AUSTRALIAN VISA & MIGRATION SERVICES

Built on experience.Grounded in expertise.

We bring clarity, insight and practical strategy to Australian migration, helping individuals, families and businesses navigate complex decisions with confidence.

Our services

Explore Our Services

Whether pursuing a personal migration pathway or addressing complex workforce needs, our advice is strategic, practical and tailored to the circumstances and objectives of each client.

  • Strategic

    We look beyond the immediate visa to where you want to be, so each step supports the next.

  • Practical

    Clear next steps and honest advice on what will work.

  • Tailored

    Built around your circumstances and goals.

About us

About Southern Stone Migration

Registered migration agent in Melbourne, advising individuals, families and Australian employers on visas, sponsorship and citizenship, with advice that is clear, honest and practical.

  • 2014

    Operating since

  • 30+

    Years collective experience

  • 100+

    Countries our clients come from

  • 中文

    Mandarin services available

Southern Stone Migration is a Melbourne-based migration practice, helping individuals, families and businesses since 2014. We act for individuals and families on skilled, partner, family, student and graduate visas and citizenship, and for Australian employers on sponsorship, nomination and workforce migration.

We also take on complex matters, including visa refusals, cancellations and appeals, where careful preparation and a clear strategy make the difference.

Every matter begins with listening to your circumstances, goals and timeline. We then explain your options and the trade-offs plainly, and recommend the path that suits you best, even when that means waiting or taking a different route.

What we can do for you

  • Assess your eligibility and the options open to you
  • Plan your evidence and the sequence of applications
  • Prepare and lodge your application
  • Represent you before the Department and the Tribunal
  • Advise employers on sponsorship, nomination and compliance obligations
  • Manage your case through to the outcome
Book a consultation

Our approach

  1. 1

    Initial strategy consultation

    We listen first, then outline the realistic pathways.

  2. 2

    Eligibility & risk assessment

    We test each option against the criteria and raise the risks early.

  3. 3

    Evidence planning

    We decide what to prove, and how, before anything is lodged.

  4. 4

    Lodgement & representation

    We prepare and lodge your application and represent you with the authorities.

  5. 5

    Ongoing case management

    One team follows your case through to the outcome.

  • We plan the whole pathway first

    Every option, risk and fallback is mapped before we recommend a visa, including what happens if one is refused or expires.

  • You hear what is possible, and what is not

    Clear advice on your prospects and what it will take, before you commit to an application.

  • One team, start to finish

    The same people follow your matter through every stage, so your history carries from one application to the next.

Kathy Liu, Principal Agent

Kathy Liu

Founder and Principal Agent

MARN 0958014

A message from our founder

Straight answers about your options.

I started Southern Stone Migration in 2014 because I believe people deserve clear, honest advice about their visa options, from someone who will stay with them until the matter is finished. Since then, it has been my privilege to help countless families and Australian businesses.

Behind every application is a real person: a family hoping to stay together, a skilled worker building a career, or a business owner who needs the right people to grow. That is why I take each matter personally. I help employers sponsor and nominate the people their business needs, skilled workers find the pathway that suits them, and families build their future in Australia.

I also take on the difficult matters, such as visa refusals, cancellations, Administrative Review Tribunal appeals and Ministerial Intervention. These can be stressful, and I know how much is riding on them. A thorough preparation and a clear strategy often make the difference.

Migration rules change often, and no two stories are the same. So we begin by listening: I want to understand your circumstances, look closely at your situation, and tell you plainly what is likely to work and what is not. You are trusting us with decisions that shape your life and your business, and my team and I never take that lightly.

Kathy Liu

Founder and Principal Agent

Registered Migration Agent MARN 0958014

Registered and accountable

Registered migration agent

Our principal agent is registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA), the regulator of Australia’s migration agents, and is bound by the Migration Agents Code of Conduct. You can check any agent’s registration on the public Register of Migration Agents.

Kathy Liu, Principal Agent · MARN 0958014

Insights

Migration Insights

Our coverage of the latest news and changes in the migration industry, and what they mean for visa applicants, employers and families.

