Becoming a licensed immigration adviser
Questions and information
- How do I get a licence?
- What is immigration advice?
- Who is exempt from holding a licence?
- Becoming an offshore licensed immigration adviser
- More information for offshore advisers
- What types of licence are available?
- How much will it cost?
- Do I qualify for a waiver of fees and levy as a not-for-profit adviser?
- What are the competency standards?
- What is the standard for English language competency?
- What is the code of conduct?
- What are the requirements for client files?
- How do I get my NZ Police Certificate?
- How do I get the Immigration New Zealand Activity Record?
- I am a registered with the Migration Agents Registration Authority in Australia. How do I apply for a New Zealand licence?
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Becoming a licensed immigration adviser
Providing immigration advice is now a licensed, recognised profession in New Zealand.
Anyone who is providing immigration advice about New Zealand immigration matters and who is based in New Zealand now requires a licence (unless they are exempt). One of the important changes is that Immigration New Zealand now refuses to accept applications or requests from unlicensed onshore advisers, unless they are exempt.
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. We recommend you follow this step-by-step guide to completing your application. The application process involves a comprehensive assessment of detailed evidence so offshore advisers should be thinking about licensing now. More information for offshore advisers.
If you are not exempt and you knowingly provide immigration advice without a licence, you could face a fine of up to NZ$100,000 and/or up to seven years imprisonment. To obtain a licence, you need to lodge an application with the Authority. The Registrar will assess your evidence to ensure you meet the competency standards and that you are fit to be licensed. The Registrar can only grant a licence to an individual. He cannot grant a licence to a company or organisation.