Important Updates
Important Updates
September 22, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Work Permit Processing Delays due to System Outage
September 23, 2025 | United KingdomCNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa
September 22, 2025 | Japan, United States2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報
September 22, 2025 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę
September 22, 2025 | GermanyHuman Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft
September 22, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Work Permit Processing Delays due to System Outage
September 23, 2025 | United KingdomCNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa
September 22, 2025 | Japan, United States2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報
September 22, 2025 | PolandGazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę
September 22, 2025 | GermanyHuman Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft
September 22, 2025 | IndonesiaIndonesia: Work Permit Processing Delays due to System Outage
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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

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 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

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CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

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Learn more

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2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

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Gazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft

Partner Marius Tollenaere examines Germany’s immigration administration and strategies to support skilled labor.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of UK Residency and Citizenship: Longer Waits, Tougher Rules?

Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Learn more

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Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Featured in Financial Times Spotlight on 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Ally in Action Award from Oasis Legal Services

Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.

Learn more

Video

Summer 2025 Highlights | #FragomenFC - Ep. 11

Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: US Visa Changes “Further Widening Global Equity Gap”

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.

Learn more

Media mentions

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Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Impact on UK Aviation Roles

Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Fragomen news

2025年9月22日 アメリカ移民法速報Learn more

Media mentions

Gazeta Prawna: Nowe przepisy o zatrudnianiu cudzoziemców 2025. Spada liczba zezwoleń na pracę

Partner Karolina Schiffter discusses how new regulations have led Polish companies to adjust their use of work permits.

Learn more

Media mentions

Human Resources Manager: Flucht und Arbeitsmigration: (noch) ein Dickicht in der Behördenlandschaft

Partner Marius Tollenaere examines Germany’s immigration administration and strategies to support skilled labor.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Associated Press: What to Know About the H-1B Visa Trump Has Targeted With $100,000 Fees, Generating Confusion, Fear

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the potential implications of the $100,000 H-1B fee for employers, universities and research programs relying on international talent.

Learn more

Blog post

The Future of UK Residency and Citizenship: Longer Waits, Tougher Rules?

Partner Natasha Catterson discusses how proposed changes to UK residency and citizenship rules could affect immigration planning and applicant eligibility.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole Featured in Financial Times Spotlight on 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Partner Julia Onslow-Cole is recognised for her work shaping global immigration and workforce mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Receives Ally in Action Award from Oasis Legal Services

Fragomen was recognized by Oasis Legal Services with the Ally in Action Award at their 8th Annual Community Celebration: Liberation Sounds Like Us, which took place on September 12, 2025 in Oakland, California.

Learn more

Video

Summer 2025 Highlights | #FragomenFC - Ep. 11

Fragomen FC hosts recap major international football transfers and tournaments played this summer.

Learn more

Media mentions

The PIE: US Visa Changes “Further Widening Global Equity Gap”

Partner Aaron Blumberg highlights how careful planning can help international students navigate US visa changes and avoid disruptions to study and travel.

Learn more

Media mentions

Agência Eixos: Inovação e contratação de talentos estrangeiros: o desafio do compliance em novos cenários

Managing Director Diogo Kloper examines the challenges of hiring foreign talent in Brazil’s evolving energy sector and the role of compliance in supporting innovation.

Learn more

Blog post

Skilled Worker Visa 2025: Impact on UK Aviation Roles

Manager Adam Hickling, Senior Immigration Consultant Katya Fedorenko and Paralegal Sasindie Ambawatte explore how upcoming changes to the UK's skilled worker visa scheme may affect recruitment and retention in the aviation sector.

Learn more

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