Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Chris Spentzaris

Photo of Chris Spentzaris
Photo of Chris Spentzaris
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Partner

Chris Spentzaris

Countries / Territories

  • AustraliaAustralia
  • New ZealandNew Zealand

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Greek

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

F:+ 61 3 9613 9300

Melbourne

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 19, 500 Collins St

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Greek

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

F:+ 61 3 9613 9300

Melbourne

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 19, 500 Collins St

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Greek

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

F:+ 61 3 9613 9300

Melbourne

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 19, 500 Collins St

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin
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With more than 30 years of dedicated immigration law experience, Chris co-leads Fragomen’s Asia Pacific Compliance and Advisory, Compliance and Government Relations practice. In tandem, he also leads Australia’s Private Client practice and is actively involved in spearheading the firm’s WorkRight technology, Fragomen’s global solution to simplify the process of verifying an employee’s right to work.

Serving clients in major industries at the backbone of the Australian economy, including education, technology, finance and healthcare, Chris intimately understands the needs of Australian businesses and how the country’s immigration system can support these needs. Chris is particularly adept at solving complex issues, so clients rely on him to handle their most challenging cases requiring creative immigration pathways and solutions.

Chris frequently advises boards of companies on governance and compliance matters, assisting them in navigating their obligations, identifying risks within their immigration programs and evaluating existing processes and systems for any gaps to ensure compliance. He also advises on labor shortages, workforce planning, business recruitment practices, the extent of global competition in attracting and retaining skills and global talent, and the use of ANZSCO occupation classifications in dictating Skilled Occupation Lists.

Currently the Deputy Chair of the Migration Law Committee of the Law Council of Australia and a committee member of the Migration Law Committee of the Law Institute of Victoria, Chris has a long history of working with the government to contribute to major policy developments, discussions and decisions. His invaluable network—particularly his longstanding relationships with the Department of Home Affairs and government agencies—allows him to work collaboratively with his clients as their trusted strategic partner while simultaneously impacting policy change for the benefit of Australia’s migration programs.

Chris is dedicated to volunteering with Justice Connect, an independent, not-for-profit organization with offices in Melbourne and Sydney that is committed to expanding access to justice by providing pro bono legal services to people experiencing disadvantage and the community organizations that support them. It does so by matching organizations and individuals who are ineligible for legal aid or cannot afford a lawyer with lawyers and barristers willing to act on a pro bono basis.

Chris speaks English and Greek.

Currently the Deputy Chair of the Migration Law Committee of the Law Council of Australia and a committee member of the Migration Law Committee of the Law Institute of Victoria, Chris has a long history of working with the government to contribute to major policy developments, discussions and decisions. His invaluable network—particularly his longstanding relationships with the Department of Home Affairs and government agencies—allows him to work collaboratively with his clients as their trusted strategic partner while simultaneously impacting policy change for the benefit of Australia’s migration programs.

Chris is dedicated to volunteering with Justice Connect, an independent, not-for-profit organization with offices in Melbourne and Sydney that is committed to expanding access to justice by providing pro bono legal services to people experiencing disadvantage and the community organizations that support them. It does so by matching organizations and individuals who are ineligible for legal aid or cannot afford a lawyer with lawyers and barristers willing to act on a pro bono basis.

Chris speaks English and Greek.

Education

  • La Trobe University, LL.B. (Hons.), 1999
  • La Trobe University, Bachelor of Legal Studies, 1993

More from Chris

Admissions

Immigration Credentials: Accredited Specialist – Immigration Law, Law Institute of Victoria

Court Admissions: Barrister and Solicitor, Supreme Court of Victoria, Barrister and Solicitor, High Court of Australia

Awards

Listed in Best Lawyers in Australia, Immigration Law, 2018 to 2027

Professional accomplishments

Deputy Chair, Migration Law Committee of the Law Council of Australia 

Chair, Skilled Working Group, Migration Law Committee, Law Institute of Victoria

Committee Member, Executive Committee of the Administrative Law and Human Rights sections of the Law Institute of Victoria

Fellow Member, Migration Institute of Australia

Member, Law Institute of Victoria

Member, Law Council of Australia

Experience

Assisted corporations to manage compliance with business sponsorship obligations and Labor Agreements.