Southern Stone Monthly

Subscribe to Southern Stone Monthly

Australian migration rules and headlines change often. Once a month, we bring you the news and changes that matter, in plain English.

  • What’s been in the news lately
  • What has changed, and who it affects
  • Employer and sponsor updates
  • Visa spotlights and fee changes

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Based on

Google reviews

Trusted by the people we have guided.

Their words mean more to us than any claim we could make.

  • I cannot recommend Kathy from Southern Stone Migration highly enough. My partner visa journey began in April 2023, although we had already been in contact with Kathy since December 2022. From the very beginning, she made what felt like a complicated process much easier to understand. One thing I really appreciated was how organised and proactive she was. She clearly explained every step of the process, provided detailed checklists of all the documents we needed, and always let us know what the next stage would be. Whether I was on my Bridging Visa, Temporary Partner Visa, or waiting for my Permanent Residency, Kathy kept in touch and made sure I knew exactly what was happening and what I needed to prepare. Her communication was outstanding. She responded to emails and questions promptly, kept us updated throughout the application, and was always professional, patient, and approachable. Knowing we had someone who genuinely cared about our application gave us so much peace of mind during what can be a very stressful process. One thing that really stood out was her attention to detail. She caught a mistake that could have delayed our application, and because she acted quickly, we were able to fix it before it became an issue. That level of experience and diligence is invaluable when dealing with something as important as a visa application. After nearly three years of guidance and support, I was granted my Permanent Partner Visa in January 2026 without any issues. Looking back, I’m so glad we chose Southern Stone Migration to help us through this journey. If you’re looking for a migration agent who is knowledgeable, organised, responsive, and genuinely invested in achieving the best outcome for her clients, I would absolutely recommend Kathy and the team at Southern Stone Migration. Thank you for making such an important milestone in my life a smooth and stress-free experience!

    Lauren SpillersJuly 2026
  • Kathy has been my agent for a while and supported me through my student visa, to TR and getting the PR. Kathy and her team are incredible, always on top of everything and will guide you with best advice. Their customer service is exceptional and has strong experience in difficult visa situations. Highly recommend.

    shiwangi sharmaJuly 2026
  • Kathy is an experienced agent and a great person. She helped my family to get a visa after failed twice. Highly recommend.

    David ZhaiJuly 2026
  • Thank you, Kathy and the team at Southern Stone Migration, for helping us through a very difficult situation. My husband left Australia while holding a Bridging Visa A associated with his Partner Visa (820) application and was unable to return. At the same time, our 10-month-old Australian citizen baby was in China with his father. After receiving a refusal for my husband's Visitor Visa (Subclass 600), we were very worried about how long our family would be separated. When I spoke with Kathy, she took the time to understand our situation and patiently explained our options. While some agents told us the chances were very low, Kathy gave us confidence and believed there was a strong basis to reapply. Thanks to Kathy's expertise, dedication, and persistence, my husband's visa was granted in a very short period of time after the second application. Our family can finally reunite in Australia, and I can finally see my baby again. Kathy was professional, knowledgeable, supportive, and always quick to respond throughout the process. I highly recommend Kathy and Southern Stone Migration to anyone dealing with a complex migration matter. Thank you, Kathy, for helping bring our family back together. ❤️

    钟沛芸June 2026
  • I’m incredibly grateful to Kathy for helping me through my difficult citizenship process. After receiving my citizenship approval, I can confidently say her professionalism, knowledge, and support made a huge difference every step of the way. She was always responsive, patient, and clear in explaining everything, which made the whole process much less stressful. Thank you, Kathy, for your dedication and hard work. I highly recommend her to anyone looking for an excellent immigration lawyer.

    ahmad ahmadeMay 2026
  • Kathy @ Southern Stone was brilliant! So knowledgeable and friendly, she made the whole process so easy and stress free, very happy with the service and final result!

    Liam TurnerApril 2026
  • Kathy was great to work with for my dad’s visa. From the start, she was always helpful and happy to answer any queries and made the whole process so seamless to follow. Our family is so thankful and for the outcome that was achieved. Would highly recommend her services to family and friends with migration related needs. Thank you again, - AL.

