Andrew Cope is a leading authority on Australian immigration law, recognised as one of the country's foremost corporate immigration lawyers by Who's Who Legal. His extensive career began at Coopers and Lybrand in Sydney, where he practised while pursuing a Master of Migration Studies at Macquarie University. Andrew later established a migration practice in Melbourne and co-founded a boutique firm with the late Michael Thornton. As an Accredited Immigration Law Specialist certified by the Law Institute of Victoria, Andrew is deeply involved in migration law committees and advocacy at both state and national levels. Andrew's contributions to the legal field have been recognised through roles such as National Vice President and Director of the Migration Institute of Australia, and inaugural board member of the Migration Agents Registration Authority. He frequently presents at national conferences and has appeared before parliamentary committees on immigration policy. His teaching roles at Victoria University and the Australian National University underscore his commitment to advancing the profession through education. Before focusing on immigration law, Andrew gained valuable experience working in the Supreme Court of Victoria and the New South Wales Parliament. This experience provided him with a solid understanding of governmental processes and legislative frameworks, enhancing his legal acumen. His educational background includes a Bachelor of Laws from Deakin University, a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Melbourne, and a Graduate Diploma in Managing Legal Organisations from the University of Melbourne, among others. Currently, Andrew is the Principal of Cope Migration, where he offers tailored immigration services to clients globally. His firm specialises in addressing corporate immigration compliance with practical solutions. Andrew's ability to navigate complex immigration issues with clarity and expertise remains a cornerstone of his practice.
Sessional Immigration Law Teacher
Australian National University
Feb 2014 - Jan 2016 • 1 year 11 months
Principal
Cope Migration
Jul 2013 - Present • 13 years 4 months
National Visa and Immigration Manager
Sirva Relocation
Sep 2012 - Feb 2013 • 5 months
Post Grad Immigration Law Lecturer
Victoria University
Dec 2006 - Present • 19 years 11 months
Senior Lawyer
FCG Legal
Nov 2006 - Sep 2012 • 5 years 10 months
Partner
Cope Thornton
Jan 2003 - Nov 2006 • 3 years 10 months
Manager Migration Services
Haines and Polites
Feb 1989 - Nov 2002 • 13 years 9 months
Special Assistant to the Leader of the House
Office of the NSW Attorney General
Feb 1986 - Dec 1987 • 1 year 10 months
Reference Officer
New South Wales Parliamentary L
Jan 1985 - Jan 1986 • 1 year
Court Recorder
Supreme Court of Victoria
Jan 1981 - Jan 1983 • 2 years
Graduate Diploma in Managing Legal Organisations
University of Melbourne
2004 - 2005
Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.)
Deakin University
1993 - 1998
Master of Arts (Migration Studies)
Macquarie University
1987 - 1990
Graduate Diploma of Information Management (Librarianship)
UNSW
1984
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
University of Melbourne
1979 - 1983
Essendon Grammar (PEGS)
1972 - 1978
Recognised as one of Australia’s foremost corporate immigration lawyers
Who’s Who Legal
Accredited Specialist in Immigration Law
Law Institute of Victoria
Inaugural Henry Giblett Award for outstanding contribution in Education
Migration Institute of Australia
Last checked: 15 Sept 2026 • Checked with Victorian Legal Services Board
