Dr Cindy Zhao 趙青

With a professional career spanning 40 years, Dr Cindy Zhao is one of Australia's leading migration lawyers of Chinese heritage.

Having originally trained as medical doctor, her legal expertise includes handling cases in the High Court and Federal Court of Australia, as well as matters at the Federal Circuit and tribunal level, where she has achieved a majority of successful outcomes.

Focused on areas such as work visas, national innovation and global talent, complex citizenship applications, her approach is characterized by meticulous attention to detail and a deep understanding of legal intricacies. She is adept in handling responses to natural justice matters, refugee and protection cases, family and spouse visas—including those involving family violence—as well as issues pertaining to crimmigration and character concerns including s501 matters. Her expertise extends to Ministerial Intervention, tribunal merit reviews of visa refusals/cancellations, and judicial review.

Dr Cindy Zhao is believed to be Australia's only senior immigration lawyer with medical training. She heads the firm's medical/health and disability practice, advising on health and disability related migration cases. She has successfully secured permanent residency for numerous clients facing complex health issues and is highly experienced in PIC 4007, PIC4006A and Medical Officer of the Commonwealth cases.

Dr Cindy Zhao's success is underpinned by her strong work ethic and direct communication, which have consistently led to positive outcomes in visa applications and appeals for many clients. Her ability to connect with clients is enhanced by her fluency in Mandarin, allowing her to effectively communicate and build rapport with clients from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Renowned for her commitment to the field, she is dedicated to her clients in every case she handles, making her a trusted and effective advocate in the realm of immigration law.