The assessment of a migrant’s eligibility for a New Zealand visa requires a thorough understanding of the laws and regulations that are regularly being revised, and policies and procedures that are modified frequently to meet the objectives of the current Government of the day.
Currently there are a number of categories in which an individual can apply for immigration status in New Zealand. The decision-making process associated with the grant of a New Zealand visa often falls on an immigration officer, who takes into consideration a number of legal and factual issues about the applicant.
It is therefore important that complicated applications, like business migration policies and applications for overstayers, are given the due care and attention they require before they are submitted to Immigration New Zealand as they often require a large volume of supporting evidence. Incorrect, misleading or irrelevant evidence can irreversibly endanger your chances of arriving or staying in New Zealand.
By law, any person that gives you New Zealand immigration advice must be licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority, unless they are a lawyer that holds a current New Zealand practising certificate. Some Community Law Centres and Citizen Advice Bureaus can also provide basic immigration advice.
You may risk your visa application being returned by Immigration New Zealand if you use an unlicensed immigration adviser. In many situations, this will have a significant impact on the applicant, his or her family, employers, employees and business partners. It is therefore important that you obtain reliable advice prior to lodging your application.
Lawyers are regulated by the New Zealand Law Society and work under strict rules and regulations. Lawyers, licensed immigration advisers or other exempt persons can represent you in your application to Immigration New Zealand. However, you must be represented by a lawyer if you wish to appeal a decision in a New Zealand court or seek judicial review of your decision.
We are able to assist you with an assessment of the eligibility of your application, provide concise and practical advice on immigration issues and provide legal advice for your business and employment issues.
If you require any advice or further information on the matters dealt with in this publication please contact the lawyer at Farry and Co. who normally advises you, or alternatively contact:
Steven Lee
09 379 0055 or 03 477 8870
The information contained in this publication is intended as a guide only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Professional advice should be sought before applying any of the information to particular circumstances. While every reasonable care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, Farry and Co. does not accept liability for any errors it may contain.