Immigrating to Australia as a Solicitor – Your Ultimate Guide

If you're a qualified Solicitor (ANZSCO Code: 271311) looking to migrate to Australia, you've come to the right place. With high demand for legal professionals, multiple visa pathways, and strong career prospects, this could be the perfect opportunity to take your career to the next level.

At Millennium Migration, we do all the hard work—from eligibility checks to skills assessments and mapping out the best migration pathway for you. Book a consultation and let us handle everything.

Why Migrate to Australia as a Solicitor?

📌 High Demand: Australia has a strong legal sector with opportunities in corporate law, litigation, and government roles.

📌 Attractive Salaries: Solicitors earn an average of $104,694/year (males) and $94,660/year (females).

📌 Pathways to Permanent Residency (PR): Several visa options can lead to PR, ensuring long-term stability.

📌 Globally Recognized Qualifications: Once admitted to practice in Australia, your credentials will be highly regarded worldwide.

🔍 Visa Options for Solicitors

1️⃣ Skilled Migration (Permanent Residency)

If you meet the points requirement, you may be eligible for independent or state-nominated skilled visas:

✔ Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent Visa) – PR (No sponsorship required)

✔ Subclass 190 (Skilled Nominated Visa) – PR with state nomination

✔ Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional Visa) – Pathway to PR with state/family sponsorship

Processing Times:

🕒 189 Visa: 9 months

🕒 190 Visa: 9 months

🕒 491 Visa: 10 months

Latest Points Cut-Off for Invitations:

📌 Dec 2022: 95 points

📌 Sept 2024: 90 points

📌 Nov 2024: 85 points

➡️ Trend: Lower points requirements = better chances of receiving an invitation!

2️⃣ Employer-Sponsored Visas

If you have a job offer in Australia, employer-sponsored visas can be a faster and more secure pathway to PR.

✔ Subclass 186 (Employer Nomination Scheme - PR)

✔ Subclass 482 (Temporary Skill Shortage - Skills in Demand Visa)

✔ Subclass 494 (Skilled Employer-Sponsored Regional - PR Pathway)

Processing Times:

🕒 186 Visa (Direct Entry): 10 months

🕒 186 Visa (TRT Pathway): 8 months

🕒 482 Visa (Skills in Demand): 17 months

🕒 494 Visa: 15 months

Employer sponsorship can:

✔ Fast-track PR

✔ Provide job security before moving

✔ Help bypass the points system

📍 State Sponsorship for Solicitors

Solicitors qualify for state nomination under the 190 and 491 visas in multiple states:

✅ New South Wales (NSW)

✅ Victoria (VIC)

✅ Queensland (QLD)

✅ Western Australia (WA)

✅ South Australia (SA)

✅ Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

✅ Tasmania (TAS)

Each state has different criteria, so it’s important to check before applying.

🔎 How to Become a Solicitor in Australia

1️⃣ Obtain a Skills Assessment

Assessed by a legal admissions authority of an Australian state or territory

Determines if additional legal studies are required

2️⃣ Complete Additional Study (If Required)

Some lawyers need extra courses in Australian law (e.g., constitutional law, ethics, evidence law)

3️⃣ Apply for Admission as a Lawyer

After completing requirements, apply for admission to the Supreme Court of a state/territory

4️⃣ Apply for a Practicing Certificate

Required to work as a solicitor—issued by the Law Society in the relevant state

💼 Solicitor Salary & Job Prospects in Australia

💰 Average Salaries:

Male Solicitors: $104,694/year

Female Solicitors: $94,660/year

The legal job market in Australia is competitive, but international lawyers with experience are in high demand.

How to Get Started?

The best way to start is to book a consultation with Millennium Migration.

We will:

✅ Check your eligibility for visas and PR pathways

✅ Handle your skills assessment

✅ Map out the best migration strategy

✅ Guide you step-by-step through the application process

Skip the stress. Let Millennium Migration do all the hard work!

📅 Book Your Consultation Now: Schedule Here

Sam Lotfollahi

Senior Registered Migration Agent | MARN 0901704

15+ Years of Experience in Australian Immigration

Let’s turn your Australian legal career dream into reality!