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Your pathway to New Zealand starts here

Expert immigration and education guidance for employers, workers, and international students navigating New Zealand's visa system.

Hoyoung Lee
Hoyoung Lee Licensed Immigration Adviser
Employer Accreditation AEWV Student Visas Job Check
LIA
Licensed adviser
NZ
Based in Canterbury
IAA
Regulated body
2
Specialists on team

Our team

Meet the people at Step Up

We are a team of two specialists dedicated to helping employers, workers, and students succeed in New Zealand.

Hoyoung Lee

Hoyoung Lee

Licensed Immigration Adviser & Educational Agent

With over five years of experience as a Licensed Immigration Adviser and 20 years working as an educational agent recruiting international students, Hoyoung brings unmatched depth of knowledge to his work. He supports a wide range of clients — from New Zealand businesses navigating the Accredited Employer Work Visa system, to skilled workers, international students planning their studies, and families building their lives in New Zealand.

Hoyoung's practical, people-first approach means clients always know where they stand. He is particularly experienced in employer-related immigration including Employer Accreditation, Job Check, and AEWV applications, and his two decades as an educational agent give him an exceptional understanding of the international student journey from first enquiry through to arrival.

📧 hoyoung@suei.co.nz

IAA Licence: 202000673
Lorne Lee

Lorne Lee

International Education Adviser

Lorne brings a rich international perspective to Step Up, having lived and worked in South Korea, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand. A trained teacher with firsthand experience of life abroad, she understands exactly what students and families face when navigating education in a new country. Lorne is passionate about helping international students find the right pathway and institution to thrive in New Zealand.

📧 lorne@suei.co.nz


What we offer

Immigration & Education Services

Whether you're an employer needing staff, a worker seeking opportunities, or a student planning to study in New Zealand — we have you covered.

Employer immigration

End-to-end support for New Zealand employers who need to hire skilled workers from overseas.

  • Employer Accreditation applications
  • Job Check applications
  • Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV)
  • Employer compliance guidance
  • Accreditation renewals

Work visas for individuals

Helping skilled workers secure the right visa to live and work in New Zealand.

  • Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
  • Skilled Migrant Category
  • Partner & family visas
  • Residence pathways
  • Visa renewals & extensions

Student visas

Full student visa support for international students coming to study in New Zealand, with clear pathways beyond graduation.

  • Student visa applications
  • Post-study work visa pathways
  • Visa renewals & extensions

Education placement

Expert guidance on choosing the right institution and course, backed by 20 years of partnerships with leading schools and institutions across New Zealand.

  • Institution & course placement
  • International student recruitment
  • English language programme advice

Partnered institutions include: University of Canterbury, Lincoln University, Christchurch College of English (CCEL), Ara Institute of Canterbury, St Bede's College, St Margaret's College, Villa Maria College, Burnside High School, Middleton Grange School, Cashmere High School, Ilam School, and more.


How it works

Simple steps to get started

Immigration can feel complex — we make it clear and straightforward.

01

Free consultation

We discuss your situation and goals, and identify the best pathway for you or your business.

02

Assessment & plan

We assess eligibility and create a clear, personalised immigration or education strategy.

03

Application lodgement

We prepare and submit your application, checking every detail to maximise your chances of success.

04

Approval & beyond

Once approved, we're still here — supporting with renewals, compliance, and next steps.



Latest news & insights

Our blog

We share regular updates on New Zealand immigration, education news, visa changes, and tips for international students and employers. Our blog is written in Korean and English.

Read our blog on Naver

Get in touch

Book your free consultation

Contact us

Phone / WhatsApp+64 21 0499 130
OfficeLincoln, Canterbury, New Zealand
HoursMon–Fri, 9am–5pm NZST