiated).
Company-Specific Agreements
Tailored to your business
For employers with unique workforce needs that cannot be met through standard sponsorship: unusual occupations, specific skills shortages, or industry-specific salary structures.
Requires detailed business case and evidence of genuine need
Demonstrated effort to recruit from local labour market
Establishes specific terms including occupations and concessions
Can include salary concessions for hard-to-fill roles
Formal framework for ongoing sponsorship stability
Industry Agreements
Sector-wide solutions
Negotiated between an industry body and the Government to address workforce shortages common to an entire sector. Participating employers access the benefits without individually negotiating terms.
Available in hospitality, on-hire labour, horticulture, dairy and others
Access through the relevant industry body or peak association
May provide access to occupations not on standard lists
Can offer concessions on English, salary and experience
The Visa Advice Advantage
Thinking outside the standard program
Labour agreements and DAMAs are where our team's combination of legal training, business experience and deep knowledge of the migration framework creates real value. These are not cookie-cutter applications, they require careful analysis, creative problem-solving and experienced advocacy with the Department. If you have been told a pathway doesn't exist, it is worth a conversation with us.
Whether your employer is sponsoring you, you qualify for a National Innovation Visa, or you need a short-term work visa, we will find the right pathway and manage the process from start to grant.
Employer Sponsored
Your employer has agreed to sponsor you
Many of our clients come to us as the employee first, sometimes before the employer has even started the sponsorship process. That is completely normal and often the best way to get things moving.
We assess your eligibility, confirm the right visa pathway, and then work directly with your employer to manage the sponsorship process from their end. We handle both sides, your visa application and your employer's sponsorship obligations, so nothing falls between the cracks.
If your employer has not yet committed to sponsoring you but you think it could be a possibility, we can also help you understand what would be involved and brief your employer on the process, costs and obligations. This often helps move the conversation forward.
How it works when you come to us first
We assess your eligibility for the relevant visa (Skills in Demand 482 or Employer Nomination 186)
We confirm the occupation, skills assessment requirements and salary thresholds
We brief your employer on what they need to do as a sponsor, including their obligations and costs
We manage the full process for both you and your employer, keeping everyone informed at each step
One firm, one point of contact, both sides of the sponsorship handled together
Not sure if your employer will sponsor you?
We can assess your situation and advise on what would need to happen. Many of our engagements start with the employee, and we bring the employer into the conversation when you are ready.
National Innovation Visa
National Innovation Visa Subclass 858
The National Innovation Visa program (formerly the Global Talent visa) is designed for highly skilled professionals who have an internationally recognised record of exceptional and outstanding achievement in a priority sector. It offers a direct pathway to permanent residence for world-class talent.
Applicants must demonstrate that they are internationally recognised with evidence of outstanding achievement, that they would be an asset to Australia, and that they can command a salary at or above the Fair Work high income threshold. The program covers target sectors including digitech, health, financial services, energy, mining, agri-food, defence, space, advanced manufacturing and infrastructure.
Unlike employer-sponsored pathways, the National Innovation Visa does not require a sponsoring employer, but a nominator who is an Australian citizen, permanent resident, eligible New Zealand citizen, or an Australian organisation must support the application.
How we assist with National Innovation Visa applications
Assessment of eligibility against the program's high threshold requirements
Identification and articulation of internationally recognised achievements
Assistance with securing a suitable nominator
Expression of Interest preparation and lodgement
Full visa application preparation once the EOI is invited
Advice on salary evidence and future employment arrangements
The subclass 400 visa allows overseas workers with highly specialised skills to come to Australia for short-term, non-ongoing work that cannot be done by an Australian worker. It is not a sponsorship visa, it is a targeted, project-based pathway.
This visa is ideal when you need to come to Australia for a specific short-term task: commissioning specialist equipment, delivering expert training, providing niche technical support, or completing project-based work that requires skills not readily available in Australia.
The 400 visa is typically granted for up to three months, though extensions of up to six months are possible in some circumstances. It requires a genuine invitation from an Australian organisation and evidence that the work is genuinely specialised and short-term.
When to use the 400 visa
Common scenarios
Equipment installation or commissioning by the manufacturer's engineer
Specialist training delivery by an overseas expert
Project-based technical consulting
Attending a conference as a presenter or specialist participant
Emergency or critical repair work requiring specialist skills
Key requirements
Eligibility checklist
Genuine invitation from an Australian organisation
Work must be highly specialised and non-ongoing
No suitable Australian worker available for the task
Applicant intends to leave Australia when the work is complete
Whether you are being sponsored, exploring the National Innovation Visa, or need a short-term work visa, the first step is a conversation. We will give you a clear picture of your options.
The Australian partner visa process is one of the most document-intensive and emotionally significant applications in the migration program. Our team guides you through every step, clearly and carefully.
Overview
Two pathways. One goal: being together in Australia. Your visa, handled.
Your partner's location determines the pathway, but both lead to the same destination: permanent residence. The key is starting with the right application and building the strongest possible case from the start.
Onshore Applications
Partner Visa 820 / 801
For applicants who are already in Australia and wish to remain while their application is processed. You apply for both stages at the same time and pay one application charge and receive a bridging visa to live and work in Australia while your application is being processed.
Stage 1: Temporary Visa (820) allows you to live and work in Australia while your permanent application is assessed.
Stage 2: Permanent Visa (801) is assessed once you have held the 820 for two years (or at the same time as stage 1 if you have been together for three or more years or two years plus a child).
1
Assess eligibility and gather supporting evidence
2
Sponsor assessment and character requirements
3
Lodge combined 820/801 application (one charge)
4
820 granted: remain in Australia and work freely
5
801 permanent visa assessed after qualifying period
Offshore Applications
Partner Visa 309 / 100
For applicants who are outside Australia at the time of lodgement. As with the onshore pathway, you apply for both stages simultaneously. You can travel to Australia on, for example, a visitor visa while the application is being processed as the visa can be granted on or offshore.
