From humble beginnings to Australia's most trusted immigration lawyer.
My path wasn't paved with certainty. After finishing a combined Commerce and Law degree — at a time when universities rarely offered combined degrees — I completed a one-year law firm simulation program to bridge the gap into the profession. In 1990, I found myself at Harvard University for the Business Case Study program. Being from a family of six, with parents who didn't have a stable income, I chose to return home and completed my MBA in Australia, sponsored by one of the Big Four banks.
In 1999, MyVisa® began as a single desk in a shared space above a chicken shop in Paddington. I didn't have a fancy office, but I had a drive to help. We've grown into a national firm since then, but that Paddington work ethic remains: I work hard, I stay accessible, and I never forget the importance of a dream.
My family and I arrived in Australia in 1976. I know the uncertainty of being a newcomer and the weight of waiting for a decision that will change your life. I combine that personal history with 33 years of technical legal skill to give you the most honest representation possible.
The Administrative Review Tribunal is where lives are often in the balance. With 27 years focused on immigration, I've learnt that success here isn't about ego — it's about preparation. When the system fails, I step into the Federal Courts to identify legal errors. This is technical, high-stakes work, but I approach it with a service-first mindset.
NOTABLE APPOINTMENTS
Nilesh Nandan is an Australian legal practitioner admitted to the High Court of Australia and is authorised to provide immigration assistance under the Migration Act 1958. As a legal practitioner, Nilesh is regulated by the New South Wales Law Society and is not required to be registered with the Office of the Migration Agents Registration Authority (OMARA).
Nilesh Nandan is entitled to use the title 'Attorney' under the Legal Profession Uniform General Rules 2015 (Reg 9, Item 2) as an Australian legal practitioner holding a current practising certificate.
As seen in Australia's leading publications.
Nilesh Nandan's work has been featured across major Australian media outlets including The Guardian, ABC News, SBS, and The Australian.
"Homosexuality was a matter in which many people held deeply ingrained, and sometimes unconscious, beliefs and assumptions."
"The Federal Court ruled that PNG's former solicitor-general was eligible to apply for asylum in Australia."
"Nilesh Nandan represented the former PNG solicitor-general in a landmark asylum case."
"It is particularly earth-shattering for temporary visa-holding women in Australia who have no such safety net as the Migration Act only safeguards partner visa applicants."
"The Full Federal Court overturned the Tribunal's decision, finding serious errors in how the case was assessed."
"The Minister intervened in the public interest to allow the nurse to remain in Australia."
"A family's visa application was refused over a document from 12 years ago."
"It's going to delay the ability for somebody to lodge a valid application."
"The Immigration Minister appealed against the decision to allow Tam Thi Le to remain in Australia."
"The Federal Court described the Minister's decision as 'oppressive and unreasonable'."
"Are some refugees more equal than others?"
27 years of results.
In addition to MyVisa, Nilesh Nandan operates MyCitizenship — a dedicated practice focused exclusively on Australian citizenship applications, citizenship tests, renunciation matters, and citizenship ceremonies. While MyVisa handles the full spectrum of immigration law, MyCitizenship provides specialist guidance for permanent residents taking the final step to become Australian citizens.
Both brands operate under the same legal practice — MyVisa Lawyers Pty Ltd (ABN 54 607 960 547) — and are led personally by Nilesh. Whether your matter involves a visa application or a citizenship pathway, you receive the same standard of care, the same direct access to Nilesh, and the same commitment to getting the best possible outcome.
Visit MyCitizenship.com.au