Important Updates
Important Updates
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Stays Termination of Yemen TPS
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Summer 2026 Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Federal District Court Stays Termination of Yemen TPS
May 1, 2026 | United StatesUnited States: Summer 2026 Travel Considerations for Foreign Nationals
April 30, 2026 | Hong Kong SARHong Kong SAR: Earlier Extension Filing Announced
April 30, 2026 | IndonesiaIndonesia: New Password Rule Could Delay Applications if Email Addresses are Invalid or Inaccessible
April 30, 2026 | 🌐Middle East - The Latest News on Mobility and Travel Considerations
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Ben-Lear

Practice Leader

Ben Lear

Ben-Lear
Ben-Lear
  • People

Practice Leader

Ben Lear

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 07 3004 0586

F:+61 07 3004 0508

Fragomen in Brisbane, Australia

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 12/300 Queen St,

Brisbane City QLD 4000

Australia

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Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 07 3004 0586

F:+61 07 3004 0508

Fragomen in Brisbane, Australia

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 12/300 Queen St,

Brisbane City QLD 4000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 07 3004 0586

F:+61 07 3004 0508

Fragomen in Brisbane, Australia

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 12/300 Queen St,

Brisbane City QLD 4000

Australia

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Based in our Brisbane office, Ben is a Practice Leader within Fragomen’s Australia practice. Ben is an experienced solicitor and registered migration agent, with 15 years of experience providing Australian immigration advice and assistance to businesses and private clients. He worked with clients from various industries, including oil and gas, mining, telecommunication and information technology, media, pharmaceuticals, banking and financial services, retail and professional services.

Ben works with some of the world’s largest multinational corporations and other major Australian corporations, small and medium enterprises and start-up companies. He has also assisted individual clients with a broad range of temporary and permanent visa applications.

Education

  • University of New South Wales, Master of International Law and International Relations, 2009
  • University of Queensland, Bachelor of Law, B.A., 2007

More from Ben

Admissions

Court Admissions: Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland; Solicitor, Supreme Court of New South Wales

Awards

Listed in Doyles Guide’s Leading Immigration Lawyers – New South Wales, 2026

Listed in Doyles Guide’s Leading Immigration Lawyers – Queensland, 2021 to 2023, 2025

Professional accomplishments

Member, Queensland Law Society

Member, Migration Institute of Australia

Experience

Assisted large multinational corporations, Australian businesses and overseas businesses with full range of visa applications, including all types of temporary work visas, short term business visas and employer nominated permanent residence matters.

Advised multinational clients on post immigration visa requirements following mergers and acquisitions.

Advised corporate clients on visa and immigration policies, as well as sponsorship and compliance-related matters.

Briefed human resource managers and senior managers on immigration related issues, including compliance obligations.

Assisted individual clients on the full range of Australian visas, including skilled migration, family, student, visitor, resident return visas and citizenship.

Successfully assisted clients to navigate the complex immigration matter on health and character issues for their temporary and permanent visa applications.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Immigration Breakfast Briefing.” Fragomen, Brisbane, Australia, 27 November 2025.

Ben’s insights

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

November 27, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Brisbane Client Breakfast BriefingRead more

February 26, 2025 | Conference

Jasper GM Network BrisbaneRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Ben’s insights

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

November 27, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Brisbane Client Breakfast BriefingRead more

February 26, 2025 | Conference

Jasper GM Network BrisbaneRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Ben’s insights

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

November 27, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Brisbane Client Breakfast BriefingRead more

February 26, 2025 | Conference

Jasper GM Network BrisbaneRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Country / Territory

  • AustraliaAustralia

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 07 3004 0586

F:+61 07 3004 0508

Fragomen in Brisbane, Australia

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 12/300 Queen St,

Brisbane City QLD 4000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Ben’s insights

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

November 27, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Brisbane Client Breakfast BriefingRead more

February 26, 2025 | Conference

Jasper GM Network BrisbaneRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Share

  • Twitter
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  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 07 3004 0586

F:+61 07 3004 0508

Fragomen in Brisbane, Australia

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 12/300 Queen St,

Brisbane City QLD 4000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Ben’s insights

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

November 27, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Brisbane Client Breakfast BriefingRead more

February 26, 2025 | Conference

Jasper GM Network BrisbaneRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+61 07 3004 0586

F:+61 07 3004 0508

Fragomen in Brisbane, Australia

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 12/300 Queen St,

Brisbane City QLD 4000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Ben’s insights

February 18, 2026 | Awards

Doyle’s Guide 2026: Fragomen Leaders Recognized as Leading Immigration LawyersRead more

November 27, 2025 | Seminar

Fragomen Brisbane Client Breakfast BriefingRead more

February 26, 2025 | Conference

Jasper GM Network BrisbaneRead more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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EB-5 I-526E Request For Evidence Trends: Loans and Property Sales

Senior Associate Tracey Kimberly explores the recent increase in RFEs for EB‑5 I‑526E petitions, highlighting heightened USCIS scrutiny of source-of-funds documentation—particularly in cases involving loan-based investments and property sale proceeds.

