• By Saurabh Smar, Principal Solicitor, Global Vision Migration Lawyers
  • 15 Jun, 2026

If the immigration lawyer handling your visa application or migration matter has closed their practice, stopped operating, or is no longer responding to your calls and emails, it is important to take action quickly.

Many clients feel confused or uncertain about what happens next. The most important point to understand is that your application does not automatically stop because your previous immigration lawyer is no longer available.

Your matter may continue to progress, existing deadlines may still apply, and urgent correspondence may still be issued by the Department of Home Affairs or the Administrative Review Tribunal.

Questions Clients Usually Ask

  • Is my visa application still active?
  • Has my application been placed on hold?
  • Will the Department of Home Affairs contact me directly?
  • What happens if I miss an important deadline?
  • Can another immigration lawyer take over my existing matter?
  • What should I do if my matter is already before the Administrative Review Tribunal?

The Situation at a Glance

Immediate Issue
Your previous immigration lawyer has closed, stopped operating, or gone silent.
Application Status
Your visa matter may still be active and under assessment.
Main Risk
Missing deadlines, document requests, hearing notices, or visa decisions.
Key Authorities
Department of Home Affairs and the Administrative Review Tribunal.
Important Form
Form 956 may be needed to update legal representation.
First Priority
Gather documents, review emails, and arrange a professional case review.
Key Point
Changing lawyers does not automatically pause your matter, restart your application, or reset an existing deadline.

Global Vision Migration Lawyers can assist clients who need help transferring their matter to a new immigration lawyer and understanding the practical next steps.

Your Visa Application May Still Be Active

If your visa application has already been lodged with the Department of Home Affairs, the closure of your previous immigration law firm does not automatically cancel your application. Your matter may still be under assessment.

The Department may continue to issue important correspondence, including:

  • Requests for additional documents
  • Requests for further information
  • Health examination requests
  • Biometrics requests
  • Interview invitations
  • Visa decision notifications
  • Sponsorship or nomination updates
  • Time-sensitive notices

The main risk is that important correspondence may still be linked to the contact details of your previous immigration lawyer. If those emails or notices are not being monitored, you may miss an important deadline.

That can place your matter at real risk even though the underlying application itself remains active.

Lawyer Insight (GVM Strategy)

The problem is often not that the case has stopped. The problem is that it keeps moving while nobody is watching the incoming correspondence.

Do Not Assume Your Application Has Been Placed on Hold

A common mistake is to wait and assume that the Department of Home Affairs will automatically pause the application until a new lawyer is appointed. That is not something you should rely on.

Changing lawyers does not automatically restart your application or reset a deadline. Your matter generally continues from its current stage.

If your previous immigration lawyer is no longer available, it is important to arrange a professional review as soon as possible.

What You Should Do Immediately

Take the following steps without unnecessary delay.

Step 1: Gather Your Documents

Collect as much information as possible about your matter. Useful documents may include:

  • Your passport
  • Your visa application acknowledgement letter
  • Your Transaction Reference Number, commonly known as the TRN
  • Your visa grant notice, if relevant
  • Any visa refusal or cancellation decision
  • Department of Home Affairs emails and letters
  • Requests for further information
  • Health examination or biometrics requests
  • ImmiAccount details
  • Copies of documents already submitted
  • Your previous agreement with your immigration lawyer
  • Invoices, receipts, and payment records
  • Sponsorship or nomination documents
  • ART notices, hearing information, or submission requests

Do not delay contacting a new lawyer simply because you cannot locate every document. An immigration lawyer can review the documents you have and explain what else may be required.

Step 2: Review Your Emails Carefully

Search your inbox, spam folder, and junk folder for correspondence relating to your visa or immigration matter. Look for emails from:

  • The Department of Home Affairs
  • The Administrative Review Tribunal
  • Your previous immigration lawyer
  • Any relevant government authority

Pay close attention to any document mentioning:

  • A response deadline
  • A hearing date
  • A request for documents
  • A visa refusal
  • A visa cancellation notice
  • A sponsorship or nomination decision
  • A request to provide further information
  • A medical examination or interview requirement

If you locate a time-sensitive notice, contact an immigration lawyer immediately.

Step 3: Arrange a Professional Case Review

Every immigration matter is different. The correct next step depends on several factors, including:

  • The type of visa application
  • The current stage of the matter
  • Whether a deadline is approaching
  • Whether the Department has requested documents
  • Whether a refusal or cancellation decision has been issued
  • Whether an ART review has been lodged
  • Whether a hearing date has been scheduled
  • Whether your circumstances have changed

An immigration lawyer should review your documents and provide advice based on your individual circumstances.

Step 4: Appoint a New Immigration Lawyer

Once you engage a new immigration lawyer, they can help update your representative details with the relevant authority. For matters with the Department of Home Affairs, this may involve preparing and submitting Form 956. Your new immigration lawyer can also review the status of your matter, identify pending correspondence, and advise you about any urgent steps.

Step 5: Update Your Details for an ART Matter

If your matter is before the Administrative Review Tribunal, it is particularly important to act promptly. ART matters may involve strict deadlines for:

  • Lodging documents
  • Providing written submissions
  • Responding to Tribunal requests
  • Preparing evidence
  • Attending a hearing
  • Updating representative details

Your new immigration lawyer can review the ART correspondence and advise whether immediate action is required.

Important Administrative Details

What Is Form 956?

Form 956 is commonly used to notify the Department of Home Affairs when an Australian legal practitioner is appointed to provide immigration assistance. It may also be relevant when a previous appointment ends or a new immigration lawyer takes over an existing matter.

Do You Need Access to Your ImmiAccount?

Your ImmiAccount may contain useful information such as application status, reference numbers, submitted documents, requests for information, Department correspondence, and application updates.

