Immigration Advisers Authority

03 January 2008

Although the Department is unable to comment on individual immigration cases at this time it should be pointed out that a process is underway to license Immigration Advisers to both protect migrants as well as the reputation and professionalism of those providing immigration advice.

The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act came into effect in May 2007.  Among other things the Act requires anyone providing New Zealand immigration advice to be licensed. Licensing for Advisers both on and offshore will be administered by the Immigration Advisers Authority, an independent Authority.

The IAA will accept applications for licensing from May 2008.  It will be compulsory to be licensed as an immigration adviser from May 2009.

Making Immigration Advisers a licensed, recognised profession benefits everyone. Migrants can be confident they are getting the correct and best information, whether they work with an Adviser or directly with Immigration New Zealand. Creating professional standards for Immigration Advisers will help protect them against poor advice or unprofessional behaviour.

Immigration Advisers who give their clients sound advice and professional service will also benefit, through new continuing professional development programmes and recognition of their work as a regulated profession. Under the new law, Advisers who provide poor or fraudulent advice can be also be prosecuted.

The Authority will also keep a publicly available register of licensed Immigration Advisers and establish a complaints procedure.

Licensing for people giving immigration advice in New Zealand will be mandatory from 4 May 2009. For Immigration Advisers based outside of New Zealand, licensing will be mandatory from 4 May 2010.

To become licensed, Advisers will have to meet competency standards and adhere to a code of conduct.

ENDS