FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ARE YOU IMMIGRATION ADVISERS OR LAWYERS?

Evelyn Dyer is a Licensed Immigration Adviser with a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand. She has also completed the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice from Toi-Ohomai Institute of Technology.

Immigration advisers and lawyers do the same type of work and have the same jurisdiction when it comes to representing clients for immigration matters. However, immigration advisers tend to be more specialised in their knowledge and focus, whereas lawyers may practice other areas of law besides immigration.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO CONTACT YOU?

Because our Code of Conduct requires that we confirm all material discussions in writing, we prefer to communicate over emails. However, any way of contacting us is fine. No matter where you are in the world, we can discuss your immigration query with ease, whether this be over the phone, email, WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype, Microsoft Teams or Zoom - the choice is yours.

HOW MUCH DO YOUR SERVICES COST?

The price of our services varies depending on the visa category, complexity of the case, and amount of work involved. The fees charged are generally only for the work involved in preparing and lodging your application; any unexpected and additional work that arises after lodgement may warrant further charges. However, all fees quoted will be reasonable in the circumstances and your consent will be sought before starting the additional work.

Simple visa applications where the applicant has no known health or character issues and a positive immigration history will attract our standard fee for the category of visa. More complicated cases will involve additional charges over and above the standard fee.

Disbursements are not a part of our fees. They are payments made to others or expenses incurred by us on your behalf. Disbursements include but are not limited to: Immigration New Zealand visa application fees, NZQA fees, courier charges and document translation fees.

WHAT IS FREE AND WHAT DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR?

Contacting us is free. Once you’ve contacted us, we will conduct a free assessment* of your case and situation, and will provide some initial advice to you accordingly. If you decide that you would like to appoint us to be your formal representative after that (for e.g., to lodge an application or respond to Immigration New Zealand on your behalf), then we will quote you a fee for services depending on the amount of help that you need.

We will always tell you upfront how much our services will cost and will not start any work until we have your written agreement. Generally, we will not charge anything just to tell you what you need to do and what is possible in your situation, but it will cost if you need further detailed advice or have more questions which need specific answers.

*Note: Free assessments are offered over the phone or email only. In-person consultations can be arranged at a cost of $80 for 1 hour.

ARE YOU FLEXIBLE ON PAYMENTS?

Yes, we are! Although we usually need to have our service charges paid in full before completion of the work, we do allow clients to pay in fixed installments as agreed with the adviser. We understand that people have budgetary constraints and we are ready to work with you to ensure that you are not priced out of having access to professional help when you need it. Please contact us to discuss your options.

WHAT'S YOUR PROCESS LIKE?

Once we’ve completed an initial assessment of your case, we will advise you on the best options going forward and guide you on what to do.

When you’ve decided which option or pathway you want to take, you can elect us to represent you for that matter. We will tell you how much our services cost and, if you agree, send a written service agreement for you to read and sign.

After you have returned the signed agreement along with payment, we will send you the full checklist of documents required for your case.

We will then prepare and submit your visa application or appeal/request, and see it through to a final decision, answering any questions that Immigration New Zealand may have along the way.