Photo of Chris Spentzaris

Partner

Chris Spentzaris

Photo of Chris Spentzaris
Photo of Chris Spentzaris
  • People

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

Media mentions

SHRM: Why ‘Hush Trips’ Can Pose Big Risks for Employers and Workers

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons explains the immigration, social security, insurance, employment law and tax risks that undisclosed international remote work can create for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Earned Settlement: When Immigration Status Becomes an Incentive for Growth and Compliance

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what the framework could mean for employers, including potential impacts on sponsorship costs, retention planning, employee communications and support for internationally mobile workers and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

What the 2026 Midterm Election Results Mean for U.S. Business Immigration and Employers

In a new blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh examines what the election results could mean for employers and where businesses should focus now, from immigration compliance and workforce planning to state response procedures and preparation for increased scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: UK to Increase HPI Visa Cap and Expand Eligibility to 150 Universities

Manager Russell Hodges discusses how the HPI visa expansion could help UK employers attract global talent.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Expands Asia Pacific Presence with New Vietnam Offices

Fragomen has opened new offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, expanding its presence and immigration capabilities across Asia Pacific.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Global Mobility Risk Can No Longer Be an HR Afterthought

Partner Jack Kim discusses how organizations can take a more strategic approach to global mobility through actionable intelligence, proactive workforce planning and preparation for geopolitical disruptions.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

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

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

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

SHRM: Why ‘Hush Trips’ Can Pose Big Risks for Employers and Workers

Senior Counsel Jo Antoons explains the immigration, social security, insurance, employment law and tax risks that undisclosed international remote work can create for employers.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Earned Settlement: When Immigration Status Becomes an Incentive for Growth and Compliance

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what the framework could mean for employers, including potential impacts on sponsorship costs, retention planning, employee communications and support for internationally mobile workers and their families.

Learn more

Blog post

What the 2026 Midterm Election Results Mean for U.S. Business Immigration and Employers

In a new blog, Partner K. Edward Raleigh examines what the election results could mean for employers and where businesses should focus now, from immigration compliance and workforce planning to state response procedures and preparation for increased scrutiny.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: UK to Increase HPI Visa Cap and Expand Eligibility to 150 Universities

Manager Russell Hodges discusses how the HPI visa expansion could help UK employers attract global talent.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Expands Asia Pacific Presence with New Vietnam Offices

Fragomen has opened new offices in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, expanding its presence and immigration capabilities across Asia Pacific.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Director: Global Mobility Risk Can No Longer Be an HR Afterthought

Partner Jack Kim discusses how organizations can take a more strategic approach to global mobility through actionable intelligence, proactive workforce planning and preparation for geopolitical disruptions.

Learn more

Blog post

UK Budget 2026: What the Government’s Immigration Plans Mean for Employers

In a new blog, UK Government Affairs Strategy Director Shuyeb Muquit examines what this direction could mean for employers, including why access to international talent may increasingly be considered alongside investment, productivity, innovation, regional growth and long-term workforce development.

Learn more

Video

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

Dziennik Gazeta Prawna: Nielegalne zatrudnienie cudzoziemca? Pracodawca może stracić więcej niż pieniądze

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
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November 5, 2026 | BelgiumSHRM: Why ‘Hush Trips’ Can Pose Big Risks for Employers and Workers
November 4, 2026 | 🌐Minimum Salary Changes Announced
November 3, 2026 | BrazilBrazil: New Work Authorization Pathway for Foreign Nationals Supporting Megaevents
November 3, 2026 | IrelandIreland: Employment Permits Portal Offline Following Unauthorized Activity
November 3, 2026 | ItalyItaly: Job Offers for EU Blue Card Applications in Milan Require Specific Digital Signature
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