Important Updates
Important Updates
September 2, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Business Investor Visa Introduced, Entrepreneur Work Visa Closed
September 2, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director
September 2, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Widespread Protests May Affect Mobility and Immigration Processing
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: More Nationals Eligible for Visa Exemption; Expanded Rights Under Exemption
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Policies Relaxed for Transiting Travelers
September 2, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Business Investor Visa Introduced, Entrepreneur Work Visa Closed
September 2, 2025 | United StatesFragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director
September 2, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Widespread Protests May Affect Mobility and Immigration Processing
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: More Nationals Eligible for Visa Exemption; Expanded Rights Under Exemption
September 2, 2025 | ChinaMainland China: Policies Relaxed for Transiting Travelers
September 2, 2025 | New ZealandNew Zealand: New Business Investor Visa Introduced, Entrepreneur Work Visa Closed
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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

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  • English
  • Greek

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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

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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 2026

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

May 16, 2025 | Blog post

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship EvidenceRead more

May 7, 2025 | Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian VisasRead more

May 7, 2025 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025Read more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Chris’s insights

May 16, 2025 | Blog post

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship EvidenceRead more

May 7, 2025 | Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian VisasRead more

May 7, 2025 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025Read more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

Chris’s insights

May 16, 2025 | Blog post

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship EvidenceRead more

May 7, 2025 | Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian VisasRead more

May 7, 2025 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025Read more
More related insights

Related content

Australian Immigration: New Skills in Demand VisaRead more

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

May 16, 2025 | Blog post

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship EvidenceRead more

May 7, 2025 | Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian VisasRead more

May 7, 2025 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025Read 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
  • 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

May 16, 2025 | Blog post

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship EvidenceRead more

May 7, 2025 | Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian VisasRead more

May 7, 2025 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025Read 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
  • 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

May 16, 2025 | Blog post

Partner Visa Challenges in Australia: What You Need to Know About Relationship EvidenceRead more

May 7, 2025 | Blog post

Understanding Compliance with PIC 4020: Meeting the Character Criteria for Australian VisasRead more

May 7, 2025 | Conference

Global Mobility Forum Melbourne 2025Read 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

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Center for Strategy and Applied Insights Names Leah Rogal Senior Director

Fragomen announces the appointment of Leah Rogal as Senior Director of its Center for Strategy and Applied Insights.

Learn more

Blog post

Exploring Self-Sponsored Visa Pathways in the UAE

Manager Olga Astapova outlines options for individuals to obtain residency without employer sponsorship, highlighting legal routes and strategic considerations.

Learn more

Video

Ireland 2025 Submission Period Opens for Consultation on Occupation Lists | #MobilityMinute

Senior Manager Fatima Aydin discusses Ireland's 2025 public consultation on the occupations lists, and how stakeholders such as employers can provide input.

Learn more

Blog post

Swiss Immigration Quotas 2025: Mid-Year Update

Manager Mihaela Dumitru outlines Switzerland's evolving immigration policies and quota adjustments for 2025.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

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