Other · ANZSCO 271311
Solicitor immigration to Australia & Canada
Solicitors advise clients and prepare legal documents. Recognised for skilled migration; admission assessment applies.
Australia pathway
Skilled migration (189 / 190 / 491)
Admission is assessed by the legal admission authority in the relevant state or territory, which determines what additional Australian legal study you must complete. A positive skills assessment is required before an Expression of Interest. Points cover age, English, education, and experience; state nomination (190) or regional (491) can add points.
Canada pathway
Express Entry & 2026 category draws
2026 category: General draws
Legal practice is not covered by a 2026 category, and it is among the least portable professions across jurisdictions. You will need an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) and qualifying language scores. We help optimise your CRS and prepare a document-ready profile.
Why Solicitor applications most often stall
Common-law training in Pakistan transfers better than civil-law training, but almost every applicant is still required to complete Australian subjects and practical legal training. Plan this as a requalification, not a recognition.
Based on files ImmiPace has reviewed. Last reviewed 2026-08-29.
Solicitor migration — common questions
Is Solicitor eligible for Australian skilled migration?
Solicitor is assessed by State legal admission authority for Australian skilled visas (subclass 189 Skilled Independent, 190 State Nominated, and 491 Regional). Admission is assessed by the legal admission authority in the relevant state or territory, which determines what additional Australian legal study you must complete. Occupation lists and state nomination criteria change, so always confirm current eligibility with the Department of Home Affairs and the relevant assessing authority.
Which Canada Express Entry category does a Solicitor fall under in 2026?
Solicitor generally falls under General draws. Legal practice is not covered by a 2026 category, and it is among the least portable professions across jurisdictions. For renewed categories IRCC requires at least one year of experience in an eligible occupation. Category eligibility can matter more than raising your CRS score, because category rounds frequently invite below the general cut-off.
Do I need registration or a licence to work as a Solicitor in Australia?
Practising requires admission to the Supreme Court of a state or territory and a current practising certificate. Registration and the migration skills assessment are separate processes with separate requirements, and passing one does not satisfy the other.
Why do Solicitor skilled migration applications get refused or delayed?
Common-law training in Pakistan transfers better than civil-law training, but almost every applicant is still required to complete Australian subjects and practical legal training. Plan this as a requalification, not a recognition.
What documents does a Solicitor need for a skills assessment?
Typically: degree certificates and transcripts, detailed employment reference letters matching the duties of the nominated occupation, CV, English test results, and identity documents. ImmiPace reviews your documents and prepares a submission-ready file.