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

Advised corporations and individuals on complex technical issues regarding immigration visa eligibility, policies and related planning.

Assisted individuals in relation to the full range of Australian visas, including skills migration, family migration, distinguished talent, and business skills visas as well as citizenship matters.

Represented clients before the Migration Review Tribunal, the Administrative Appeal Tribunal, and the Federal and High Courts of Australia.

Acted in a number of Federal Court cases, including two important cases involving appeals regarding decisions relating to applicants with a disability or who are permanently incapacitated.

Publications and lectures

Speaker, “Post-Election Immigration Outlook: What’s Next and How to Prepare.” Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025, Docklands, Australia, 7 May 2025.

Chair, “Compliance, Self-Incrimination and the Migrant Worker.” 2025 Law Council of Australia Immigration Law Conference, Canberra, Australia, 21 March 2025.

Co-chair, “Employer Sponsored / Labour Agreement.” 2025 Law Council of Australia Immigration Law Conference, Canberra, Australia, 20 March 2025.

Co-author, "Citizenship, Former Residents and Resident Return Visas." Lexis Nexis Practical Guidance Immigration Law Module, 2014. Web

Chris’s insights

September 15, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | Skilled Visa Processing Times: Latest Developments and InsightsRead more

May 7, 2026 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2026Read more

April 14, 2026 | Awards

Four Fragomen Attorneys Recognised by The Best Lawyers™ in AustraliaRead more
More related insights

Chris’s insights

September 15, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | Skilled Visa Processing Times: Latest Developments and InsightsRead more

May 7, 2026 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2026Read more

April 14, 2026 | Awards

Four Fragomen Attorneys Recognised by The Best Lawyers™ in AustraliaRead more
More related insights

Chris’s insights

September 15, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | Skilled Visa Processing Times: Latest Developments and InsightsRead more

May 7, 2026 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2026Read more

April 14, 2026 | Awards

Four Fragomen Attorneys Recognised by The Best Lawyers™ in AustraliaRead more
More related insights

Countries / Territories

  • AustraliaAustralia
  • New ZealandNew Zealand

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Greek

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

F:+ 61 3 9613 9300

Melbourne

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 19, 500 Collins St

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Chris’s insights

September 15, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | Skilled Visa Processing Times: Latest Developments and InsightsRead more

May 7, 2026 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2026Read more

April 14, 2026 | Awards

Four Fragomen Attorneys Recognised by The Best Lawyers™ in AustraliaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Greek

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

F:+ 61 3 9613 9300

Melbourne

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 19, 500 Collins St

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Chris’s insights

September 15, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | Skilled Visa Processing Times: Latest Developments and InsightsRead more

May 7, 2026 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2026Read more

April 14, 2026 | Awards

Four Fragomen Attorneys Recognised by The Best Lawyers™ in AustraliaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Get in touch

Languages

  • English
  • Greek

Contact information

Email

[email protected]

T:+ 61 3 9613 9301

F:+ 61 3 9613 9300

Melbourne

Fragomen (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Level 19, 500 Collins St

Melbourne VIC 3000

Australia

Connect via Linkedin

Chris’s insights

September 15, 2026 | Webinar

Fragomen Webcast | Skilled Visa Processing Times: Latest Developments and InsightsRead more

May 7, 2026 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2026Read more

April 14, 2026 | Awards

Four Fragomen Attorneys Recognised by The Best Lawyers™ in AustraliaRead more
More related insights

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

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The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

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UAE – Demographic Diversity Requirements | #MobilityMinute

The UAE’s demographic diversity requirements are designed to encourage a more diverse workforce among companies operating in the mainland jurisdiction. In this Mobility Minute, Manager Devika Thamattat explains the requirements, potential consequences of noncompliance and steps employers can take to help maintain the required nationality balance.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers

Partner K. Edward Raleigh explains how proposed changes to the H-1B salary exemption threshold could affect US employers’ hiring practices and why enactment this year remains unlikely.

