Licensed immigration advisers
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Frequently asked questions - Continuing professional development
What does “actively participate in relevant CPD” mean?
It means that you have to participate in CPD on a regular basis that is relevant to the Competency Standards. See the Registrar’s Guidance on CPD for a full explanation.
Is supervising others defined as “relevant” CPD?
Yes it is relevant. If you are supervising a provisional licence holder then that is relevant CPD because you are developing your skills as a supervisor. But supervising others will not be sufficient on its own because you need to maintain your own competence to practice.
I am too busy. I do not want to do attend any CPD seminars or do any reading.
CPD is not optional for licensed advisers. Competency Standard 7 requires all licensed advisers to actively participate in relevant CPD.
What happens if I do not do 20 hours of CPD in my licensing year?
You do not have to complete 20 hours of CPD and your renewal or upgrade application will not be refused if you have not completed 20 hours of CPD. But you are required to actively participate in relevant CPD and if you do not do this then the Registrar could refuse to renew or upgrade your licence on the basis that you do not meet Competency Standard 7.
Can the Authority help me find a course or seminar?
The Authority cannot recommend particular providers or courses. The Registrar’s guidance should help you identify the types of courses and activities that are relevant for your professional development.
What if I’m going on maternity leave or taking a break?
If you are licensed you must maintain your competence to practise. If you are planning on taking an extended break during the course of your licensing year and also want to renew your licence at the end of your year, contact the Authority to discuss your options.
I am an accountant or other professional and I participate in CPD through that profession. Is that enough?
Some of the CPD activity will be relevant to your practice as an immigration adviser. But immigration advisers are required to keep their knowledge of immigration law and policy up-to-date. Other other professions’ CPD programmes do not cover immigration law and policy.
I am an offshore licensed adviser what can I do?
The Registrar understands that there is less relevant CPD activity available for offshore advisers. However, some of the competency standards deal with generic skills issues (such as managing finance) and there will be activities available in other countries that are relevant to these competency standards. Also, offshore advisers can use online resources such as the INZ Operations Manual for self- directed study.
When will there be CPD accredited providers and more activities?
The Registrar’s proposals for implementing a structured CPD programme are in the public consultation document [pdf, 31 pages, 582kB].
Further work is required to implement these proposals. Until then the Registrar cannot accredit CPD providers.
I’m an education provider – I’m interested in being accredited to provide CPD
At the moment the Registrar does not accredit providers. For more information on the Registrar’s proposals to implement a structured CPD programme and accredit providers see the recent consultation document.
If you want to provide CPD education for licensed advisers you should review the Competency Standards and the suggested activities that are relevant and design learning and development that is directly relevant to licensed immigration advisers.
The Registrar welcomes contact from education providers who are interested in becoming accredited providers in the future. Please email info@iaa.govt.nz for more information.
I do not have a licence – I want to learn to be an immigration adviser
At the moment there is no qualification designed specifically for people wanting to become licensed immigration advisers. There are qualifications available that may help you develop some of your competencies.
Now that licensing is compulsory, the Registrar is reviewing evidence requirements and considering pathways to licensing for new entrants.