Maria Jockel

Maria is the leader of the firm’s National Immigration Law Group. She is an accredited Immigration Law Specialist and a registered Migration Agent.

Acknowledged as one of Australia’s leading Immigration Law Specialists, Maria brings a unique depth and breadth of immigration law experience from her years in private and government service.

Regarded as an authority on immigration law, Maria is listed in “The International Who’s Who of Corporate Immigration Lawyers” (2010 - 2019) and has been recognised in the peer reviewed “Best Lawyers” for eleven consecutive years (2008-2019).

Maria is a sought after speaker and lecturer and a prolific author on all aspects of immigration and citizenship law including employer based immigration, business skills, health and character issues, monitoring and enforcement.

Maria’s publications include “Australia’s Migration Programme – An unprecedented commitment to managing Australia’s borders” – Who’s Who Legal 2019, “Australia’s Migration Programme: A New Epoch in Protecting and Managing Australia’s Borders” – Who’s Who Legal 2018, “Australia’s Migration Programme: An Increasingly Restrictive and Dynamic Landscape” – Who’s Who Legal 2017, Corporate Immigration – Financier Worldwide 2017, “Australia’s Migration Programme: A Commitment to Strengthen Australia’s Borders” – Who’s Who Legal 2016, “Australia’s Migration Programme: A Guide to an Ever-Changing Landscape” – Who’s Who Legal 2015, Corporate Immigration Annual Review – Financier Worldwide 2013, Global Mobility – Law Quest 2013, Getting the deal through, Corporate Immigration – Law Business Research Ltd 2012, Immigration Law Client strategies in the Asia Pacific – Aspatore Books 2009, 457 Visa Law Addressing Australia’s Skilled Labour Shortage – Thomson Reuters 2008 and 457 Visas, skill shortages and worker protection, People and Place, Vol 17 – Monash University.

Most recently, Maria spoke at the International Bar Association (IBA) 8th Biannual Global Immigration Conference in November 2017 in London.

Maria's practice includes all aspects of immigration law, including: employer nomination temporary/permanent residency applications; business skills migration; complex matters involving health and character issues; Federal Court applications; skilled migration; review applications at the Administrative Appeals Tribunal/Migration Review Division; citizenship; ministerial submissions; international education; the Educational Services of Overseas Students Act and the National Code; labour agreements; and regulatory compliance and due diligence and related advices.

Maria heads a team of lawyers dedicated to providing strategic, expert and practical advice and business solutions in all aspects of visa and migration-related requirements.

As a leader in her field, Maria offers strategic and practical solutions based on her expertise and knowledge of immigration law and policy, government and business.

Maria is a trusted adviser for international and Australian corporations, bringing skilled personnel to Australia to meet labour force needs. Maria also advises international education providers on the requirements for the National Code and regulatory compliance relevant to education of overseas students. She represents business, skilled and family migrants advising in all aspects of temporary and permanent residency and migration-related matters.