Learn more

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The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

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Learn more

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Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

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Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

Work authorization

EB-5 I-526E Request For Evidence Trends: Loans and Property Sales

Senior Associate Tracey Kimberly explores the recent increase in RFEs for EB‑5 I‑526E petitions, highlighting heightened USCIS scrutiny of source-of-funds documentation—particularly in cases involving loan-based investments and property sale proceeds.

Learn more

Work authorization

The Nordic Immigration Paradox: Why Digital Efficiency Still Creates Compliance Risk

Director Audrey Morew examines how Nordic immigration systems, while increasingly digital and efficient, can embed compliance risk earlier in the process—placing greater responsibility on employers to ensure data accuracy, internal controls and long‑term compliance from the outset.

Learn more

Work authorization

Canada FIFA World Cup 2026 Visa & Entry Requirements

Partner Rick Lamanna outlines Canada’s entry requirements for the FIFA World Cup 2026, highlighting visa and eTA processes, border expectations and special measures for participants to help travelers prepare for seamless entry during the tournament.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: Relief for Some OPT Applicants in “Immigration Limbo”

Partners Aaron Blumberg and Daniel Pierce discuss how a US pause on processing certain work permit applications including OPT creates uncertainty for international students and employers while early court rulings offer limited case-specific relief.

Learn more

Fragomen news

European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium Report: Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons, Senior Immigration Managers Manuela Birsan and Andreia Ghimis, Senior Manager Wout Van Doren, Associate Pauline Chomel and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm contributed to the European Migration Network (EMN) Belgium report "Labour Migration in Times of Labour Shortages in Belgium."

Learn more

Work authorization

From Investment to EU Residence: Why Italy’s Investor Visa is Gaining Momentum

Manager Pierangelo D'Errico explores how Italy’s Investor Visa is emerging as a strategic alternative to diminishing EU golden visa programmes, offering high‑net‑worth individuals flexible residence rights, deferred investment timing, Schengen access and a structured—though not accelerated—pathway to long‑term EU residence.

Learn more

Media mentions

The New York Times: Have a Canadian Great-Great Grandparent? It Could Make You Canadian.

Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s expanded citizenship by descent rules extending eligibility to potentially millions of people worldwide with only distant ancestral ties.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Features in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026

Fragomen is recognised in Ibec’s Top 100 Companies Leading in Wellbeing Index 2026, highlighting its commitment to employee wellbeing and a supportive workplace culture.

Learn more

Work authorization

The UK Global Talent Visa as a Flexible Residence Option for High-Net-Worth Individuals

Senior Manager Alexander Hood and Senior Associate Lara Hannaway outline how the UK Global Talent visa is increasingly being used by internationally mobile individuals as a flexible UK residence option, examining who the route is designed for, the endorsement process and the sectors currently covered, including the new design route launching in July 2026.

Learn more

Work authorization

Ireland Immigrant Investor Programme: Is the “Golden Visa” Route Now Closed?

Senior Manager Samantha Arnold examines the closure of Ireland’s Immigrant Investor Programme and outlines the limited remaining options for high net worth individuals seeking Irish residence through approved investment and charitable donation routes.

Learn more

Video

May 2026 Visa Bulletin | #MobilityMinute

Partner Melissa Vasquez-Myers highlights key updates from the May 2026 Visa Bulletin, including a pause in employment-based advancement, continued movement in family-based categories and a warning of potential retrogression later this fiscal year.

Learn more

Awards

Citywealth Leaders List: Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 Recognises Four Fragomen Professionals

Partners Parisa Karaahmet, Raquel Liberman and Julia Onslow-Cole and Practice Leader Olga Nechita are recognised in Citywealth’s Top 30 Immigration Advisors 2026 for their leadership in advising high-net-worth individuals and families on global mobility and cross-border planning.

Learn more

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