Individuals & Family

Personalised, strategic immigration advice for a wide range of visa categories and compliance matters.

Accredited Employer Work Visa

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a visa for skilled individuals who have received a job offer from an employer in New Zealand that Immigration New Zealand has accredited. With this visa, you are able to live and work in the country. AEWV requirements can be challenging to understand particularly around job checks, pay thresholds, and employer accreditation compliance. At Stay Legal, we provide strategic guidance to help you secure your AEWV efficiently, whether you’re applying for the first time or extending your stay.

Post-Study Work Visa

The Post-Study Work Visa opens the door for you to gain some valuable local work experience. This visa is a fundamental stepping stone towards securing longer-term residency and lets you work for any employer in a role related to your qualification. Navigating the eligibility criteria, such as the level of your qualification, institution type, and regional work requirements, can be complex. We can take the guesswork out of the process and suggest the best options to fit your goals and current immigration status. If you’re planning your future after graduation, let us help you make the most of your time in New Zealand. We’re here to turn your qualifications into opportunities.

Specific Purpose Work Visa

The Specific Purpose Work Visa is designed for individuals who plan to visit New Zealand for a specific task or project, such as completing a business assignment, participating in a sporting event, or offering specialised services. This visa is temporary and purpose-driven, with requirements that vary depending on the reason and duration of your visit. With personalised legal advice, you can align your visa application to immigration standards and clearly highlight the purpose of your visit without unwanted delays.

Job Change & Variation of Conditions

If your situation changes while you’re on a work visa, such as when you switch jobs, change roles, or relocate, you may need to apply for a Job Change or Variation of Conditions. Failing to do so could lead to a breach of your visa conditions. At Stay Legal, we understand that career progression usually means change, and we’re here to ensure that it doesn’t get in the way of your immigration status. We vet your new role for visa policy, give guidance on areas of risk, and manage the variation process to keep you compliant.

Partnership Work Visa

The Partnership Work Visa allows you to join your partner and work while living together. It’s a popular choice for couples who wish to settle in New Zealand, but demonstrating the genuineness and stability of your relationship is crucial to a successful application. Immigration NZ looks at a wide range of evidence, and incomplete or inconsistent documentation can lead to delays or refusals. From choosing the most suitable documents to writing effective written submissions, Stay Legal can guide you through the process with care.

Dependent Child Visitor Visa

The Dependent Child Visitor Visa permits your children to come and stay with you in New Zealand for a temporary period while you live or work here. The visa allows them to stay with you as visitors without attending school, usually when a short-term stay is planned or while organising more permanent visa arrangements. Immigration New Zealand requires proof of your legal status, sufficient support, and the child’s dependency, all correctly documented. At Stay Legal, we assist in preparing a complete and accurate application that reflects your child’s best interests and complies with immigration policy.

Dependent Child Student Visa

If your child will be studying at a New Zealand school while you are living or working here, then a Dependent Child Student Visa is required. This visa allows eligible children to study at primary or secondary school as domestic students. To qualify, a parent must hold an eligible visa and meet income or sponsorship requirements; specific criteria to successfully gain the visa are often misunderstood or overlooked. We can support you through the process to ensure your application is accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with your child’s educational needs.

Partnership Resident Visa

The Partnership Resident Visa allows individuals in a genuine and stable relationship with a New Zealand citizen or resident to apply for residence. While this visa offers a pathway to live permanently in New Zealand, the application process does require extensive proof of your relationship. Immigration New Zealand takes into consideration a range of evidence, ranging from shared living arrangements to financial dependency. At Stay Legal, we help couples present a solid, well-documented application that recounts their unique story.

Limited Visa

A Limited Visa is granted for a specific and temporary purpose, e.g., to attend a family event, receive medical treatment, or do short-term business in New Zealand. The visa may not be extended or converted into another type of visa and must be used exclusively for the purpose stated. Because of its restrictive nature, Limited Visa applications are closely scrutinised and can be difficult to obtain without adequate evidence. We help you clearly define your purpose, provide persuasive documentation, and reduce the risk of having the application refused. Whether your reason is personal, professional, or compassionate, we’ll make sure your application stands on solid ground.

