These questions and answers are about the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on 24 April 2012 between Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and Education New Zealand (ENZ).

What is the purpose of the MoU?

The MoU formalises a partnership between ENZ and INZ in respect of the New Zealand Specialist Agents programme, and provides for an enhanced role for INZ in the operation of the programme. 

Why have ENZ and INZ developed this partnership?

International education forms a key pillar in the wider economic goals for New Zealand.

The direction for the international education sector is set out in the Government’s Leadership Statement for International Education – to double the economic contribution of international education to New Zealand by 2025.

A joined-up approach that involves government agencies working together with the education sector is needed to reach those goals.

What is the New Zealand Specialist Agent (NZSA) programme?

The NZSA programme was established by ENZ in 2008 to provide training to international education agents, to ensure that the agents have a sound understanding of New Zealand’s education system and lifestyle, enabling them to actively promote New Zealand as an education destination. More information about the NZSA programme is available at www.educationnz.govt.nz/specialist-agents. 

What benefits will the MoU deliver?

The MoU will deliver a number of benefits, including:

• encouraging higher value/lower risk applications from agents
• improving the quality of applications received by INZ
• improving timeliness standards for the processing of student visa applications
• increasing the education industry’s confidence in working with NZSA members
• encouraging non-NZSA members to aspire to accreditation, increasing the overall standard of agent performance globally
• motivating NZSA members to promote New Zealand.

When does the MoU come into effect?

The MoU was signed by representatives of ENZ and INZ on 24 April 2012. The two agencies will implement the provisions of the MoU from August 2012 for ENZ’s Indian NZSA agents, and from the end of January 2013 for other countries covered by the MoU.

What benefits will the MoU deliver to agents?

• Priority processing times by INZ for student visa applications submitted by offshore New Zealand Specialist Agents
• a dedicated point of contact within INZ branches for NZSA members
• enhanced quality control – by combining auditing processes and information sharing – between INZ and ENZ.

Who does this MoU apply to?

To all offshore based NZSA agents. The first roll out will be implemented to all the NZSA agents based in India from August 2012, and to other countries covered by the MoU from the end of January 2013.

Why are NZ based NZSA agents excluded from the MoU?

New Zealand based agents who are providing immigration advice are required to be Licenced Immigration Advisers. Currently not all New Zealand based NZSA members are Licensed Advisers. ENZ is in the process of starting a discussion with New Zealand based NZSA agents regarding this matter.

How many NZSA agents are currently accredited through this programme?

A total of 290 agencies from 20 countries are New Zealand Specialist agents. Around 539 individuals from these agencies have been trained and have met the criteria.

Do all New Zealand education providers work with NZSA agents?

Many education providers work with NZSA agents worldwide. However, New Zealand education providers also work with non NZSA agents. Some of these high performing agents may like to consider joining the NZSA programme over time. There is nothing in this agreement that requires an education provider to only work with NZSA members. 

How can an agent become a NZSA member?

Visit the agents section of newzealandeducated.com to become a NZSA member.

There are other agents who also actively promote NZ and recruit students to NZ institutions. Will they get priority processing too under this scheme?

This MoU only applies to agents who are accredited as NZSA members by ENZ. However, Immigration New Zealand will also provide the benefits listed in the MoU to Licensed Immigration Advisors who meet the qualifying criteria and are located in the countries covered by the agreement.

All other applications will continue to be processed in a timely manner and no decrease in service from INZ should be seen as a result of this MoU.