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Immigration Blog and Latest News

Our staff have the knowledge to deal with all immigration problems, no matter how complex. Keep abreast of immigration updates with our blog posts below.
Best Law Firms 2027 (in Immigration Law)
Immigration blog
AwardsImmigration

Best Law Firms 2027 (in Immigration Law)

We are very pleased to announce that Hannan Tew Lawyers has been recognised in the 2027 edition of the “Best Law Firms™ – Australia” list as a Metropolitan Tier 1 firm (Melbourne) and National Tier 2 firm, for expertise in Immigration Law. Hannan Tew Lawyers is a full service Australian immigration law firm assisting individuals, asylum seekers, as well as start-ups, ASX-listed…
Immigration blog
28 May, 2026
Graduate (Subclass 485) visa checklist (Updated on 20 May 2026)
Immigration blog
Graduate

Graduate (Subclass 485) visa checklist (Updated on 20 May 2026)

The Graduate (Subclass 485) (Graduate) visa allows eligible international students who have completed an Australian education to stay in Australia and gain work experience. This visa does not restrict the type or hours of work that may be undertaken. There are two streams in this visa: Post‑Vocational Education Work stream; and Post‑Higher Education Work stream. What are the eligibility requirements…
Immigration blog
20 May, 2026
Do You Need a Passport for an Australian Visa? PIC 4021 Explained
Immigration blog
Immigration

Do You Need a Passport for an Australian Visa? PIC 4021 Explained

When applying for an Australian visa, most visa subclasses will require an applicant to hold a valid passport to be issued a visa grant. This requirement comes from Public Interest Criterion (PIC) 4021. In this article, we explain the requirements of PIC 4021, when it applies, and what options are available if you do not have a valid passport. What…
Immigration blog
5 May, 2026
Partner Visa Double Grant: Who Qualifies for Fast-Tracked Permanent Residence?
Immigration blog
Partner Visa

Partner Visa Double Grant: Who Qualifies for Fast-Tracked Permanent Residence?

For most applicants for an Australian Partner visa, the application is assessed in two stages: first for a temporary visa, and then, after a prescribed period (generally two years from the date of application), for the permanent visa. In some cases, however, both stages may be decided at the same time. This outcome is commonly referred to as a “double…
Immigration blog
5 May, 2026
Citizenship by Conferral: Guide for Children of Former Citizens
Immigration blog
CitizenshipImmigration

Citizenship by Conferral: Guide for Children of Former Citizens

Eligibility for Australian citizenship by conferral can arise in a variety of ways. The most common is to satisfy the ‘general eligibility criteria’ and have successfully completed a citizenship test. In short, this is the common pathway for migrants who have lived in Australia on visas and ultimately obtained permanent residency. Once they have been present in Australia for the…
Immigration blog
30 April, 2026
Migration Agent vs Immigration Lawyer: What’s the Difference?
Immigration blog
Immigration

Migration Agent vs Immigration Lawyer: What’s the Difference?

If you’re applying for an Australian visa, you may be deciding whether to work with a migration agent or an immigration lawyer. Both are qualified to assist with visa matters, but there are some important differences in how they are regulated and the level of legal protection and representation they can provide. What Do Migration Agents and Immigration Lawyers Have…
Immigration blog
24 April, 2026