Visitor Visa

A Visitor Visa is for individuals who wish to travel to New Zealand for a holiday, to see family or friends, or to take part in short-term business activities. While the purpose seems simple enough, a large proportion of applications are declined for failure to provide evidence of return or financial support. At Stay Legal, we take the doubt out of the process by filing sound, policy-compliant applications. Whether it is a first trip, a family reunion, or a supporting visa for a dependent, we tailor your application to your circumstances. We can also assist with multiple entry visas and partner-based visitor options.

Student Visa

New Zealand provides world-class education, and the Student Visa is your gateway to studying at one of its numerous top schools. The visa allows full-time study with approved providers and can also grant part-time work rights depending on your level of study. However, obtaining a Student Visa requires more than an offer of a place; you must also prove financial support, accommodation, and genuine intent to study. At Stay Legal, we help you and your family prepare solid applications that have everything covered and anticipate potential issues. At Stay Legal, we help students and their families prepare robust applications that meet all requirements and advise on pathways from student status to work or residence, helping you plan beyond graduation.

Green List: Straight To Residence - Resident Visa

The Green List: Straight to Residence Visa provides a direct pathway to residency for highly skilled professionals in occupations critical to New Zealand’s future. If you have a job offer or current employment in a Tier 1 Green List role, you may be eligible to apply for residence immediately. While the policy is designed to attract global talent, applications still require detailed proof of qualifications, registration (if applicable), and employer compliance. We specialise in helping applicants package their experience and credentials into a streamlined, policy-compliant application.

Green List: Work To Residence - Resident Visa

The Green List: Work to Residence Visa offers a path to residence after having worked in a Tier 2 Green List job in New Zealand for two years. It’s designed for skilled workers who contribute to key industries but must be carefully recorded for employment, job security, and lawfulness. At Stay Legal, we guide you through the entire process, from initial work visa planning to residence applications.

Care Workforce: Work To Residence - Resident Visa

This specialised visa pathway supports those working in New Zealand’s vital care sectors, including aged care, disability support, and home-based healthcare. After two years of eligible work in the sector, applicants can apply for residence under the Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa. The role must meet pay thresholds and policy requirements, and employers must be accredited. Stay Legal ensures your employment, evidence of continuity, and visa history are properly aligned to make your application successful.

Transport Sector: Work To Residence - Resident Visa

The Transport Sector Work to Residence Visa supports individuals working in essential roles such as truck drivers, bus drivers, and aircraft refuellers, professions that are critical to New Zealand’s supply chain and economy. You must work in an eligible role for two years under an Accredited Employer and meet the relevant pay and licensing requirements to qualify. Stay Legal provides proactive support from your initial work visa to the final residence stage, helping you stay on track with every immigration milestone.

Skilled Migrant Category Residence Visa

The Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Residence Visa offers a points-based pathway to permanent residence for highly skilled employees. Points are awarded for qualifications, work experience, age, and New Zealand employment. Partner and dependent children aged 24 and under can be included in your residence application, making the move a family opportunity. At Stay Legal, we help you establish your eligibility, optimise your points, and confidently handle each stage of the SMC application.

Entrepreneur Work Visa

The Entrepreneur Work Visa is for individuals who want to establish or purchase a business in New Zealand with the long-term goal of migrating to residency. Applicants must present a viable business plan, demonstrate access to investment capital, and meet innovation and benefit-to-New-Zealand criteria. This visa has a high bar for approval, especially for the initial six-month start-up period. We provide strategic, business-savvy legal support to help you create a viable proposal.

