If you're reading this, you may have recently received news that Gold Migration Lawyers has entered into liquidation as of 1 June 2026. We know this is an incredibly stressful situation — many of you are in the middle of active visa applications, some have been waiting for outcomes for months or even years, and now you've been left uncertain about where things stand.
This post is here to give you clear, practical guidance on your immediate options. You are not without a path forward.
First: Your Application Is Still Alive
One of the most important things to understand is that your visa application did not disappear when Gold Migration Lawyers stopped operating. Applications lodged with the Department of Home Affairs continue to be processed regardless of whether you have legal representation. The Department does not cancel applications simply because a firm has closed.
However, you will need to act — because right now, the Department may still have Gold Migration Lawyers listed as your authorised representative. Until that changes, correspondence about your application may go unanswered or nowhere, and you may miss critical requests for information (known as Requests for Further Information, or RFIs).
Step 1: Regain Access to Your Application via an ImmiAccount
The first thing to do is make sure you have access to your own ImmiAccount — the online portal where your application lives. If you lodged through Gold Migration, it's possible the account was set up under their organisational account rather than yours.
Visit immi.homeaffairs.gov.au and create or log in to your own ImmiAccount. You should be able to link your existing application to your account. If you have trouble, call the Department of Home Affairs directly on 131 881.
Step 2: Remove Gold Migration as Your Representative
Once you have access to your application, you (or your new representative) will need to lodge Form 956 — the form that removes an authorised recipient or migration agent from your application and adds a new person as your representative. This is essential so that the Department can communicate directly with you or with whoever you appoint next.
You can download Form 956 from the Department of Home Affairs website.
Step 3: Decide on Your Next Steps
You now have two main paths:
Option A — Represent yourself
If your application is relatively straightforward, it is entirely possible to manage it yourself. Once Form 956 is processed, the Department will communicate directly with you. You will need to:
- Understand where your application is in the process
- Respond to any outstanding RFIs
- Provide any documents the Department has requested or is likely to request
The Department's website has guidance for applicants managing their own cases. This is a legitimate and commonly chosen path.
Option B — Engage a new migration lawyer or registered migration agent
If your matter is complex — a Partner visa, a protection visa, an appeal, or an application with complications — we strongly recommend engaging a qualified professional. A new representative can review exactly where your application stands, identify anything that needs urgent attention, and take over the conduct of your matter.
When engaging a new firm, ask them upfront:
- Whether they are an admitted Australian lawyer or a Registered Migration Agent (MARN)
- What their fee structure is, in writing, before you sign anything
- What specific steps will they take on your file immediately
- How their team has expertise in the matter that you require
How Rocket & Ash Immigration Law Can Help
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we are an Australian law firm practising exclusively in immigration law. We understand what it takes to step into the middle of an active matter, assess its status quickly, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
If you are a former Gold Migration Lawyers client and would like us to review your application, we are happy to offer an initial discussion. We will be upfront with you about your situation, what needs to happen next, and what it will cost — before you commit to anything.
About Rocket & Ash Immigration Law
At Rocket & Ash Immigration Law, we specialise in helping partners, graduates, and professionals navigate the complexities of Australian immigration law. Our expertise in visa applications ensures that you receive tailored advice and support throughout your immigration journey.
If you require assistance with your Subclass 309 partner visa application or have any other immigration-related queries, our experienced team can help.
Please book a free 15-minute discussion with our team if you have further questions.
Written by Ines Jusufspahic, Principal Solicitor, LPN: 5511366
This article does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. For up-to-date information, please consult an immigration professional.