Verified via ASIC Notice: ASIC Published Notice Details
Gold Migration Lawyers is officially in liquidation as of 1 June 2026 according to ASIC’s published notice records, with Ian Graham Grant appointed as liquidator and Louise Gehrig of Piper Alderman as the independent manager responsible to manage enquiries.
Former clients have been left unsure about the status of their visa applications, including whether documents were submitted, how to access their application, and what deadlines may still be running.
If Gold Migration was acting for you, the most important thing is this:
Do not wait. Your visa matter may still be active, and your deadlines may still be running.
Here is what to do now.
1. Check whether your visa application was actually lodged
First, confirm whether your application exists in the Department of Home Affairs system.
A draft is not the same as a lodged application.
An invoice is not proof that work was completed.
What You Need to Do Right Now
You’ll find that you’re unable to directly import Partner visa applications into your own ImmiAccount, even if you have the application details. In this case, you’ll need to contact ImmiAccount tech support to request for them to do it for you.
Here’s how. This method will take a few days to be actioned. It may take longer if the Tech Support team becomes overwhelmed with requests resulting from the fallout of recent events.
STEP 1: Transfer application to your own ImmiAccount
- Set up an ImmiAccount if you don’t already have one. Remember the email address you used as your login.
- Go to the ImmiAccount tech support webpage
- Agree to the privacy and security statements.
- Select the following answers in the questions:
“Are you having issues accessing your ImmiAccount” – No
“Does your enquiry relate to your visa or citizenship options?” – No
“Does your enquiry relate to the status of your visa (including bridging visa), citizenship application or APEC Business Travel Card (ABTC) application?” – No
“Does your enquiry relate to Organisation ImmiAccount access?” – No
“Does your enquiry relate to Detention Visit applications?” – No
“Is the applicant in Australia?” – Answer yes or no as per your personal circumstances
“Type of account” – Individual
“Does your enquiry relate to an online application?” – Yes
“Enquiry/Issue – select the relevant option below” – Unable to import application
- In the type box, write to say that your agent/lawyer has terminated their representation of you, and that you are looking import your application into your own ImmiAccount. Give your personal ID details, including full name (as used in the application), date of birth, nationality, passport number/issue date/end date.
- In the attachments section, attach your passport, and a copy of the form 956 termination that your agent/lawyer has given you. If your agent/lawyer did not provide this for you, you can go ahead without it.
- In the Personal Details section, fill in your personal information. In the email address section, MAKE SURE YOU USE THE EMAIL ADDRESS THAT IS LINKED TO YOUR IMMIACCOUNT.
- Click on Submit.
STEP 2: Get a copy of the application and documents submitted via an FOI Request.
The other problem you’ll face is that, even after importing the application, you won’t be able to see the exact contents of the documents that have been uploaded to your application. You’ll be able to see the file names, but you won’t be able to download a copy of it.
The best solution is to submit an FOI request so that you’re 100% clear on what’s been provided on your behalf: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/access-and-accountability/freedom-of-information/personal-access-requests/how-to-request-access-to-personal-information
Note that you’ll need to be very specific in the FOI request and not request more than exactly what you need (i.e. just copies of documents provided with your application), otherwise it will be easy for the Department to decline your request on grounds of you not owning the information.
2. Find out who is receiving Home Affairs or Tribunal emails
This is urgent.
If Gold Migration was listed as your authorised recipient, important emails may have gone to them instead of you.
That could include:
- requests for further information
- health check requests
- police check requests
- biometrics requests
- natural justice letters
- refusal notices
- visa cancellation notices
- Tribunal hearing notices
- submission deadlines
What You Need to Do Right Now
Contact the Department of Immigration that email correspondence should go to their personal email. The easiest way to do this is through ImmiAccount after you have imported the application. You can go into your application and use the “Update Details” link.
3. Contact them/liquidator for all documents lodged and remaining funds in trust account
What You Need to Do Right Now
To protect yourself, you should email the Independent Manager appointed by the Victorian Legal Services Board (VLSBC). LSBC says the independent manager’s role is to manage the practice, help clients and affected stakeholders, assess client files, and prioritise the most urgent matters. Doing this ensures there is a clear paper trail of your case and your funds with both the corporate liquidator and the legal regulators.
The independent manager is Louise Gehrig of Piper Alderman.
The VLSBC has published these contact details for Gold Migration Lawyers matters:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 0429 936 263
When contacting the independent manager, include:
- your full name
- your contact details
- your visa subclass
- your application or proceeding number, if known
- any known deadline or hearing date
- whether your matter is urgent
- whether you paid money into trust
- what documents or file copies you need
The regulator specifically says it is helpful to provide timing of your application or hearing, your full name and contact details, your application or proceeding number, and key dates such as deadlines or hearing dates.
How Skylark Migration can help
Don’t panic and let another agency charge you for what you don’t need. Here at Skylark MIgration, we are happy to help former Gold Migration client to work out where your matter stands without charge.
Once you finish steps 1 and 2, email us at [email protected] for a free assessment and advice on your situation. We do not want to charge people for work they do not need and likely you won’t actually need anything further if your application is pending.
Former Gold Migration client? Contact us for a free assessment of your situation
How Skylark protects our clients
The Gold Migration situation has left many visa applicants asking a fair question:
How do I know this will not happen to me?
Here is how we protect clients at Skylark Migration.
1. Client money is kept in trust
Client money is kept in trust and only drawn once the relevant stage of work is complete.
Our work is split into stages. We only issue an invoice and withdraw funds when that stage has been completed.
2. Clients can see their file
We use a live Dropbox folder so clients can see what documents have been provided, what has been prepared, and what is still outstanding.
Before lodgement, clients receive a copy of the final application.
You should never be completely in the dark about your own visa file.
3. Clients receive regular updates
We provide updates throughout the process, including after lodgement.
For pending applications, we provide post-lodgement updates every quarter so clients know the status of their matter.
4. We refund incomplete work where appropriate
Life changes.
Relationships break down. Sponsors withdraw. Circumstances shift.
Where work is incomplete and the matter cannot proceed, we refund the incomplete portion at the first instance.
5. We actively monitor client experience
We are protective of our clients’ experience.
We conduct customer surveys every week to find out what is working, what is unclear, and where we can improve.
We are proud of our 4.9 Google rating with 278+ reviews, but we know trust is not something you claim once. It is something you keep earning.
Final takeaway
If Gold Migration was acting for you, your matter may still be active.
Before you panic, go through the 3 steps mentioned above.
If you are unsure where your matter stands, contact us to request a free assessment of your situation.
Former Gold Migration client? Contact us for a free assessment of your situation