Immigration Law Services
Expert guidance for your immigration journey
âī¸ Need an Immigration Lawyer? Here's What You Should Know
Quick Answer:
Immigration advisers cost $2,000-8,000 plus government fees of $1,000-4,000. Processing takes 2 weeks to 24 months depending on visa type. Professional help increases success rates significantly and prevents costly mistakes.
You Need One When:
- âĸ Applying for any visa or residency
- âĸ Your application was declined
- âĸ You have complex circumstances
- âĸ Facing deportation or removal
- âĸ Unsure which visa to apply for
Should You DIY?
Not recommended. Success rates drop significantly without professional help. Immigration mistakes can result in bans, wasted fees, and delayed reunification with family.
Processing Times:
- âĸ Visitor visa: 2-4 weeks
- âĸ Work visa: 4-8 weeks
- âĸ Student visa: 4-6 weeks
- âĸ Residence: 6-24 months
How We Can Help
- âī¸ Visa Applications
- đ Residency Applications
- đŗđŋ Citizenship Applications
- âī¸ Appeals and Reviews
- đĨ Family Sponsorship
Why Choose Us
- â Licensed Immigration Advisers
- đ Multilingual Services
- đ¯ High Success Rate
- đ Free Initial Assessment
- ⥠Fast Processing
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an immigration lawyer cost in New Zealand?
Licensed immigration advisers charge $2,000-8,000 for visa applications depending on complexity. Government fees range $1,000-4,000. Most offer free initial assessments to evaluate your options and provide accurate cost estimates.
Can I apply for a New Zealand visa myself?
Yes, but success rates are significantly lower without professional help. Immigration law is complex with frequent changes. Professional advisers increase success rates and help avoid costly mistakes that can affect future applications.
How long do visa applications take in New Zealand?
Processing times vary: visitor visas 2-4 weeks, work visas 4-8 weeks, residence applications 6-24 months. Applications can be delayed by missing documents, health checks, or high application volumes.
What if my visa application is declined?
You can appeal to the Immigration & Protection Tribunal within specified timeframes, usually 28-42 days. Professional representation is crucial for appeals as success rates improve significantly with expert legal support.
Expert Immigration Law Services in New Zealand
Our network of licensed immigration advisers provides comprehensive immigration services across New Zealand. Whether you're applying for a visa, seeking residency, dealing with immigration appeals, or planning to make New Zealand your permanent home, our advisers are here to guide you through every step of the complex immigration process. With constantly changing immigration policies and requirements, professional guidance is essential for successful applications.
Immigration to New Zealand involves navigating complex legislation, policy changes, and administrative requirements. Our licensed immigration advisers combine deep knowledge of immigration law with practical experience to maximize your chances of success while ensuring compliance with all requirements.
Comprehensive Visa Services
Work Visas & Employment
New Zealand offers various work visa options depending on your skills, experience, and employment circumstances:
- Essential Skills Work Visa: For skilled workers with job offers from NZ employers
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa: For high-skilled workers and exceptional talent
- Working Holiday Visa: For young people from eligible countries
- Specific Purpose Work Visa: For specialized short-term work purposes
- Entrepreneur Work Visa: For business people establishing enterprises in NZ
- Investor Visa: For high-net-worth individuals making substantial investments
- Work Visa Extensions: Renewals and variations of existing work rights
- Partner of Worker Visa: For family members of work visa holders
Student Visas & Education
- Student Visa Applications: For full-time study at approved institutions
- Pathway Student Visa: For students pursuing multiple qualifications
- Post-Study Work Visa: Work rights after completing NZ qualifications
- Guardian Visa: For parents accompanying minor students
- Student Visa Variations: Changes to course or study arrangements
Visitor & Tourist Visas
- Visitor Visa Applications: For tourism, family visits, or business purposes
- Multiple Entry Visas: For frequent travelers to New Zealand
- Visa Waiver Transit: For travelers passing through NZ airports
- Medical Treatment Visa: For visitors seeking medical care
Residence & Permanent Settlement
Skilled Migrant Category
The primary pathway for skilled workers seeking permanent residence:
- Points Assessment: Evaluating qualifications, experience, and employment offers
- Expression of Interest: Submitting EOI and managing selection processes
- Invitation to Apply: Responding to residence invitations
- Application Preparation: Comprehensive residence visa applications
- Medical & Character Checks: Managing health and police clearances
Family Category Residence
- Partnership Residence: For partners of NZ citizens and residents
- Parent Category: For parents of NZ citizens and residents
- Dependent Child Residence: For children of NZ citizens and residents
- Adult Sibling/Child Category: Limited places for adult family members
Business & Investment Residence
- Entrepreneur Residence: For successful business operators
- Investor Category: For high-net-worth investors
- Business Development: Planning and establishing NZ businesses
- Investment Compliance: Meeting ongoing investment requirements
New Zealand Citizenship
Citizenship represents the final step in the immigration journey:
- Citizenship by Grant: For permanent residents meeting residence requirements
- Citizenship by Birth: For children born to NZ citizens
- Citizenship by Descent: For children born overseas to NZ citizens
- Dual Citizenship: Maintaining citizenship of multiple countries
- Citizenship Ceremonies: Attending oath-taking ceremonies
