Getting help with your visa application
If you are overseas, you can get advice from an overseas education agent about student visas as they are exempt from needing a license. Education providers in New Zealand can only give you advice if they have a licensed adviser who works there.
Immigration advice for your visa application must come from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA), or a person who is exempt from being licensed.
Overseas education agents
Education agents who provide advice to student visa applicants who are overseas are considered exempt from licensing under the 'Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007'. These people can provide advice to students on visa applications, as well as advice on completing the forms and completing the form on their behalf.
Education providers in New Zealand
Education providers cannot give immigration advice unless they have a licensed immigration adviser on staff. Advice includes:
- information about which would be the best visa to apply for
- what documents you might need for an application
- what pathways you have to get a work or residence visa.
Education providers can, however, help you complete an online application, and they can submit that application online for you.
The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) has information on what to do when your student needs immigration advice.