For Sofia, coming to New Zealand from Italy not only meant being able to be with her partner, but it symbolised a fresh start and a chance to explore a different way of life.
“I wanted to come to New Zealand because it offered a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a high quality of life”
For Sofia, coming to New Zealand from Italy not only meant being able to be with her partner, but it symbolised a fresh start and a chance to explore a different way of life.
“I wanted to come to New Zealand because it offered a unique mix of natural beauty, cultural diversity, and a high quality of life,” she says.
Sofia works in a business support role for a consulting company in New Zealand. She moved here in 2018. After successfully obtaining two Work Visas based on her partnership, she decided to apply for residency.
Sofia found an advisor who prepared her application. “It had plenty of details showcasing the genuine and stable nature of my relationship with my partner,” she says. “We included a huge number of photos, letters from friends attesting to our relationship, and all the other necessary information to demonstrate the genuineness of our relationship.”
Things were looking promising. But then a few months later, Immigration New Zealand requested an interview with Sofia and her partner. The interview didn’t go as expected with some of the application responses raising concerns.
Subsequently, Sofia received a PPI (potentially prejudicial information) letter from Immigration New Zealand, requesting clarification on certain aspects. They pointed out inconsistencies in dates and information provided in her previous Work Visa applications and highlighted discrepancies in responses from both Sofia and her partner regarding their partnership.
“I found myself in a challenging situation. Unfortunately, the immigration advisor I was using at the time didn’t provide the guidance I needed to effectively address the issues outlined in the letter.”
Recognising the complexity of her situation, Sofia started searching online for a highly regarded and experienced immigration lawyer.
“I came across Aaron, who had many positive reviews. I decided to book a consultation with him over the phone,” she says. “Aaron not only offered valuable insights but also advised me to pursue a different path for my residency application. This decision proved to be life changing for me.
“Aaron explained and clarified the steps, deadlines, and documentation requirements, making the entire process more manageable and less confusing. He provided comprehensive guidance on what types of questions I might be asked by Immigration New Zealand and the documentation to have on hand.
“Aaron’s guidance not only eased my anxiety but also helped me understand and navigate the process with confidence.
“Receiving my New Zealand residency was an absolute joy!” says Sofia. “I was over the moon with happiness. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders, and I couldn’t stop smiling. It’s been an incredible journey, and this achievement means the world to me.
“Aaron didn’t just make the process easier; he made me believe my dream was attainable. His dedication and support were the key factors that made my dream a reality, and I can’t thank him enough for that.”
Anna is now loving her new life in New Zealand. “The work-life balance is fantastic; I’ve made many wonderful friends and cherished memories. New Zealand has truly become my home, and I couldn’t be happier.
“I want to say a huge thanks to Aaron for his support and expertise throughout my residency journey. Without his guidance, I genuinely don’t believe I could have successfully secured my residency.
“For anyone in need of immigration services, I highly recommend Aaron. He not only possesses the knowledge and skill to navigate the complexities of immigration law but also the dedication that makes all the difference. "
“Thank you, Aaron, for helping me achieve my dream and for being an outstanding immigration lawyer!”
If you need help making New Zealand your home, contact Aaron Martin, our principal immigration lawyer, for help today.