- Passport Applications: Obtaining NZ travel documents
Immigration Appeals & Reviews
When applications are declined or issues arise, professional representation is crucial:
- Immigration & Protection Tribunal: Appeals against residence and visa declines
- Judicial Review: High Court challenges to immigration decisions
- Deportation Appeals: Challenging removal and deportation orders
- Character Waivers: Overcoming character concerns and criminal history
- Medical Waivers: Addressing health concerns in applications
- Administrative Reviews: Challenging procedural errors and unfair decisions
- Urgent Applications: Emergency visa applications and urgent circumstances
Specialized Immigration Services
Corporate Immigration
- Employer Assistance: Helping employers recruit overseas workers
- Labour Market Testing: Meeting employment verification requirements
- Accredited Employer Status: Obtaining employer accreditation
- Group Applications: Managing multiple visa applications
- Immigration Compliance: Ensuring employer compliance obligations
Refugee & Protection Services
- Refugee Applications: Seeking protection under international law
- Protection Claims: Claiming protection from persecution
- Appeal Representation: Tribunal and court representation
- Family Reunification: Bringing family members to safety
Complex Cases & Specialized Situations
- Previous Declines: Overcoming application history issues
- Criminal History: Managing character concerns and convictions
- Health Issues: Addressing medical inadmissibility
- Relationship Issues: Partnership verification and evidence
- Document Issues: Managing missing or problematic documentation
Immigration Process Support
Application Preparation
- Eligibility Assessment: Comprehensive review of visa options
- Document Preparation: Gathering and organizing required evidence
- Form Completion: Accurate completion of immigration forms
- Supporting Evidence: Preparing compelling supporting documentation
- Application Review: Quality control and accuracy checking
Ongoing Support
- Application Tracking: Monitoring application progress
- Immigration NZ Liaison: Communication with immigration officials
- Additional Information Requests: Responding to INZ queries
- Interview Preparation: Preparing for immigration interviews
- Decision Management: Understanding and acting on decisions
Immigration Law Changes & Updates
New Zealand immigration law changes frequently. Our advisers stay current with:
- Policy Changes: New immigration policies and procedures
- Regulatory Updates: Changes to immigration instructions
- Processing Updates: Current processing times and requirements
- Border Changes: COVID-19 and emergency immigration measures
- Fee Changes: Updated application fees and charges
Immigration Costs & Fees
Understanding immigration costs helps you budget for your journey:
- Initial Assessment: Free consultation to assess your options
- Professional Fees: $2,000-8,000 depending on application complexity
- Government Fees: $1,000-4,000 in INZ application fees
- Medical Examinations: $300-800 for required health checks
- Police Clearances: $50-200 per country for character checks
- Translation Services: $50-200 per document for certified translations
- Appeal Representation: $5,000-15,000 for tribunal proceedings
Understanding Immigration Law in NZ
Immigration law in New Zealand is governed primarily by the Immigration Act 2009 and supporting regulations. The law is complex and constantly evolving, with regular policy changes affecting application requirements, processing procedures, and eligibility criteria. Our licensed advisers maintain current knowledge of all relevant legislation, policies, and operational procedures to provide accurate, up-to-date advice.
Key legislation includes the Immigration Act 2009, Immigration Regulations, Immigration Instructions, and various policy announcements. Additionally, international treaties, human rights obligations, and bilateral agreements influence immigration decisions and processes.
Why Choose Licensed Immigration Advisers?
- Professional Licensing: All advisers licensed under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act
- Ongoing Education: Continuous professional development and training requirements
- Industry Experience: Extensive experience with all types of immigration applications
- Success Track Record: Proven history of successful applications and appeals
- Multilingual Services: Advisers speaking multiple languages for diverse communities
- Professional Standards: Adherence to professional codes of conduct and ethics
- Insurance Protection: Professional indemnity insurance for client protection
- Regulatory Oversight: Subject to Immigration Advisers Authority oversight
Immigration Lawyers by Location
Find licensed immigration advisers in New Zealand's key immigration centers:
Major Immigration Hubs
- Immigration Lawyers Auckland - Business immigration, investor visas
- Immigration Lawyers Wellington - Policy expertise, appeals
- Immigration Lawyers Christchurch - Skilled migrants, family visas
- Immigration Lawyers Hamilton - Rural immigration, regional visas
Regional Centers
- Immigration Lawyers Tauranga - Lifestyle immigration, retirees
- Immigration Lawyers Dunedin - Student visas, education sector
- Immigration Lawyers Palmerston North - Regional work visas
- Immigration Lawyers Rotorua - Tourism visas, hospitality
Related Immigration Legal Services
Immigration matters often require complementary legal expertise:
Family & Personal
- Family Law - Partnership visas and relationship verification
- Criminal Law - Character concerns and criminal history
- Wills & Estates - Estate planning for new residents
- Elder Law - Parent visas and elderly care
Business & Professional
- Business Law - Business visas and investment structures
- Employment Law - Work visas and employment agreements
- Property Law - Property purchases for new residents
- Tax Law - Tax residency and international obligations
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