Becoming a licensed immigration adviser

Schedule

1. Part 1: Full Licence
   • Index
   • Relevant qualification.
   • Demonstrate knowledge of the immigration advisers licensing scheme.
   • Apply knowledge of immigration law and policy relating to New Zealand.
   • Prepare, lodge and administer immigration applications, appeals, requests and claims.
   • Apply communication techniques to the immigration process in the English language.
   • Conduct business professionally, ethically and responsibly.
   • Maintain skills and knowledge through participation in relevant professional development activities.
2. Part 2: Provisional Licence
   • Index
   • Relevant qualification.
   • Demonstrate knowledge of the immigration advisers licensing scheme.
   • Understand immigration law and policy relating to New Zealand.
   • Demonstrate knowledge of the immigration application process.
   • Apply communication techniques in the English language.
   • Conduct business professionally, ethically and responsibly.
   • Develop skills and knowledge through participation in relevant professional development activities.

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Licensed Immigration Advisers Competency Standards 2008

Part 1: Full Licence
Competency 3: Apply knowledge of immigration law and policy relating to New Zealand

Performance indicator:

3.1 Describe the key features of the Immigration Act 1987, regulations made under that Act, and applicable international obligations and their application to the immigration process.

• Includes but not limited to – the purpose and intent of the Immigration Act 1987; key sections of the Act; discretionary decision-making powers of the Minister of Immigration; the application of principles of law to immigration decisions, including the principles of natural justice; relevant international obligations.

3.2 Access, interpret and apply knowledge of immigration policies and procedures.

• Includes but not limited to – the Immigration New Zealand Operational Policy Manual; Immigration New Zealand Circulars; other avenues for seeking assistance, including the Immigration New Zealand and Authority websites and the Immigration New Zealand Contact Centre.

3.3 Identify the main criteria for providing advice in relation to applications, appeals, requests and claims across the full range of immigration matters.

• Includes but not limited to –
  • applications for temporary entry (students, visitors, work, transit, exchange schemes);
  • applications for residence (skilled migrant, family, business, family quota, returning residents, residence from work, special policies);
  • claims for refugee status;
  • appeals in relation to immigration matters;
  • dealing with clients’ unlawful status.

3.4 Apply knowledge of immigration matters to provide comprehensive advice.

• May include –
  • applications for temporary entry (students, visitors, work, transit, exchange schemes);
  • applications for residence (skilled migrant, family, business, family quota, returning residents, residence from work, special policies);
  • claims for refugee status;
  • appeals in relation to immigration matters;
  • dealing with clients’ unlawful status.

3.5 Outline where information about New Zealand culture and traditions, including information about the Treaty of Waitangi and tikanga can be accessed.

3.6 Demonstrate knowledge of the Privacy Act 1993, Official Information Act 1982 and the Ombudsmen Act 1975.

• Includes but not limited to – outlining how and when the rights under those Acts can be accessed to the advantage of clients.