Entrepreneur Resident Visa

The Entrepreneur Resident Visa allows experienced entrepreneurs and business innovators who have operated a business in New Zealand on an Entrepreneur Work Visa to apply for residence. You must demonstrate that your business has been of strong value to New Zealand and has been successfully operated for a period of at least six months to two years. Immigration New Zealand must see detailed financial records, evidence of innovation, employment creation, and business sustainability. We’ll guide you through the process, from preparing substantial supporting evidence to addressing any concerns raised by immigration officers.

Active Investor Plus Resident Visa

The Active Investor Plus Resident Visa is an exclusive pathway for applicants who are willing to invest significantly in the economy of New Zealand. The applicants must invest at least an amount, weighted according to the type of asset and actively retain the investment for a period of time. The visa requires financial means, due diligence, background analysis, and a clear investment plan. If you’re investing in an investable fund, private business, or direct equity, we will ensure your application is complete, law-abiding, and compelling.

Uplifting Section 49(1) Conditions

A resident visa granted under certain categories may carry Section 49(1) conditions you must meet before applying for a permanent resident visa. Conditions may include time spent in employment, business activity, or investment. Once the obligations are fulfilled, an application must be made to formally waive the conditions. At Stay Legal, we establish your eligibility and ensure that your evidence meets the specific standards outlined in your original visa. We also assist where conditions have been partially met or delayed due to circumstances that could not be anticipated. Our goal is to lead you smoothly into conditional residency from full residence rights.

Visa Label Transfer

If you’ve changed your passport or still have a valid New Zealand visa, you may need a Visa Label Transfer. This service moves your visa from your old passport to your new one so that you can travel and reside in New Zealand without any issues. Although straightforward in most cases, the incorrect paperwork or delays can be inconvenient to your travel plans. At Stay Legal, we make it simple, with all the information lodged in the right place and your new passport marked to reflect your visa status.

Compliance Issues

Immigration compliance is essential to your ongoing lawful status in New Zealand, whether temporarily or as a resident. Problems of non-compliance can include breaches of visa conditions, illegal presence, illegal work, or involvement in employment violations. Issues can attract serious penalties, including cancellation of visa, restrictions on future entry, or enforcement action. Stay Legal provides rapid, strategic, and confidential advice to address problems before they escalate. We help individuals and families understand their responsibilities and rights, prepare remedial applications, and deal with immigration officers on your behalf.

Section 61 Request

If you are unlawfully present in New Zealand, for example, because of an expired visa, you may try to file a Section 61 Request to regain legal status. These requests are entirely discretionary and must be handled cautiously, as Immigration New Zealand is not obliged to grant or even consider them. Successful Section 61 applications require clear reasons, evidence to support claims, and solid humanitarian or practical grounds. At Stay Legal, we can draft requests for your circumstances. We understand the stress and uncertainty and act quickly on your behalf.

Character Waiver

Immigration New Zealand requires that all visa applicants be of good character, and if you have a criminal conviction or past immigration issue, you may need a Character Waiver. This can be a sensitive and important part of the process because not having the waiver in place can lead to the refusal of a visa. Character waivers need compelling evidence showing your rehabilitation, current circumstances, and overall value to New Zealand. Stay Legal approaches these applications with sensitivity and strategy, constructing a strong case that makes you look your best. We handle it with discretion, often engaging immigration officials directly to explain complex histories.

Medical Waiver

Applicants who do not meet usual health criteria may still be eligible for a visa with a Medical Waiver. These are typically considered where the applicant’s condition is not likely to incur serious costs or burden the country’s health or education systems or where there are strong personal reasons. Medical waiver requests require complete evidence, including specialist reports, costing, and personal background. Stay Legal delivers comprehensive policy and humanitarian filings, increasing your success rate.

Ministerial Special Direction

A Ministerial Special Direction is an exceptional step in rare and unusual cases where standard immigration procedures do not offer a suitable solution. It allows the Minister of Immigration to intervene in the situation on grounds of humanity, public interest, or exceptional circumstances. They must be strongly compelling and typically constitute the last resort. At Stay Legal, we will figure out whether or not your case meets the threshold and help you draft a thoroughly considered petition with all the necessary supporting evidence.

