How do I find out if I am eligible to apply?
Please contact Idesi Legal for a free consultation.
Why should I use an Immigration Lawyer?
In New Zealand, it is not necessary to use an Immigration Lawyer if you wish to make an application for a visa. You can make a visa application directly to the Immigration New Zealand, an agency which is generally quite accessible. However, Immigration policies can be complex and difficult to follow, with some rules quite ambiguous. In addition, as Immigration Officers are often managing hundreds of applications at once, it is your responsibility to prove to your Immigration officer that you meet the policy for the visa you are applying for. An Immigration Lawyer can assess your likelihood of obtaining a visa, help put together a strong application, and liaise with Immigration New Zealand on your behalf to save you time (money) and stress.
How long will my application take?
The length of time taken to make a decision on your visa application will depend on a number of factors, including the type of application, the Immigration New Zealand office it is assessed in, and the level of verification required. We can give you an estimate of timeframes once we’ve assessed your situation.
Can Idesi Legal get me a job in New Zealand?
Idesi Legal can provide you contacts to reputable employment agencies in New Zealand that may assist you in your quest for a job offer.
Will the immigration authorities or Embassy help me to prepare my application and make sure that everything is correct before applying?
No. This type of service is no longer provided by Government. The authorities exist to enforce the immigration law, make decisions on residence applications and to issue residence visas. Although basic information and application forms are available, the authorities are unable to provide independent advice and personalized guidance on your specific case. A lawyer or licensed Immigration Adviser can provide this kind of service.
Can the immigration authorities refuse my application?
Yes. A surprisingly large number of applicants are unaware how strictly the immigration regulations are enforced and are often unnecessarily refused or delayed due to technical errors on their application or by submitting the wrong supporting documentation. So the moral of the story is to consider seeking the professional guidance and independent advice of a lawyer before lodging an application for residence. Immigration lawyers exist to help you find the best way through the immigration maze and are highly effective in doing so.
My immigration lawyer has assessed me as being eligible for residence in New Zealand. If I apply without his or her help, can I be certain of success?
No. Although you may fundamentally qualify under the immigration policy, you are by no means guaranteed of success. In order to be approved, your application must be prepared in accordance with the prevailing immigration regulations and submitted together with the appropriate supporting documentation. The ways in which to do this are not always clearly set out by the immigration authorities and can result in many applicants presenting their cases incorrectly, inevitably leading to refusal. So you should consider seeking the assistance of an immigration lawyer for the entire residence visa process.
Is there a charge for consulting with Idesi Legal?
Your initial consultation is free. However any further work or consultations will be subject to being charged.
Are Idesi Legal Immigration Lawyers or Immigration advisors?
We are Immigration Lawyers.
Can I apply for refugee status?
We are a legally aided law firm for refugee matters. However you must be in New Zealand to lodge a refugee claim. You cannot apply for asylum or refugee status from outside New Zealand.
I have an offence on my record what should I do?
You may be under an obligation to report it to Immigration New Zealand. Contact Idesi Legal immediately.
I have been issued with a letter by Immigration New Zealand – what do I do?
It is important that a comprehensive response is provided by the due date. Please contact Idesi Legal immediately.
I have been issued with a Deportation Liability Questionnaire – what do I do?
It is very important to pay attention and provide the most comprehensive response. Simply answering the questions is not enough. Contact Idesi Legal immediately.
What documents do I need for my application?
Idesi Legal will identify the documents you need once you have engaged us in your matter. As part of any application process – Idesi Legal will provide you with a comprehensive list of documents needed.
If I had a discharge without conviction – will INZ still PPI me?
Yes, INZ can still issue you with a PPI letter.
What if I have health issues?
Immigration New Zealand will do an assessment to see if you are of an acceptable standard of health. If you have concerns please contact Idesi Legal.
If I’m applying as part of a family – if a family member has health or character issues will it affect the application?
Contact Idesi Legal immediately for a further consultation.
What is a PPI?
When Immigration has a concern about your application, your character or your health, INZ will issue you a ‘Potentially Prejudicial Information’ Letter. This letter gives you the opportunity to respond to these concerns. These letters have a due date and need to be responded to urgently. Please Idesi Legal if you have received such a letter.
What is s61?
s61 of the Immigration Act 2009 allows for Immigration New Zealand to issue a visa to someone who is unlawfully in New Zealand. Making requests under s61 is a difficult process and Immigration New Zealand doe not always issue visas under s61. If you are unlawfully in New Zealand please contact Idesi Legal to discuss your options.
Can I do a ministerial myself?
Yes, however, keep in mind that if you do it yourself, there is only one chance to do a ministerial properly unless there is further evidence.
Can I get Legal Aid for Immigration matters?
Yes, for Deportation Residence. For all other matters no.
Can you act for me if I’m not in Auckland or Wellington?
Yes we can. We do our business over Microsoft Teams and you can have a consultation from anywhere in the world. We will send you a Microsoft Teams link, you won’t have to download anything.
Is there a charge for consulting with Idesi Legal?
Your initial consultation is free. However, any further work or consultations will be subject to being charged.
Are we Immigration Lawyers or Immigration advisors?
We are Immigration Lawyers.
Can I apply for refugee status?
We are a legally aided law firm for refugee matters. However, you must be in New Zealand to lodge a refugee claim. You cannot apply for asylum or refugee status from outside New Zealand.
I have an offence on my record what should I do?
You may be under an obligation to report it to Immigration New Zealand. Contact Idesi Legal immediately.
I have been issued with a letter by Immigration New Zealand – what do I do?
It is very important to pay attention and provide the most comprehensive response. Simply answering the questions is not enough. Contact Idesi Legal immediately.
I have been issued with a Deportation Liability Questionaire – what do I do?
It is very important to pay attention and provide the most comprehensive response. Simply answering the questions is not enough. Contact Idesi Legal immediately.
What documents do I need for my application?
Idesi Legal will identify the documents you need once you have engaged us in your matter. As part of any application process – Idesi Legal will provide you with a comprehensive list of documents needed.
If I had a discharge without conviction – will INZ still PPI me?
Yes, INZ can still issue you with a PPI letter.
What if I have health issues?
Immigration New Zealand will do an assessment to see if you are of an acceptable standard of health. If you have concerns please contact Idesi Legal.
If I’m applying as part of a family – if a family member has health or character issues will it affect the application?
Contact Idesi Legal immediately for a further consultation.
What is a PPI?
When Immigration has a concern about your application, your character or your health, INZ will issue you a ‘Potentially Prejudicial Information’ Letter. This letter gives you the opportunity to respond to these concerns. These letters have a due date and need to be responded to urgently. Please Idesi Legal if you have received such a letter.
What is s61?
s61 of the Immigration Act 2009 allows for Immigration New Zealand to issue a visa to someone who is unlawfully in New Zealand. Making requests under s61 is a difficult process and Immigration New Zealand doe not always issue visas under s61. If you are unlawfully in New Zealand please contact Idesi Legal to discuss your options.
Can I do a ministerial?
This is possible however, this is a risk as there is only one chance to do a ministerial properly unless there is further evidence.
Can I get Legal Aid for Immigration matters?
Yes, for Deportation Residence. For all other matters no.
Can you act for me if I’m not in Auckland or Wellington?
Yes, we can. We do our business over Microsoft Teams and you can have a consultation from anywhere in the world. We will send you a Microsoft Teams link, you won’t have to download anything.