Best Work Permit Lawyers in Christchurch

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Duncan Cotterill

Duncan Cotterill

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1857
500 people in their team
Māori
English
Duncan Cotterill has grown to become one of the leading law firms in New Zealand. We have achieved this because as a firm we are very clear about where we are heading and what we want to achieve. We have a strong set of values and we are totally committed to working alongside our clients to help...
Lawhub - Law Firm

Lawhub - Law Firm

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2017
50 people in their team
Lawhub is a boutique law firm which specialises in immigration, criminal, family, matrimonial, property, employment, and estate law. With offices in Christchurch and Hamilton, our team have been providing quality legal advice since 2017.‍At the heart of everything we do is genuine care for...
Cavell Leitch

Cavell Leitch

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1923
200 people in their team
Māori
English
Cavell Leitch is a Christchurch based law firm that is here to help our clients, not make it harder. Since the firm was founded in 1923, the firm’s guiding values have remained the same: we provide our clients with clear advice and great service.As we head into our second century in business,...
Layburn Hodgins Barristers & Solicitors

Layburn Hodgins Barristers & Solicitors

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Māori
English
With more than 20 years of helping our clients come to (and live in) New Zealand - our immigration lawyers are experts!  The visa application process is tricky and the rules are always changing - but our expert immigration lawyers know what needs to be done to get the quickest results. Before...
Alpers & Co - Northwest Law Office - Lawyers & Notary Public

Alpers & Co - Northwest Law Office - Lawyers & Notary Public

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
Māori
English
We are a team of experienced and approachable lawyers who deal with a variety of legal matters including property & business sale and purchases (conveyancing), building contracts, wills, trusts, estates, relationship property agreements, enduring powers of attorney and notary services, through...
Parry Field Lawyers

Parry Field Lawyers

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1948
50 people in their team
Māori
English
To the heart of what matters” Our tagline was developed just before the Canterbury earthquakes in 2011 and it saw us through those difficult times. We see the client in a rounded way and want to help them with ‘what really matters’, for legal services and beyond, when...
Linwood Law

Linwood Law

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2000
10 people in their team
Māori
English
Linwood Law Limited is a firm of lawyers committed to providing a professional and friendly service to our clients. “A Lifetime of Support”Linwood Law began life as the branch of a large Christchurch firm more than 20 years ago. It then evolved to become its own separate firm. Now owned by...
Kannangara Thomson

Kannangara Thomson

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 2007
10 people in their team
Māori
English
We are guided by the values that form the cornerstone of our approach to work, and how we treat our clients and one another.Our values include integrity, confidentiality, honesty, diversity, reliability and inclusivity. As one team, we support all our clients across the breadth of legal services....
Weston Ward & Lascelles

Weston Ward & Lascelles

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1883
50 people in their team
Māori
English
You receive quality and practical advice from a highly experienced legal team. We deliver an exquisite service at the most cost-effective price. Weston Ward & Lascelles has been providing quality legal advice since 1883. We are medium sized Christchurch law firm with a team of highly...
Lane Neave

Lane Neave

Christchurch, New Zealand

Founded in 1868
200 people in their team
Māori
English
Lane Neave is committed to solving problems and realising opportunities for our clients.We tap into more than 150 years of experience and provide our hugely talented pool of emerging and current legal experts with the opportunity to make the complex simple.We provide clear, decisive legal advice...
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About Work Permit Law in Christchurch, New Zealand

In Christchurch, New Zealand, a work permit is referred to as a work visa, which allows foreign nationals the legal right to work in New Zealand. The New Zealand Immigration Service governs these permits, which can range from temporary permits for short-term employment to residency visas for long-term or permanent stays. The goal of these permits is to ensure that immigration policies support New Zealand's labor market and economic needs while balancing local employment opportunities.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer specializing in immigration or employment law can be beneficial in several situations. These may include navigating complex application processes, appealing rejected visa applications, or addressing legal challenges related to employment rights while holding a work visa. Legal experts can also assist with compliance issues to ensure that both employers and employees meet their obligations under New Zealand laws.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal aspects of work permits in Christchurch include eligibility criteria, the type of work visa needed, and compliance with New Zealand's labor laws. The Essential Skills Visa, for instance, is commonly used for skilled workers whose occupation appears on the Essential Skills in Demand List. Compliance with the Fair Trading Act, the Holidays Act, and health and safety regulations are vital for both employers and employees. Employers must also prove they have genuinely searched for New Zealand citizens or residents before hiring foreign workers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of work visas are available in Christchurch?

Work visas in Christchurch might include temporary options like the Essential Skills Visa or long-term ones like the Talent (Accredited Employer) Work Visa, among others.

How long does the work visa application process take?

The processing time for a work visa can vary depending on the type of visa and the applicant's personal circumstances. Generally, it ranges from a few weeks to several months.

Can I transition from a work visa to permanent residency?

In some cases, work visa holders may be eligible to apply for permanent residency if they meet certain criteria set by Immigration New Zealand.

What are the costs associated with a work visa?

Work visa fees depend on the type of visa and may also include various associated costs like medical examinations, translations, and legal advice fees.

Is it possible to change jobs while on a work visa?

Changing jobs on a work visa generally requires applying for a variation of conditions or a new visa, depending on the circumstances and visa type.

What happens if my work visa application is denied?

If denied, you may seek advice on appealing the decision or reapplying, ensuring all grounds and documentation have been thoroughly addressed.

Do I need to include family members on my work visa application?

Family members can be included or apply for visas based on their relationship to the primary visa holder; however, each case varies.

How can a lawyer assist with my work visa application?

Lawyers can provide guidance on eligibility, documentation, compliance with local laws, mount appeal processes, and navigate complex legal requirements to improve your application's chances of success.

What is the role of an accredited employer in the visa process?

Accredited employers can facilitate certain types of work visas, making it a faster pathway for skilled workers employed by them.

What are my rights as a worker under a New Zealand work visa?

Workers have rights under New Zealand labor laws, including fair wages, safe working conditions, and protections related to employment types and contracts.

Additional Resources

For additional support and information, consider contacting New Zealand Immigration Service, Community Law Canterbury, and local immigration advisors or support groups. These resources offer insights and assistance for navigating work permits and related legalities.

Next Steps

If you are in need of legal assistance for a work permit in Christchurch, it is advisable to contact a lawyer specializing in immigration and employment law. Schedule a consultation to discuss your case specificities, analyze appropriate legal strategies, and embark on your visa application or appeal with professional support.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Christchurch through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Work Permit, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Christchurch, New Zealand—quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.