Learn more

Video

Family Reunification in Germany: Who Qualifies and How Does It Work?

In this video, Fragomen Senior Manager Katharina Vorländer explains who may qualify for family reunification in Germany, the requirements that may apply, employment and education rights for accompanying family members and important considerations when preparing an application.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how digitalization is transforming immigration procedures in Poland and how law firms can adapt to evolving client expectations.

Learn more

Blog post

Who Qualifies for Costa Rica Permanent Residence?

Immigration Supervisor Michael Salas Guzman explains who may qualify for permanent residence in Costa Rica, the key benefits of permanent status and important considerations for foreign nationals planning to live and work in the country long term.

Learn more

Media mentions

BioSpace: As H-1B Visa Changes Keep Coming, Biopharmas Adjust Hiring Approach

Partner Audrea Golding discusses how H-1B visa changes, including the $100,000 fee and weighted selection process, are affecting biopharma hiring and access to global talent.

Learn more
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Senior Counsel Jo Antoons and Immigration Supervisor Elisabeth Kamm outline Fragomen Consulting Europe’s recommendations for EU Visa Code reform, including more consistent business travel rules, improved visa appointment access, greater transparency and a potential Schengen-wide trusted-employer framework.

Learn more

Blog post

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In a new blog, Manager Sophie Jo Wasson and Country Manager María Inés Menvielle explore what is known so far, the potential mobility benefits of Argentine citizenship and what prospective applicants should consider as implementation develops.

Learn more

Media mentions

Conexão Ásia: Além da China, profissionais das Filipinas, Índia, Japão e Bangladesh se destacam na imigração laboral asiática para o Brasil

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines how immigration trends reveal the diverse economic ties between Brazil and Asia and the role of international mobility in supporting business growth.

Learn more

Media mentions

AILA Law Journal: Administrative Proxies in Immigration Adjudication

Partner David Grunblatt examines how USCIS uses administrative proxies in immigration adjudication and explains why these tools must support, rather than replace, statutory standards and individualized legal analysis.

Learn more

Blog post

International Talent in the Netherlands: Building a Talent Pipeline Without Losing Sight of Compliance

Manager Cherida Hooijer and Immigration Assistant Manager Kaatje Droesbeke examine how employers in the Netherlands can build an international student-to-graduate talent pipeline while managing the immigration and employment compliance requirements that apply at each stage.

Learn more

Video

Moving to Costa Rica? Visa and Residency Options Explained

Senior Immigration Program Manager Ana Carro explains Costa Rica's immigration pathways for digital nomads, retirees, individuals with stable income and investors, highlighting key eligibility requirements and considerations for choosing the appropriate option.

Learn more
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Important Updates
Important Updates
October 28, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Additional Permission to Study and Second Work Location Applications Moving Online
October 29, 2026 | CanadaCanada: New Penalties for Unauthorized or Fraudulent Immigration and Citizenship Services
October 29, 2026 | PolandPoland: Notarial Service Fee Increase
October 28, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Temporary Measures for Haitian and Sudanese Nationals Updated
October 28, 2026 | United StatesGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers
October 28, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Additional Permission to Study and Second Work Location Applications Moving Online
October 29, 2026 | CanadaCanada: New Penalties for Unauthorized or Fraudulent Immigration and Citizenship Services
October 29, 2026 | PolandPoland: Notarial Service Fee Increase
October 28, 2026 | CanadaCanada: Temporary Measures for Haitian and Sudanese Nationals Updated
October 28, 2026 | United StatesGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Proposed H-1B Changes Could Increase Hiring Costs for Visa-Dependent Employers
October 28, 2026 | MalaysiaMalaysia: Additional Permission to Study and Second Work Location Applications Moving Online
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