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Work Visa Lawyers
Chris Johnston cover
Chris Johnston

Chris Johnston

Principal Work Visa Lawyers

Hindmarsh, SA
Contact us

About Chris

Chris Johnston serves as the Principal at our firm, bringing a wealth of expertise in corporate law. With over 15 years in the legal domain, Chris has previously held the role of corporate counsel for several Fortune 500 companies. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School, holding a J.D., and is an active member of the Bar Association. Renowned for his strategic handling of complex legal matters, Chris has successfully negotiated numerous high-stakes contracts on behalf of clients. In addition to his corporate law experience, Chris is deeply involved in the migration sector. He is the State President of the Migration Institute of Australia's South Australian Chapter, where he provides leadership to the Branch Committee, oversees the development of annual plans, and engages with stakeholders to enhance the profession. As the founder and Principal Solicitor at Work Visa Lawyers, Chris manages a team focused on achieving excellent outcomes in immigration law, from global talent visas and business innovation to family migration and judicial reviews. Chris also co-manages the Australia Study Team, helping international students with educational enrolments and visa services. This role further extends his influence and expertise in stakeholder engagement within the educational sector. His previous positions include serving as a solicitor and migration agent at McDonald Steed McGrath Lawyers and offering migration assistance at Migration Solutions. Notably, Chris was part of the legal team involved in the precedent-setting Supreme Court case Trevorrow v State of South Australia. His extensive background is complemented by his academic achievements including an LLB with Honours from the University of New England and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Adelaide.

Practice areas

Immigration Law

Resume

Experience

State President of MIA SA Chapter

State President of MIA SA Chapter

Migration Institute of Australia

Dec 2025 - Present • 11 months

Managing Director

Managing Director

Australia Study Team

Nov 2021 - Present • 5 years

National Board Director and South Australian State President

National Board Director and South Australian State President

Migration Institute of Australia

Nov 2017 - Oct 2019 • 1 year 11 months

Founder and Principal Solicitor - Immigration Lawyer

Founder and Principal Solicitor - Immigration Lawyer

Work Visa Lawyers

Jul 2011 - Present • 15 years 4 months

Solicitor and Migration Agent

Solicitor and Migration Agent

McDonald Steed McGrath Lawyers

Apr 2008 - Jun 2011 • 3 years 2 months

Migration Agent

Migration Agent

Migration Solutions

Jan 2006 - Jan 2008 • 2 years

Legal Officer

Legal Officer

Aboriginal Legal Rights Movement

Jan 2005 - Jan 2006 • 1 year

Band Manager

Band Manager

Jan 1998 - Jan 2003 • 5 years

Education

Blackfriars Priory School

Law

Law

University of New England (AU)

Bachelor of Laws - LLB (Hons)

Bachelor of Laws - LLB (Hons)

University of New England (AU)

2003 - 2005

Bachelor of Arts, Politics, History, Psychology

Bachelor of Arts, Politics, History, Psychology

University of Adelaide

1992 - 1999

Contact information

Hindmarsh, SA

212 Port Road, Hindmarsh, SA 5007Website

Practice certificate

Name
Chris Johnston
Date of admission
2005
Certification type
P9226
Class
A
Region
SA

Last checked: 19 Aug 2026 • Checked with Law Society of South Australia

Practice areas

Immigration Law