    Kar WaiMarch 2026
  • Honestly, the best migration service I could have asked for. The team was professional, supportive, and always quick to respond. Kathy was amazing, so attentive, patient, and truly caring throughout the whole process. She made everything feel easy and stress-free. Highly, highly recommend.

    Laura SanchezFebruary 2026
  • 非常感谢这家中介团队!我在澳洲境内申请482签证,前后历经4个月下签,过程中他们一直非常专业、耐心,及时跟进提名和签证进度,有任何问题都会第一时间帮我解答。最终签证顺利获批,结果非常满意。强烈推荐给需要办理482签证的朋友!

    an dyJanuary 2026
  • I had a great experience working with Kathy on my visa process. She handled everything from my skilled assessment through to my working visa with professionalism and efficiency. Kathy has a calm, reassuring approach that really helped ease my worries throughout the process. She is easy to approach, clear in her communication, and always professional. I highly recommend her services to anyone needing migration assistance. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

    Jera DavidJanuary 2026
  • Kathy is an absolute professional with outstanding knowledge. She solved my problem over the phone in just a couple of minutes—all for free! Highly recommend her services. 5 stars!

    Pierre-Marc VengyJanuary 2026
  • Kathy is very professional, knowledgable and very responsive throughout my entire process,and i am very grateful for her support and expertise. Highly recommended.

    Avishek RanaDecember 2025
  • I wish to express my greatest gratitude for Kathy Liu, the migration agent for Southern Stone. My wife has her Partner Visa rejected by the immigration department because the dept think her application was fraud because our son was NOT my biological son. This has resulted in tremendous anxiety and stress for both my wife and I. Kathy handled the situation with delication and care. She managed with the pressure of time to challenge the rejection and help us built up our case against the department and take it to the tribunal. With her professional service and advice, we built up our case and present our side of the story to the Tribunal and have the case won in our favor. Due to her hard work and persistence, my wife can now stay in Australia. I have the upmost respect for her talent and hard work. She has a very good knowledge of Australia’s migration system and will fight for your migration case. Thank you Kathy.

    Steven SiewDecember 2025
  • I had such a delight using Kathy's outstanding performance in helping our family with our migration needs. She was super polite. The process was smooth. We couldn't have been successful without Kathy's expertise in knowing how to handle everything. This is the best migration agency to work with. so happy with them.

    Megan SiewDecember 2025
  • I had an incredible experience with Southern Stone Migration. Kathy was an absolute delight to work with – a lovely person who guided me through every step of the process. She helped me secure my visa grant, which I honestly didn’t think I could achieve with such a small restaurant with more takeaways than dine-in options. Her support, professionalism, and dedication made all the difference. I’m truly grateful for her help and highly recommend Southern Stone Migration to anyone looking for a reliable and caring migration agent. Thank you Kathy You are lovely ❤️🙏

    Ravi RijalNovember 2025
  • I recently got my 482 visa approved, and I want to express my sincere gratitude to the kathy and entire team. They handled my case with great care, provided clear instructions, and always kept me updated. Their expertise and dedication made the whole process faster and easier than I expected. I highly recommend this consultancy to anyone looking for reliable migration support.

    Shantosh BhandariNovember 2025
  • 非常感谢律师,给我了非常明确的思路,给我的移民之路提供非常大的方便,最专业的律所、最专业的律师、最专业的服务!