Stage 1: Provisional Visa (309) is granted once the temporary stage is approved, allowing the applicant to live and work in Australia.
Stage 2: Permanent Visa (100) is assessed after the applicant has held the 309 for two years (or at the same time as stage 1 if you have been together for three or more years or two years plus a child).
1
Assess eligibility while applicant is outside Australia
2
Australian sponsor lodges sponsorship application
3
Lodge combined 309/100 application
4
309 granted: applicant can travel to Australia
5
100 permanent visa assessed after qualifying period
What Makes a Strong Application
Evidence that tells your story
The Department assesses partner visa applications across four categories of evidence. A well-constructed application is coherent and clearly demonstrates the genuineness of the relationship, not just its existence.
Financial Aspects
Joint bank accounts and financial arrangements
Shared assets, property or investments
Evidence of financial support to one another
Nature of Household
Shared residential address and cohabitation
Domestic arrangements and responsibilities
Evidence of living together over time or a marriage certificate
Social Aspects
Recognition by family and friends
Statutory declarations from people who know you as a couple
Joint social activities and representation as well as holidays and shared interests
Commitment
Length and history of the relationship
Future plans together and knowledge of each other
Communication during periods of separation
How We Help
More than paperwork.
Our team has specialised in partner visas for over 18 years. We know what the Department looks for, what documents make a difference and how to build an application that presents your relationship well. We also understand that this process involves real people and real emotions, and we bring both care and precision to every case.
We review every element of your evidence, advise on what else to gather, prepare the complete application and manage any departmental requests. You will never be left wondering what is happening with your case.
Visa Advice brings together migration agents, lawyers, operations specialists and IP consultants under one roof. Our team holds dual qualifications across Australia and the United Kingdom, with post-graduate expertise in Immigration Law, Intellectual Property, UK and EU Law and Chinese Law, backed by nearly two decades of commercial and immigration law experience.
This depth of legal and commercial background means we understand how businesses operate across borders, not just how visa applications work. We think beyond the standard program. Where other practitioners see an obstacle, we see a question worth exploring, and we often find a pathway others have missed.
Visa Advice is registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) and operates under Australian law.
Migration Agents
MARA registered agents with deep expertise in employer sponsorship, partner visas and complex migration pathways.
Lawyers
Dual-qualified AU & UK lawyers bringing legal rigour and commercial understanding to every matter.
Operations
A structured operations team ensuring every application is prepared, tracked and lodged with precision.
IP Consultant
Specialist intellectual property expertise for National Innovation Visa applications and businesses demonstrating innovation.
Leadership
The people behind the outcomes
Paula McGeown
Founder & Principal
Dual-qualified lawyer (AU & UK) with post-graduate qualifications in Immigration Law, Intellectual Property, UK/EU Law and Chinese Law. Paula founded Visa Advice in 2008 and oversees the firm's legal strategy, client advisory and business development.
Whitney Beltran
Client Manager
With years of experience managing Australian corporate and family immigration, Whitney oversees the day-to-day progression of client matters, ensuring each step is handled with clarity, structure and attention to detail. A consistent point of contact throughout the process, she ensures nothing is missed and everything moves forward as it should.
How We Work
The Visa Advice difference
Most clients find us through word of mouth, a repeat client, a colleague who used us, a company who recommended us or a search that surfaced our name for their region. We often find a solution for clients after they have been told there was no possibility by other immigration advisors.
We work best with clients who are organised and responsive, who value clear communication and who understand that good migration advice is an investment.
Why clients choose us
Clear, plain language advice, no jargon, no unnecessary complexity
Every engagement starts with a conversation. Tell us about your situation and we will advise on the right pathway, clearly and without obligation.
We would be glad to hear from you.
Whether you are an employer looking to sponsor a worker, an employee whose employer is willing to sponsor you, or applying for a partner visa, our team is here to help.
Consultations are available by phone, video call or email. Paid consultations are available for complex matters.
Ready to get started? Book a complimentary discovery call and we will point you in the right direction.
Prefer email? Tell us about your situation and we will be in touch within one business day.
Thank you. We will be in touch within one business day.
Where others present obstacles, we present pathways.
Visa Advice is an Australian immigration law firm specialising in employer sponsored visas, including the Subclass 482 Skills in Demand visa, Subclass 186 Employer Nomination Scheme, Subclass 494 Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, and Subclass 858 Global Talent visa. The firm provides sponsorship compliance management, DAMA and Labour Agreement negotiation, and ongoing compliance monitoring for businesses with sponsored workers across technology, mining, engineering, hospitality, university, and government sectors in Australia. Founded by Paula McGeown, a qualified Australian legal practitioner and registered migration agent (MARN 0848168), Visa Advice is built for employers with 2 to 50 sponsored workers who need direct access to a senior practitioner rather than a call centre or rotating case manager. Paula McGeown is co-founder of the Immigration Industry Association (IIA), the professional body for the global immigration, relocation, and international student industry. The firm monitors employer sponsorship obligations including 28-day notification requirements, TSMIT salary benchmarking (rising to $79,499 from 1 July 2026), record keeping compliance, VEVO work rights verification, and site visit preparation. Visa Advice serves employers across Australia including Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, and regional areas requiring DAMA access. The cost to sponsor an employee in Australia through Visa Advice includes transparent pricing with government fees (sponsorship $420, nomination $330, visa application $1,455 to $3,035) plus professional fees. Employer sponsorship compliance penalties can reach $82,500 per breach for corporations under current legislation.