Immigration and Protection Tribunal Appeal

If your visa application has been denied or you have received a deportation liability notice, you may be able to appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT). The IPT considers appeals on humanitarian grounds, refugee and protection claims, and some residence decisions. These are complex legal proceedings with in-depth legal arguments, case law, and supporting evidence. We help you understand your rights, gather crucial evidence, and prepare written and oral submissions.

Request a consultation with the Stay Legal Team today.

We’re dedicated to being your trusted immigration & strategic solution team.

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What Our Clients Have to Say

Discover how Stay Legal has made a difference in the lives of our clients across New Zealand and beyond.

    
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Matt Murphy 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I’d highly recommend Lauren and the team at Stay Legal to anyone. Personally they helped me so much with my visa and any questions or concerns I had aswell, with amazing results faster than expected thanks to them
  
 
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   Roland Tshibeya 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. This is the best legal immigration institution in the world. They know exactly what you need. They have excellent, smart and pro-active Legal advisors and immigration lawyers. On top of that, their prices are the most affordable ones. They are also very kind and go extramiles. My family and I are so grateful to Stay Legal and will never thank enough Lauren Qiu, our immigration lawyer who was so supportive and client centered. She is fast, smart, determinant and lovely. We obtained our visas on the first attempt because she is extremely  competent. Thanks to Stay Legal for their outstanding,  excellent service offered to clients. I will recommend everyone to use Staylegal if they really want to win their immigration  cases and they are specialized in all sorts of visas.👌 👍 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
  
 
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   Claire Wilde 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Stay Legal was recommended to me by a friend and I'm so glad I ran with the recommendation. Lauren was professional, clear, and a pleasure to interact with. Her in-depth knowledge and skill in navigating the complex world of immigration was evident from the very beginning. I really appreciated her proactivity and willingness to go the extra mile to be helpful. Thank you Lauren!
  
 
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   Mike Steele 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. For the past four years, I've sought assistance from Stay Legal on both business and personal immigration matters. With their invaluable guidance, I quickly and easily obtained work visas for my employees and my partner. Thanks to Lauren's expertise and experience, she successfully advocated for our visa application to be prioritised by INZ, due to extenuating circumstances. This resulted in the swift approval of my partner’s visa, allowing her to enter New Zealand months earlier than would have otherwise been possible. Throughout the process, Lauren was straightforward, practical and dedicated, often going the extra mile by working outside of normal business hours. Lauren’s professionalism, combined with her empathy and commitment to clients, make her a standout immigration advisor. I highly recommend Stay Legal for their expertise and ability to navigate the immigration process effectively to get results for their clients.
  
 
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   Preetinder Singh 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Deserves way more than 5 stars! Lauren has helped us get visitor visa for our mother when she had previously been declined by INZ. Lauren gave us detailed information and kept us well informed at each point. She studied the case and gathered all relavant information and fought hard for us. Absolute gem of a person and at no point ignored any calls. What a Christmas gift for us. Can't thank her enough. Highly recommended!!
  
 
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   Ruben Nickolls 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I highly recommend Stay Legal! Lauren is very professional. She was very clear and replies very fast to any questions I had. The process of going from one visa to another was made easy and less stressful thanks to the hard work by Lauren and the team at Stay Legal.
  
 
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   Chansong Lee 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 我要感谢 stay legal 在我的签证过程中以专业的态度和出色的服务。一切都顺利而快速。毫无疑问，Lauren是一位经验丰富且知识渊博的律师，我绝对会向决定留在新西兰的任何人推荐她！
  
 
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   thakuree beepan 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I would like to thank Lauren for everything that has been done. She is very professional. I highly recommend Lauren and the Stay legal team. Thank you. Bal
  
 
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   Kerr wu 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Lauren helps a lot with my 3 years working visa and resident visa,  she always help me to understand my circumstance well. 5 star for sure.