Michael Yoon

New Zealand immigration lawyer since 2006, advising on visa applications, employer processes, and complex immigration matters.

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Overview

  • Michael Yoon is an immigration lawyer practising in New Zealand since 2006. He advises individuals, families, and businesses on a wide range of immigration matters, including visa applications, residence pathways, employer processes, and complex cases.

  • He works directly with clients throughout their matter, providing consistent advice and maintaining a detailed understanding of each case from start to finish.

Experience in immigration law

  • Michael has experience across a broad range of immigration matters governed by Immigration New Zealand.

    • His work includes:

    • Temporary visa applications, including work, student, and visitor visas.

    • Residence applications under various immigration categories

    • Employer accreditation and job check processes

    • Character issues, medical considerations, and evidential requirements

    • Visa declines, reconsiderations, and appeals

  • He has assisted clients at different stages of the immigration process, including those with complex immigration histories or previous visa issues.

Professional background

  • Michael began his legal career at Cavell Leitch, before joining Kannangara Thomson, where he later became a partner.

  • In December 2018, he established MY Law, a practice focused on New Zealand immigration law.

Qualifications and professional memberships

  • Michael studied Law and Commerce at the University of Canterbury.

  • He holds a current practising certificate issued by the New Zealand Law Society.

    • He is a member of professional organisations, including:

    • New Zealand Law Society

    • New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment

    • New Zealand Association of Immigration Professionals

Ongoing practice and industry engagement

  • Michael regularly reviews updates to immigration policy and instructions issued by Immigration New Zealand, as well as decisions of the Immigration and Protection Tribunal.

  • This ongoing engagement supports advice that reflects current immigration requirements and developments.

Working directly with Michael

  • Clients work directly with Michael throughout their matter.

    • This approach provides:

    • consistent communication

    • continuity in handling your case

    • accountability for the advice provided

    • a clear and detailed understanding of your circumstances

  • Support may be provided where appropriate, but your matter remains under his direct oversight at all times.

Types of matters handled

    • Michael assists with a range of immigration matters, including:

    • visa applications for individuals and families

    • residence applications and immigration pathways

    • employer accreditation and migrant employment processes

    • complex cases involving character issues or prior visa decisions

    • appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal

  • Each matter is considered based on its individual facts and the applicable immigration framework.

Connect with Michael

    • Michael shares information and commentary on immigration matters and life in New Zealand across a number of platforms.

    • YouTube

    • TikTok

    • Facebook

    • LinkedIn

    • Instagram

  • He regularly publishes video content designed to explain immigration topics in a clear and accessible way.

Location

  • Michael works with clients throughout New Zealand and internationally, with many matters managed remotely.

  • He has offices in Auckland and Christchurch, and in-person meetings can be arranged where appropriate. This allows for a flexible approach, combining accessibility with the option of face-to-face consultation where needed.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Yes. You work directly with Michael throughout your matter. This allows for consistent communication, continuity, and a clear understanding of your situation from start to finish.

Michael assists with a range of matters, including those involving additional complexity such as prior visa issues, character concerns, or appeals. These situations are approached with careful assessment and preparation.

Michael works with clients remotely throughout New Zealand and internationally. He also has offices in Auckland and Christchurch, and in-person meetings can be arranged where appropriate.

No. Lawyers in New Zealand are authorised to provide immigration advice without holding a separate immigration adviser licence. They are regulated by the New Zealand Law Society and must hold a current practising certificate.

Both lawyers and licensed immigration advisers can provide immigration advice, but they are regulated under different frameworks. Lawyers are regulated by the New Zealand Law Society, while immigration advisers are licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority. Lawyers may also advise on a broader range of legal matters where relevant.

It may be helpful to consider whether the advice you receive is clear, realistic, and tailored to your circumstances. An initial discussion can help you understand your options and decide whether this approach aligns with your needs.

Need Immigration Advice?

If you would like to discuss your situation, you are welcome to get in touch.

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