If you have access to your ImmiAccount, keep the relevant details available for your consultation. Do not send your password through an unsecured email, public message, or social media platform.

Ask your new immigration lawyer about the safest way to provide the required information and the correct process for updating representation in your case.

Urgent Scenarios That Need Tailored Advice

Every immigration matter is different. These are some of the most common scenarios that require immediate review when a previous lawyer is no longer available.

What If You Have an Active ART Review?

If your immigration matter is already before the Administrative Review Tribunal, you should seek advice urgently. Your new immigration lawyer may need to review:

  • Whether the ART review was lodged correctly
  • Whether the Tribunal has requested documents
  • Whether submissions are due
  • Whether a hearing date has been scheduled
  • Whether the Tribunal has your correct contact details
  • Whether your previous lawyer is still listed as your representative
  • Whether additional supporting evidence is required
  • Whether an urgent response is needed

Do not assume that your ART matter will automatically be paused.

What If Your Visa Has Been Refused or Cancelled?

If you have received a visa refusal or cancellation decision, time may be critical. Depending on your circumstances, you may have a limited period available to apply for a review or take another appropriate step. Missing a deadline can have serious consequences. Do not wait until every document has been collected. Contact an immigration lawyer promptly and provide the decision letter as soon as possible.

What If You Have a Pending Partner Visa Application?

If you have a pending partner visa application, your new immigration lawyer may need to review:

  • Whether the Department has requested further information
  • Whether your relationship evidence is up to date
  • Whether your contact details are correct
  • Whether your personal circumstances have changed
  • Whether additional documents may be required
  • Whether the next stage of your application is approaching

What If You Have an Employer-Sponsored Visa Matter?

Employer-sponsored visa matters can involve multiple connected applications, including sponsorship, nomination, and visa applications. Your new immigration lawyer may need to review:

  • Sponsorship status
  • Nomination status
  • Visa application status
  • Outstanding document requests
  • Employment documents
  • Business documents
  • Relevant deadlines
  • Employer and applicant contact details

Both employers and visa applicants should seek advice promptly.

What If You Have a Skilled Migration Matter?

Skilled migration matters may involve an Expression of Interest, state nomination, an invitation to apply, or an already-lodged visa application. Your immigration lawyer can review:

  • Expression of Interest details
  • State nomination status
  • Visa invitation status
  • Skills assessment documents
  • English-language test results
  • Points claims
  • Supporting evidence
  • Application deadlines

What If You Have a Student Visa or Visitor Visa Matter?

Student visa and visitor visa applications may also require urgent attention. For a pending application, your immigration lawyer can check whether the Department has requested further information or documents. For a refused application, it is important to seek advice promptly about the options that may be available.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my visa application still active if my previous lawyer has closed?

Usually, yes. If the application has already been lodged, it does not automatically stop or cancel because your previous immigration lawyer is no longer available.

Will the Department of Home Affairs put my application on hold automatically?

No. You should not assume your matter will be paused. Existing deadlines and requests may continue to apply from the current stage of the matter.

Can another immigration lawyer take over my existing matter?

Yes. A new immigration lawyer can review the file, advise on urgent issues, and help update your representative details with the relevant authority.

Do I need all my documents before speaking to a new lawyer?

No. Gather what you can, but do not delay seeking advice simply because some records are missing. A lawyer can review the available documents and identify what else is needed.

What if my matter is already before the Administrative Review Tribunal?

You should seek advice urgently. ART matters may involve strict deadlines for documents, submissions, hearings, and representative updates, and they should not be assumed to pause automatically.

What if I already have a refusal or cancellation decision?

Time may be critical. Depending on the case, you may have only a limited period to seek review or take another appropriate step, so prompt legal advice is important.

How Global Vision Migration Lawyers Can Help

Global Vision Migration Lawyers can assist clients whose previous immigration lawyer has stopped operating or is no longer available. Our team can review your existing matter, identify urgent deadlines, and explain the practical next steps.

Depending on your circumstances, we may be able to assist with:

  • Reviewing your existing visa application
  • Checking Department correspondence
  • Identifying urgent deadlines
  • Updating representative details
  • Responding to document requests
  • Reviewing visa refusals and cancellations
  • Assisting with ART matters
  • Reviewing sponsorship and nomination applications
  • Partner visa matters
  • Skilled migration matters
  • Employer-sponsored visas
  • Student visas
  • Visitor visas
  • Parent visas
  • Protection visa matters
  • General immigration advice

Special Offer for Eligible Clients

If your previous immigration lawyer has stopped operating, you may be eligible for up to 50% off our consultation and discounted professional fees when engaging Global Vision Migration Lawyers.

The available discount depends on:

  • The type of matter
  • The stage of the application
  • The work already completed
  • The amount of work required
  • The complexity of your case

Terms and conditions apply. Discounts are assessed on a case-by-case basis. The offer applies only to eligible professional fees and does not apply to government charges, Tribunal fees, disbursements, or third-party costs.

Do Not Wait Until a Deadline Is Missed

If your previous immigration lawyer is no longer responding, act early. Waiting may make the situation more difficult, especially if your matter involves:

  • A pending document request
  • A visa refusal
  • A cancellation notice
  • An ART deadline
  • A hearing date
  • A nomination or sponsorship matter

Even if you do not have all your documents available, an initial consultation can help you understand what needs to happen next.

Call Global Vision Migration Lawyers on 0449 889 900

If your previous immigration lawyer has closed their practice or is no longer available, contact Global Vision Migration Lawyers today and book your appointment.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only. It is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice about your individual circumstances. Eligibility for any discount is assessed on a case-by-case basis. Terms and conditions apply.