Visa applicants across Australia have been urged to check their migration files urgently after Gold Migration Lawyers, a Melbourne-based migration law firm, went into liquidation.
According to ABC News, customers who had paid Gold Migration Lawyers thousands of dollars for visa applications and legal representation have been left worried about the status of their cases after the firm emailed clients saying it could no longer act for them.
ASIC’s published insolvency notice also lists Gold Migration Pty Ltd, formerly trading as Gold Migration Lawyers, as “In Liquidation”, with the notice published on 1 June 2026.
Clients Told to Find New Representation
ABC reported that Gold Migration Lawyers emailed customers late last Friday, telling them the firm was no longer able to act on their matters and that they should urgently engage another legal representative or registered migration agent.
The news has caused major concern among affected clients, especially those with ongoing partner visa applications, protection visa matters, work visas, refusals and Administrative Review Tribunal matters.
Some clients told ABC they had paid significant amounts of money for migration services. One partner visa applicant reportedly paid $7,700, while another customer said his family paid about $20,000 for protection visa matters.
Visa Applications Are Not Automatically Cancelled
It is important for affected applicants to understand that a migration firm going into liquidation does not automatically cancel a visa application if it has already been lodged.
However, the major risk is missing important communication from the Department of Home Affairs or the Administrative Review Tribunal, especially if emails, letters or requests for information were previously being sent to the former legal representative.
This may include:
- requests for further documents
- procedural fairness letters
- hearing notices
- tribunal deadlines
- visa decision letters
- requests to update relationship or identity evidence
Missing a deadline in a visa matter can have serious consequences, including refusal, cancellation or dismissal of a review.
What Affected Visa Applicants Should Do Now
Former clients of Gold Migration Lawyers should act quickly and take practical steps to protect their migration matters.
Affected applicants should:
- Check their ImmiAccount
Try to access or link the visa application to your own ImmiAccount. - Confirm your application status
Check whether your application, appeal or tribunal review is still active. - Update contact details
Make sure Home Affairs or ART has your current email, phone number and address. - Check all deadlines
Look for requests for information, hearing dates, response deadlines or pending notices. - Gather your documents
Collect receipts, invoices, application acknowledgement letters, visa documents, emails and any correspondence from Gold Migration Lawyers. - Seek professional advice
Consider speaking with a registered migration agent or immigration lawyer, especially if you have an upcoming deadline or tribunal matter.
Why This Matters for Migrant Families
For many migrant families, a visa application is not just paperwork. It can affect family unity, employment, study, safety and long-term settlement in Australia.
The liquidation of a migration law firm can create confusion and stress for applicants who may not know whether documents were submitted, whether deadlines are pending, or whether Home Affairs has the correct contact details.
This is especially important for people dealing with complex matters such as protection visas, partner visas, refusal appeals or tribunal reviews.
Public Awareness Message
Anyone who used Gold Migration Lawyers should not wait for someone else to contact them. The safest step is to check the file directly, confirm the status of the matter, and make sure no urgent deadline is being missed.
Families, students and community members are encouraged to share this information with anyone who may have used Gold Migration Lawyers.
Disclaimer
This article is for public awareness only and does not constitute legal or migration advice. Visa applicants should contact the Department of Home Affairs, the Administrative Review Tribunal, a registered migration agent or an immigration lawyer for advice specific to their personal situation.