    张飞飞October 2025
  • Kathy's exceptional service has made my application process incredibly smooth. Her constant support and guidance are truly appreciated. I highly recommend their services - they're top-notch! AAAAA++++

    Paul ChuOctober 2025
  • First of all I am incredibly grateful to the kathy and her team. Me and my family has been assisted for our migration journey to secure permanent residency and there might not be enough words to thank kathy during our journey from starting to the end. I would say Kathy is truly a best ENS186 guru all over the country. She was highly professional, efficient, and deeply knowledgeable throughout my entire process. She guided me every step of the way with clear communication, attention to detail, and genuine care for my case. Her expertise made a complex process feel smooth and manageable. I truly appreciate her dedication and skillful handling of my application. I highly recommend kathy and her team to whoever looking for assistance with their migration journey

    PRAKASH DOTELAugust 2025
  • Kathy is truly a gift from God. She fought so hard for my mum’s visa and stood by us every step of the way. She understands the needs of others and helps far more than she is ever required to. She didn’t just handle our immigration cases—she cared for us like family, with patience, kindness, and genuine compassion. I will never forget what she has done for us. If you are looking for someone who truly cares and will fight for you, Kathy is the one. May God bless her abundantly for the lives she has touched.Highly recommend her to anyone in need.

    Akuch Dut1999August 2025
  • Kathy was amazing! She helped me and my family get our visas smoothly and stress-free. Really appreciate her support and professionalism. Highly recommend!

    Jo YianAugust 2025
  • I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the professional assistance and efficient service provided by Kathy and her team during the application process for my 500 visa. Once again, thank Kathy for her hard work. Should I require any visa-related services in the future, I will certainly turn to this company first. Wishing you continued success in your career!

    JINGAugust 2025
  • 来了澳洲接近10年了,相信大家也和我一样陆陆续续了解了有关系移民,工作签,及其他签证等等的事情,和肯定多多少少也认识了不少移民中介, 哪怕男女老少,同乡好友?什么律师什么级别的什么团队? 之前怎样遇到了所谓的中介,要不就是信息不回,要不就是没有耐心,更是带你团团转。十问还九不回,想碰个面都像个海底捞针,这个不行那个不能,更严重的还是钱花了,最后还找不着中介。跟马戏团没有什么区别。 相信大家也和我一样,人在国外,人在江湖身不由己,还不是为了可以给家人更好的,为了以后的日子可以苦尽甘来?撇下本属于自己的家乡,亲戚朋友,来到了陌生的城市澳洲,千方万计就是希望可以稳定下来,一步一步往移民的方向去。 最终还以为申请工作签往PR 好像是他人的事情,跟我扯不上一点关系,还准备最坏的打算有回国的想法,就是直到认识了 (墨尔本的她) ‘Kathy Liu ' ,(悉尼的我)根本没有碰过面,没有通过几次的电话,就信息聊着聊着,自身的条件准备好,她给出的信息方向都很明确,方法可靠,很有耐心的讲解细节,申请过程当中有些小插曲,但是看到的是'Kathy Liu ‘’怎样把事情扭转,就是责任放得最佳状态。得大大大大的表扬!直到我的签证顺利通过。就是这么突然,天都晴了!所以在这边想用尽全力推荐‘Kathy Liu '’ 给大家! 不要再慌了!免走错路。 还是一句话:重要的事情真的得交给对的公司对的人! 专业的事情就留给专业的她"Kathy Liu "来做 吧! 也祝大家好运!也为努力奋斗的大家也(包括自己) 加油! 谢谢你Kathy Liu . 很荣幸也很高兴的认识到你。 谢谢这家公司Southern Stone 给出专业的平台

    DanielJune 2025
  • I had an excellent experience working with Kathy at Southern Stone Migration on my Skills in Demand Visa. From start to finish, Kathy was incredibly supportive, responsive, and knowledgeable. She stayed on top of every update from immigration and made sure I was always informed and prepared. Any questions I had were answered promptly and clearly, and her guidance throughout the process gave me peace of mind. I truly appreciated her professionalism and dedication, and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone navigating the visa process. Thank you, Kathy!

    Jegath KrishnamurthyMay 2025
  • I needed some advise regarding my Parents Migration, and Kathy was very hepful. she was happy to chat over the phone to hlep me resolve any dobuts i had after speaking to immigraiton. she help me save a lot of time and money and directed me in the right way.

