YOLANDA REN

Yolanda Ren is a solicitor at MK Law in Auckland. Most of her work is in immigration law, advising migrants, their families and New Zealand employers on temporary and residence visas. She also assists on employment matters. She was admitted as a Barrister and Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand in March 2025.

Background in immigration practice

Yolanda began working in immigration practice in August 2018. At NZ Immigration Consulting, she worked with the firm’s in-house lawyer on appeals against deportation, declined residence applications and requests for special directions from the Minister.

From 2020 to 2026, she worked at Sean Recruitment Company Limited. She assessed clients’ circumstances, advised on their options and prepared temporary and residence visa applications. Her written work included responses to potentially prejudicial information (PPI) letters, character and medical waiver requests, and section 61 requests. She also kept the company’s recruitment team and employer clients informed of changes to immigration policy and employment law.

Yolanda completed her law degree at AUT while working full-time. She held an immigration adviser licence until she took out a practising certificate, when she surrendered it to practise as a lawyer.

Her work at MK Law

At MK Law, Yolanda acts on work visa and residence applications, including Accredited Employer Work Visa and Skilled Migrant Category matters. She prepares PPI responses, waiver requests and section 61 requests.

She also assists principal solicitor Michael Kim on appeals to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal, including deportation appeals. Her work with Michael extends to employment matters before the Employment Relations Authority and the Employment Court.

Qualifications

Yolanda holds a Bachelor of Laws from Auckland University of Technology (2023) and a Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice from Toi Ohomai Institute of Technology (2019). She also holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and law from Southwestern University of Finance and Economics in China.

Background and languages

Yolanda is originally from China, where she worked in banking before moving to New Zealand. Having made that move herself, she is familiar with what the immigration process asks of applicants and their families. She works in English and Mandarin Chinese. Clients who would prefer to discuss their matter in Mandarin can ask for her when they contact the firm.