SUPPORTING PATHWAYS TO AUSTRALIA
Backed by more than 25 years of expertise and a genuine passion to help
At Immigration Partners Australia, we empower individuals and businesses to navigate the complex immigration landscape with confidence and clarity.
We know how firsthand the confusion, anxiety and hope that comes with seeking and applying for an Australian visa. Not only do our team have the technical expertise, but we also bring a compassionate, people-first approach to simplify the immigration process and allow our clients to focus on beginning a new life in Australia.
Your advocates in removing barriers and securing your future in Australia.
Our diverse team is united by a shared passion for helping our clients overcome challenges to create a successful life in Australia. Together, we turn obstacles into opportunities, ensuring that no matter the complexity of your case, you have a dedicated partner by your side.
Meet the Team
Caroline Huet
As a French-speaking immigrant to Australia when I was aged 22, I’ve dedicated my career to helping people find their way to a new life. A senior Manager position with the Department of Home Affairs gave me “insider knowledge”, and my entrepreneurial spirit led me to launch IPA to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
Many come to me with complex cases, and I embrace the challenge of finding creative solutions or having honest conversations when the going gets tough. With a background in both government immigration and private practice, I understand both sides of the equation, and this perspective allows me to offer clients honest, insightful guidance at every step.
For my clients, immigration is often a source of deep worry and anxiety, and I make it my priority to bring comfort and confidence to the process. Having been through it myself, I know the importance of feeling heard and reassured.
Leading the team at Immigration Partners Australia, I'm proud to champion our honest, transparent and personalised approach to servicing individuals and Australia’s leading businesses.
Lachlan McPhail
With over three decades of experience in Australian and New Zealand visa services, Lachlan McPhail is a respected authority in corporate and individual migration. He began his career in 1993 with Hamilton Watts Migration Services (HWIMS), where he played a pivotal role in growing the consultancy into one of Australia’s leading corporate migration service providers. Over more than 20 years, HWIMS expanded its presence across Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth with a dedicated team of 25 specialists.
Now, as a Founding Partner of Immigration Partners Australia, Lachlan brings his extensive knowledge and commitment to helping clients achieve their migration goals. His decades-long experience and leadership ensure that Immigration Partners Australia remains a trusted partner in enabling Australian and New Zealand visas.
Brendan James
Brendan James brings more than 30 years of immigration expertise to Immigration Partners Australia, joining in 2018 after founding and leading Acorn Immigration. His career began with the Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship, and he later moved to Hamilton Watts Migration Services, where he developed a specialised approach to working with Human Resources and hiring managers for timely visa solutions.
Brendan has successfully guided clients across diverse sectors, including IT, manufacturing, mining, defence, higher education, and agriculture. His experience spans corporate and individual immigration needs, assisting with skilled, spouse, parent, and retirement visas. His comprehensive knowledge ensures reliable support for every client’s unique situation.
Claire Ritchie
A Monash University graduate (BA. Hons), Claire is a Senior Migration Specialist with over 20 years' experience assisting individual, corporate and institutional clients to achieve desired visa and migration outcomes. She brings an in-depth knowledge of immigration law and policy across the full range of skilled and employer sponsored visa streams, family migration programs, and complex Australian and Dual Citizenship matters.
First registered as a Migration Agent in 1997, Claire has worked with clients across a diverse range of industry sectors, including IT, telecommunications, finance and banking, mining and resources, pharmaceutical, rural and agribusiness, FMCG, government, defence, schools and tertiary education.
Claire is highly invested in servicing the visa and migration needs of rural and regional Australia. She has relocated from Sydney back to Albury / Wodonga in southern NSW where her family have aggregated farming interests in the Riverina and Murray regions.
Claire is well placed to service our regional clients Australia wide, including through the Australian government's various regional migration and visa initiatives.
Let’s chat
Get in touch with our team to talk about your goals and immigration needs