    Lasanthi PereraMarch 2025
  • Kathy helped me with the application for the return to Australia Visa. She was efficient courteous and kind. I would definetely refer Kathys company to anyone who would need her services. Thank you again Kathy. Rita Iacono

    Savina IaconoApril 2024
  • Their service is so good! Very quick and attentive and so helpful! I went with Kathy and she’s amazing. Would definitely introduce to other people. Thank you

    Victoria TaiMarch 2024
  • I got my partner visa recently thanks to Kathy and her coworkers. Very trust worthy company with professional experience. I have also recommended it to my friends and some of them already got their 190 nominations within a few days! Very impressive and highly recommended.

    D. WuMarch 2024
  • Kathy and her team are amazing! Kathy is very friendly and supportive. If you want quick and accurate answers, just give southern stone a call or email them and have a smooth migration experience. I highly recommend!

    Abdul KhanMarch 2024
  • Kathy is amazing!!!! She helped me out with my Visa application and the whole process was so straightforward and easy. She was very supportive and willing to answer all my questions and concerns. Would definitely recommend!!!!

    Panpan LiFebruary 2024
  • Kathy是我遇到过最专业,沟通最舒服,最高效的移民中介! 我会毫不犹豫的推荐给所有在澳洲移民道路上有需要的朋友们。谢谢Kathy!

    陈LemonFebruary 2024
  • Our elderly parent has just been granted permanent residency. I dealt with Kathy who gave me expert advice on the next steps to be undertaken. I would definitely recommend Southern Stone.

    Shanil SaurtyJanuary 2024
  • They are so knowledgeable, they have accomplish a case for me which at least 3 other consultant beleived it would be impassible! and they are fast, as they have finalized every thing for me in 1 day, and also they act very ethical and with empathy! I do recommend them.

    Farnaz RaghamiAugust 2023
  • "I've known Kathy for many years, and she has been a tremendous help throughout my immigration journey. She assisted me with my skilled immigration application initially and later guided my mother through the PR application process. Over time, our professional relationship has evolved into a friendship. Recently, I entrusted Kathy with my father's PR application, and I had complete confidence in her abilities. Kathy's efficiency and clear communication style have always impressed me. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of immigration policies and regulations, which instills a sense of ease when dealing with immigration matters. For anyone in need of assistance with study abroad or immigration affairs, I highly recommend Kathy. She is undoubtedly a reliable and trustworthy immigration consultant." 认识Kathy已经很多年了。她从最初帮我办理技术移民,到后来帮我妈妈办理PR申请,我们的关系从客户逐渐变成了朋友。这次我再次非常放心地委托她帮我们办理爸爸的PR申请。 Kathy的办事效率非常高,而且在交流方面也非常简单明了。她对移民方面的知识和政策了解非常全面,让我在办理移民事宜时感到非常放心。 如果你有需要办理留学和移民事务的朋友们,我会极力推荐Kathy。她绝对是一个靠谱可信赖的移民顾问。

    chen xuJuly 2023
  • We’re very happy with the service from southern stone, Kathy has been so helpful. We highly recommend Kathy as an agent. we could not be happier. Thank you Kathy and Southern Stone team!

    Celeste PedroJuly 2023
  • Well where do I even start. Kathy is a super star. When all the agency put their faces away from me Kathy took it upon her and did the unthinkable. The best immigration agent in town.

    Faisal HossainJuly 2023
  • This company/Kathy has been my side for as long as I can remember. She helped me through covid backlog to me getting a grant today. she gave hope when no one else did. Thank you so helping me. I can officially call myself an Aussie because of you. A long road but we reach the goal. Thank you Kathy & Southern Stone team.

    Abigail PavithraJuly 2023
  • I recently had the privilege of working with Southern Stone Immigration Agency and specifically, Kathy, and I couldn't be more thrilled with the experience. From start to finish, Southern Stone and Kathy provided exceptional service and demonstrated an unparalleled level of expertise in immigration matters. What sets Southern Stone Immigration Agency apart is their genuine care for their clients. They understand the emotional and personal nature of immigration processes and provided me with the utmost support and understanding. Their professionalism, expertise, and personalised approach make them stand out in the industry. Trust them with your immigration needs, and you won't be disappointed!

