Migration 

The Legal Services Commission offers a free legal advice and representation service to people seeking protection in Australia.

We can provide advice to any person living in South Australia to:

• find out if they are eligible for a Protection Visa or another more suitable visa;
• understand the application process and the implications of a Protection Visa refusal;
• be informed as to the 'split family' humanitarian or family stream visa options for recent humanitarian arrivals;
• understand their options regarding temporary protection visas, safe haven enterprise visas and resolution of status visas (for more about these visas please refer to Information for TPV, SHEV and RoS visa holders (PDF, 200 KB);
• respond to visa cancellations, or refusals, based upon a failure of the character test; and
• understand the citizenship application process (but we cannot assist with the completion of the application form which remains the responsibility of the applicant).

Where there are reasonable prospects of success, we can also assist with:

• completing and lodging a Protection Visa application; and
• subject to our means test, representing people who are challenging a Protection Visa refusal at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the Federal Court and the High Court.

Where domestic or family violence is involved, we can also provide advice and representation for onshore partner or other visa holders.

For free legal advice and to make an appointment, please telephone the Free Legal Helpline on 1300 366 424.

Interpreters can be arranged for those who need them, and should be requested at the time of booking an appointment. 

Please note: Our service does not extend to assistance with all visa types. For example, we generally do not assist applicants for student, business or skilled visas and will recommend that you see a migration agent.

Last updated: 4 July 2024