Immigration lawyer and adviser fees in New Zealand

Who can legally give immigration advice

Immigration advice in New Zealand must come from someone who is licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority or exempt from licensing. New Zealand lawyers with a current practising certificate are exempt, so both lawyers and licensed immigration advisers can help. Community law centres and Citizens Advice Bureaux are also exempt and can give free help.

How fees usually work

Visa applications are often charged as a fixed fee per application. Complex matters, such as appeals or deportation, are more often charged by the hour or in stages. Immigration New Zealand's own application fees are separate from your lawyer's or adviser's fee.

Your right to know the costs up front

New Zealand lawyers must give you written information before they start work, including the basis on which their fees will be charged and when payment is due. Fees must be fair and reasonable. If you're unhappy with a bill, raise it with the lawyer first; you can then contact the Law Society's Lawyers Complaints Service.

Questions to ask first

• Is this a fixed fee or hourly? If hourly, what is the rate and roughly how many hours do you expect?
• What is included, and what would cost extra?
• Which costs are disbursements or official fees, and roughly how much are they?
• How often will I be billed, and can I get an update on costs as we go?

Free and low-cost help in New Zealand

• Community Law Centres give free legal help throughout New Zealand.
• You may be eligible for legal aid through the Ministry of Justice.
• Citizens Advice Bureaux can give free general information and point you to the right help.

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