WELCOME TO YOUR COMMUNITY LEGAL CENTRE
Free immigration and refugee legal help
We help refugees, migrants, and people seeking protection understand their legal options.
Immigration assistance for people in Queensland
WHAT WE DO
Legal help should feel within reach.
When life gets complicated, knowing where to start can be the hardest part. We listen without judgement, explain your options in plain language and stand beside people as they find a way through.
Our Legal Services
What can we help
you with?
Choose the type of problem you need help with,
if you are not sure, you can still contact us.
RAILS provides support through trauma-informed practice. Our staff are trained to support you.
Family Violence
If you are experiencing family or domestic violence, you may have options to stay in Australia. You do not have to stay in an unsafe relationship because you are worried about your visa.
Protection Visas
RAILS provides free confidential, trauma-informed legal assistance to people who cannot return to their home countries because of the risk they will be persecuted there. The law around protection visas is very complex and ever-changing, and the process is long and demanding.
Refugee Family Reunion
Family reunion is a right under international law and a vital part of refugee resettlement. RAILS believes all people from refugee backgrounds should be supported to reunite with their family members who remain overseas.
Visa Cancellations
Learning that your visa is at risk of being cancelled is one of the most stressful experiences that a person from a refugee background can face. The law around visa cancellations is very complex and often there is only a very short window of time to act to prevent a cancellation.
A LITTLE ABOUT US
Small steps can
make a big difference.
For more than 45 years, the Refugee and Immigration Legal Service (RAILS) has been Queensland’s leading specialist community legal centre dedicated to refugee and immigration law.
Our Purpose
Is to seek due process and just outcomes with dignity and respect for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants in vulnerable situations seeking safety and settlement in Australia through legal assistance, advocacy and education.
Our Values
Our work is guided by (1) Fairness and Equity, (2) Expertise and Quality, (3) Empathy and Respect, (4) Diversity and Belonging and (5) Trust and accountability.
Strategic priorities
- Deliver Specialist Refugee and Immigration Legal Services
- Advocate for Fair and Just Protection and Immigration Laws and Policies
- Develop and Maintain Strong Sector Partnerships
- Enhance Organisational Capacity and Resilience
- Build Community Capacity in Refugee and Immigration Law and Policy
- Enhance Financial Resilience
OUR IMPACT
Across Queensland, attending hubs in Townsville, Cairns, Toowoomba, Logan, Gold Coast.
3,000+
people supported
each year
86%
of clients feel
more confident
2600+
Legal matters
assisted each year
110
Dedicated staff and
volunteers
Our Partners and Supporters
CLIENT TESTIMONIALS
Real people. Real support Real impact
We’re proud to support individuals and families through life’s challenges with compassion, clarity and practical help.
TAKE PART
There is a place
for you here.
Whether you give your time, your voice or your support, you help make a fairer future possible.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Share your skills and help people feel less alone.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Turn your community into a force for good.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Help keep trusted legal help free and accessible.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Enjoy opportunities to engage, learn, and contribute.
FROM THE CENTRE
