Wednesday, October 28, 2009

New Zealand’s Immigration Advisers Licensing Act aims to protect migrants by licensing people who provide New Zealand immigration advice, both within New Zealand and offshore.  Offshore people who are licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority, the organisation responsible for managing New Zealand immigration adviser licensing, will be able to show the global marketplace that they meet New Zealand Government quality standards.

Anyone who is providing immigration advice about New Zealand immigration matters and who is based offshore must be licensed by 4 May 2010 at the latest, unless exempt.

 

From 4 May 2010, Immigration New Zealand will refuse to accept applications lodged by applicants using an unlicensed immigration adviser.  Advisers who are waiting for a licensing decision from the Registrar are considered by Immigration New Zealand as unlicensed.

 

The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) has a guide to the application process on their website for offshore advisers who wish to apply for a New Zealand immigration adviser licence. This audio-visual presentation provides a simple step-by-step guide to completing your application.

 

Please follow the instructions in the presentation carefully.  If you have technical difficulties downloading the presentation, contact info@iaa.govt.nz for further information.

 

Because of the IAA’s workload, they cannot guarantee you will receive your licence by 4 May 2010 unless you file your application by 2 December 2009.  The process involves a comprehensive assessment of detailed evidence so it is important that you begin your application process now.

 

The IAA's experience with onshore licensing was that many advisers left it till the last minute to apply, and their businesses suffered as a result. The first four months of 2010 will be a busy time for the Authority as many onshore advisers will be renewing their licences.

 

If you are an Australian migration agent registered with the Office of the MARA, you do not need to follow the same process. You can apply for a New Zealand immigration advisers licence directly by completing and lodging this form [PDF].  See more information for MARA registered agents who wish to apply for a New Zealand immigration advisers licence.

 

When you become licensed, you will receive ID which you can use to promote your business with clients and prospective clients. Remember, it is the individual, not the company that is licensed, so everyone who gives immigration advice must be licensed.