    Lin GanJuly 2023
  • 收费最合理,而且专业细致!帮我们节约不必要的开销,从一开始咨询,就不再考虑换中介了!下签速度快!赞👍🏻!谢谢你们!

    Dau LiJune 2023
  • I found Southern stone through the internet and seen all the great reviews and thought they would have to be good. I got in contact with Kathy and she was so responsive and clear with all her swift responses throughout my time working with her. I had a 461 partner visa declined due to immigration receiving my visa application late as it’s a paper application. She argued with every piece of information she could get and I miraculously managed to get my visa accepted. Kathy attended an AAT appeal in person with me and was amazing arguing with her knowledge was so impressive. Kathy is such a genuine person and I’ve used two visa agents prior to her and they were just out for money and didn’t seem to really care about my situation. Kathy was so caring and attentive being so responsive and so quick and easy to work with throughout my whole time working with her. She is the best of the best and I would recommend her to everybody as she gets the job done and really cares!!!! Thank you Kathy you’re amazing 🤩 ❤️

    Mark NaltyJune 2023
  • 非常有效率辦理簽證,人員也很好,有簽證需求非常推薦來這辦理。Nice service than me easy get Visa, If you have any visa requirements, here is best place.

    Bennett HoungJune 2023
  • Kathy was great and patient too. Quick and efficient service. My visa processing was very quick. Highly recommended

    Mark HillMay 2023
  • Very professional and friendly. Helped my family and myself achieve Permanent residency. We would highly recommend Southern Stone to family and friends. Kathy Liu was outstanding and diligent.

    Mark BMarch 2023
  • This is a reference for Kathy Liu who I have spoken to over the phone asking her for some information on aged parent visa. Despite only making an enquiry, Kathy offered advice to the best possible extent. To me the kindness and patience with which she answered my query tells a lot about her. I have no doubt whatsoever that she will be the best migration agent as a good listening ear and empathy are important traits. Not one but 2high fives for Kathy!

    Anusha CFebruary 2023
  • 从来澳洲留学到永居一直都是kathy帮助我申请。 非常专业的移民顾问一路走来给了我很大帮助。 强烈推荐Kathy。真的给了我许多帮助耐心的解答我各种问题。希望南石国际越来越好。

    WENLONG ZHUFebruary 2023
  • Kathy is the best immigration agent. She was very efficient, and provided a very reliable and patient service. Thanks to Kathy and her team for making our immigration journey clearer and easier.

    Mike XIANGFebruary 2023
  • 十分靠谱的中介。 来澳洲很多年,最终是找到Kathy和她的团队才终于有了一条清晰的移民之路,从最后的学生签到工作签再到PR,她们一直认真负责,高效的向我提供帮助和服务,非常感谢Kathy。

    Blair FengFebruary 2023
  • I got my 820 visa in 9 months!! Kathy is very professional, clear and prompt in replying to my emails. I have a peace of mind working with them! Looking forward to start my next stage soon with them!

    omar audiFebruary 2023
Our partners

Businesses we work alongside

Migration often involves other specialists. We work alongside trusted businesses so you are supported at every step.

  • Professional Student Care (PSC)

    Guardianship services

    Guardianship and welfare support for international students under 18 who are studying in Australia.

  • International Student Support Network (ISSN)

    Education and study tours

    Education counselling for international students, and an approved study tour operator of the Victorian Government.

  • SearchMyANZSCO

    Skilled occupation search

    An online tool for checking Australian skilled occupations and whether they appear on the skilled occupation lists.

  • Konpare

    OSHC comparison

    A comparison portal for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), so students can compare providers in one place.

  • Professional Student Care (PSC)

    Guardianship services

    Guardianship and welfare support for international students under 18 who are studying in Australia.

  • International Student Support Network (ISSN)

    Education and study tours

    Education counselling for international students, and an approved study tour operator of the Victorian Government.

  • SearchMyANZSCO

    Skilled occupation search

    An online tool for checking Australian skilled occupations and whether they appear on the skilled occupation lists.

  • Konpare

    OSHC comparison

    A comparison portal for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), so students can compare providers in one place.

Contact

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