Why work with Licensed Immigration Advisers ?

Are you looking at applying for a visa? Are you thinking of seeking help ?

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) set new rules on 31 March 2025, exercising new powers under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. This update is designed to strengthen the integrity of the immigration process by ensuring that every visa application is prepared and submitted with proper, legal immigration advice.

So what's changing ?

INZ will decline any visa application—whether submitted online or on paper—if it determines that the application has been prepared or submitted by an unlicensed or non-exempt individual. This rule also applies if the advice comes from an unlicensed or non-exempt individual. These strict measures mean that applicants must now be extra vigilant about who is assisting them with their applications, as using unlicensed advice could lead not only to an automatic decline of the current application but might also negatively impact any future applications.

Be Truthful and Honest

INZ emphasises that it is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that all information provided with their application is honest, complete, and accurate. False, misleading, or withheld information stands as grounds for application refusal. This robust approach reinforces the expectation that every applicant must exercise due diligence and integrity when navigating the immigration process.

Who is Considered “Licensed or Exempt”?

So who is considered "Licensed or exempt? Only certain individuals can legally assist with your visa application. These include:

• Licensed Immigration Advisers: Individuals holding a current licence from the Immigration Advisers Authority.

• New Zealand Lawyers: Practising lawyers with current practising certificates, as well as their staff.

• Law Firm Employees: Those working under the direct supervision of qualified lawyers.

• Other Legally Exempt Advisers: This group includes ,

  • Current New Zealand Members of Parliament (MPs) and their staff (within the scope of their employment agreement),

  • Foreign diplomats and consular staff,

  • Certain community law centres and citizens advice bureaus,

  • Immigration New Zealand staff.

It is also important to note that offshore student visa advisers are exempt from providing advice on student visa applications only—on the condition that the advice is given from outside New Zealand. However, they are not authorised to provide immigration advice on any other matters, whether they are inside or outside New Zealand. This includes any other visa matters be it partner, work etc

Why is This happening ?

The drive behind these changes is to protect visa applicants and maintain a transparent, fair, and efficient immigration system. By strictly enforcing the requirement for using only licensed or legally exempt advisers, INZ aims to reduce the risk of errors, fraud, and misleading practices that can arise from receiving unqualified immigration advice. This helps ensure that migration advice remains professional and reliable—further safeguarding both the applicant and the integrity of the visa application process.

What Should I do ?

If you plan to seek immigration advice, verify that your adviser is duly licensed or falls under one of the exempt categories. You can confirm an adviser’s credentials by checking the https://www.iaa.govt.nz/ and the New Zealand Law Society Register. Should you have already received advice from an unlicensed source or if your application has been declined for this reason, it is advisable to seek guidance on how to resubmit your application correctly. Reach out to us, and we'll assist you with this and any other immigration matters.

For more detailed information and the latest updates, please visit the https://www.immigration.govt.nz or review the guidelines under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007.

These regulatory changes ensure that all visa applications meet high standards of honesty and professionalism, protecting the interests of those applying to live, work, or study in New Zealand.

Start your journey with the right advice. Talk to us today and we will help you with your 2nd most important decision in your life.