Background
Early Life and Education
Kristy Duncan was born and raised in Sydney, Australia. She pursued her undergraduate studies in law and business at the University of New England. She completed post-graduate studies at the Australian National University, where she graduated with a Grade Point Average above Distinction level, making her a top performing student in one of the top ranking universities in the world. Kristy completed Practical Legal Training and Legal Practice Management with the College of Law. Kristy's academic achievements were just the beginning of her journey towards becoming a renowned immigration lawyer and registered migration agent.
Career Milestones
Kristy Duncan's immigration law career began in mid-2008 when she established Migration Angels. Kristy ran this business for over 15 years. Kristy was admitted to the legal profession in November 2018, and went on to complete supervised legal practice with a Gold Coast law firm. In 2024, Migration Angels rebranded to Ernest Duncan Pty Ltd trading under the business name Migration Explorer.
Over the years, Kristy has handled a diverse range of immigration cases, from complex visitor visa applicants, to skilled worker visas, and citizenship applications. Her clients have included individuals from all walks of life, as well as Australian-based businesses seeking to bring skilled talent to Australia.
Advocacy and Contributions
Kristy has demonstrated dedication to making visa applications more accessible and efficient for individuals, families and businesses navigating the Australian migration system. Since registering as a migration agent in 2008, Kristy has been at the forefront of innovation in the migration advice industry, blending expert knowledge with cutting-edge technology to empower applicants.
In 2011, Kristy was inspired to utilise technology to automate and simplify migration processes. This led to the creation of automated eligibility assessments in 2012, that provided instantaneous eligibility results. That same year, Kristy introduced a cost-effective "review" service, offering applicants who had prepared their own migration application an opportunity to have their application and supporting evidence critically scrutinised by a trained eye before submitting it to the Department.
Next, in 2014, Kristy commissioned custom-built migration agency management software for her immigration firm, which became operational for clients in 2015. The launch of her software coincided with her announcement of a DIY solution in the pipeline.
In late-2017, Kristy added yet another cost-effective "lodgement" service, further expanding accessible migration support by enabling applicants to work with her to prepare error-free applications while they maintained post-lodgement control of their own application.
A major milestone came in June 2019 with the launch of Visakit 1.0, a cloud-based, DIY migration service solution, allowing users to follow a structured, legally sound workflow to prepare and lodge their own applications with confidence. In October 2024, Kristy launched Visakit 2.0, a new and improved system with enhanced functionality and expanded offerings.
With a career defined by innovation, expertise, and accessibility, Kristy continues to revolutionise migration services, ensuring applicants have the tools to navigate the process with clarity and confidence.
Beyond her professional work, Kristy has actively supported individuals through pro bono migration assistance, offering support to those in need of expert guidance.
Awards and Recognitions
The trust Kristy's clients place in her is her greatest reward, and she deeply values the relationships she has built, many of which extend beyond the visa process. Over the years, Kristy has attended client weddings, met with clients for coffee and lunch, acted as a tour guide for the day, supported clients in their Australian job search, negotiated financial settlements with clients' prior representation, and saved clients from paying import duties on the importation of their personal effects.
Personal Life
Outside of her demanding career, Kristy enjoys spending time with her family and exploring the plethora of restaurants scattered between the Sunshine and Gold Coasts. She is an avid walker and consistently clocks 10,000 steps daily.
Better together
Kristy Duncan's career as an Australian immigration lawyer and registered migration agent has been defined by her passion for ethical business practices, competent and fair government administration, her dedication to her clients, and her tireless efforts to make immigration processes more accessible and cost effective. You will thrive with Kristy on your team, because you're better together. With nearly two decades of experience, she continues to be a shining example of legal expertise and compassionate advocacy in the field of immigration law. Kristy Duncan is not just a lawyer; she is a guiding light for those seeking a better life in Australia.