From migration law student to CEO of the Migration Institute of Australia

 “After graduating, I worked for a migration in firm in Melbourne called Absolute Immigration and did my own consulting migration practice, specialising in areas like writing submissions and character work.  

I also volunteered for Refugee Legal, the preeminent refugee law centre in Melbourne.  

Just recently, I was appointed CEO of the Migration Institute of Australia, which is the peak body for migration professionals in Australia” 

Before studying at VU, Peter worked in public policy and governance, helping to deliver projects and programs in federal and state level government department roles.  

Now, as the CEO of the Migration Institute of Australia (MIA), he supports thousands of migration agents across the country. Peter uses his experience in public policy to advocate for MIA members when dealing with major government stakeholders.  

“There are around 5,000 registered migration agents in Australia. 2,500 of those are members of the Migration Institute of Australia and they are processing millions of visas a year and 10s of thousands of citizenship applications.” 

The MIA also supports its members by offering up to date information on legislative changes, mentoring and networking opportunities, professional support and advocacy and sponsor benefits. 

“It's certainly a very big industry. If you look at the Australian population of roughly 27 million, around half are either born overseas or like me have one or more parents born overseas. So, we're a high migration country by international standards – there's lots of work to go around.” 

Peter was drawn to VU’s Graduate Diploma in Migration Law due to our strong reputation and flexible learning options. 

“I came to migration law as a mature age student, having already been involved in immigration policy with the Australian government.  

The lecturers in this course are very high standard – they practice, they understand the law, they understand the realities of what this industry is about. These wonderful lecturers, like Sherene Ozyurek and Rodger Fernadez, can really get the best out of you. 

“You can do [the course] online or in person. I really liked doing it in person on the weekends. I was working at the time, I have a family, I have children, but I was able to do it. It’s great VU offers that flexibility.”  

Peter also enjoyed the connections he made while studying migration law at VU.  

“It's great the camaraderie and the friendships that you build at VU. I have a group of about four or five former students that I keep in touch with.  

One has gone on to a very successful career with one of the top 4 consulting firms. Others are working in as migration agents in smaller firms.” 

“I'm the son of a migrant and I've always been fascinated by the contribution of migrants to Australia. 

Australia is a high migration country. It's a country where migration has been very successful. It's a successful multicultural society.  

A lot of hard work goes into it both at the practitioner level, the government level and the society level, but I think Australia really stands out internationally as a country that's done migration and migration policy better than almost anywhere in the world.”

Migration law in Australia is everchanging, which creates ongoing challenges for professionals in the industry.  

“A good migration professional does their study at university and also joins an organisation like the MIA [to] get information on legislative updates. 

Because no doubt what you'll learn this year or next year, within two or three years those visas will be replaced, there'll be new criteria.” 

In one year alone, the MIA issued over 100 notices regarding 250 changes to policy and legislation.  

“In July 2024, for example, we had some significant changes to many of the thresholds and criteria in the skilled migration program. 

“And then in again in December, we had the new 482 visa program with the skills and demand visa, which significantly changed the temporary skilled migration settings in Australia. We also had the National Innovation visa which was announced in December 2024. 

“So it's a really dynamic profession because things change all the time, and the best agents and the best lawyers keep very abreast of those changes and work out how to help their clients navigate those changes.” 

Read more: how studying migration law affects lives

Peter is also on the board of Settlement Services International, one of the largest settlement services providers in Australia. 

“The organisation provides settlement services to migrants and refugees who are establishing their lives in Australia as part of the Refugee and Humanitarian Program and the Migration Program.  

“This includes helping people get established in their community, helping them get jobs, helping them learn English.  

“It’s essentially all about helping them establish their lives in Australia, often after experiencing significant trauma. I'm very proud of that work and it’s something that I am very happy to be giving back to.” 

Kickstart your own career in migration law with VU’s Graduate Diploma in Migration Law. As the longest running migration law program in Australia, this practical course is perfect for HR specialists, government workers and legal practitioners looking to gain essential skills and knowledge in migration law and policy. 

Designed for working professionals, you can choose from multiple flexible study options – whether you prefer in-person evening classes, weekend classes or want to do it completely online.  So don’t wait – study at VU and begin your impactful new career. 

Apply for the Graduate Diploma in Migration Law