Cost Guide · Estimates compiled May 2026, reviewed October 2026

Cost of a Immigration Law Lawyer in New Zealand

NZ immigration advice can be given by NZ Law Society-registered lawyers (no IAA licence required under s11 of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007) or by licensed immigration advisers. Lawyers tend to handle complex appeals, judicial review, and Immigration and Protection Tribunal matters.

Quick answer

We estimate immigration lawyers in New Zealand charge roughly $250 – $500 per hour. Estimated fees for common fixed-fee work are below; they are not quotes, and individual firms vary widely.

Typical immigration law fees

Service Estimated NZ fee
Hourly rate $250 – $500/hr estimate
Visitor visa $1,000 – $2,500estimate
Work visa $2,000 – $4,500estimate
Skilled Migrant residency $3,500 – $7,500estimate
Section 61 request after overstay $1,500 – $3,500estimate
IPT deportation appeal $5,000 – $20,000+estimate

Where these figures come from

Lawyer fee ranges are LawyerFinder estimates, compiled in May 2026 and reviewed in October 2026. They are not drawn from a survey, and the New Zealand Law Society does not publish fee scales. Government fees and legal rules are checked against the official source cited beside them. Compiled 30 May 2026; reviewed 14 October 2026. Lawyers other than barristers sole must tell you in writing, in advance, the basis on which they will charge fees (Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008, rule 3.4); ask for a written estimate too.

What drives the cost

  • • Visa category (visitor vs residency)
  • • Whether character or health waivers are required
  • • Complexity of evidence (employment, partnership)
  • • Whether the matter goes to IPT or judicial review

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Frequently asked questions

How much does an immigration lawyer cost in NZ? ▾

Hourly rates run $250 – $500. Work visa applications are commonly $2,000 – $4,500. Skilled Migrant residency $3,500 – $7,500. Deportation appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal can exceed $20,000 in complex cases.

Should I use a lawyer or a licensed immigration adviser? ▾

For straightforward visas, a licensed immigration adviser is usually adequate and lower-cost. For deportation, IPT appeals, judicial review of INZ decisions, or matters with criminal-history complications, a lawyer is the right choice.

Are INZ application fees included in lawyer fees? ▾

No — INZ fees are paid directly to Immigration NZ and are separate from your lawyer's fees. They range from a few hundred dollars for a visitor visa to over $4,000 for residency.

Sources

Legislation and government fee pages checked 14 October 2026. The lawyer-fee ranges above are our estimates and have no external source.

Related

What other legal work costs

Information only — not legal advice. Fees vary by firm, region and matter complexity. Before instructing, expect the written fee information required by rule 3.4 of the Conduct and Client Care Rules 2008.