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Licensed immigration advisers reference group meeting minutes

Date:	19 November 2009
Place:	Immigration Advisers Authority, 52 Symonds St, Auckland
Attendees:	IAA - Barry Smedts (chair), Catherine Albiston (operational policy) Licensed immigration advisers - Richard Howard, Christiaan Arns, David Cooper, Todd Cozens, Karen Justice, Maricel Weischede, Kishore Sadarangi, Michael Yoon
Apologies:	Ann Nolan, Iain MacLeod

 

1. Discussion on future entrance qualification or test

• What level of qualification do you think advisers should have in the future to become full / limited / provisional licence holders? (e.g. certificate, diploma, post graduate diploma)
• What do you consider would be the critical success factors needed for an entrance qualification?
• In the interim, before a qualification is introduced, the Authority is considering the possibility of developing an entrance test in lieu of client files. What do you consider would be the critical success factors needed for an entrance test?
• Who should have input / make up a working group?

Group comments:

• There needs to be research into the numbers of advisers that are viable for the industry to sustain.
• If the test or qualification is too easy, this is not good for the industry.
• For a full/limited licence the qualification should be a diploma, ANZSCO skill level 2.
• The qualification should not be limited to New Zealand citizens or residents.
• The level of fees for New Zealand and international students needs to be considered.
• The group supported the retention of the provisional licence route to licensing alongside the creation of a qualification.
• The group supported the development of a qualification as a prerequisite for a full/limited licence that was robust, preferably diploma level, and included a practical component.   The group focused on the importance of the practical application of knowledge learned before being granted a full licence.
• The group favoured the Authority focusing its resources on facilitating the development of a qualification, rather than introducing an interim test or exam.
• One member encouraged the Authority to look to the private sector for a qualification in order to get something in place quickly.  It was noted that the qualification does not necessarily have to be NZQA approved initially.
• The group recommended that a working group on this issue include educational experts, Immigration New Zealand and industry representatives.
• The group considered that a qualification could be used for both advisers and immigration officers, but noted that only some aspects of the course would be in common.

2. Discussion on promoting the licensed immigration adviser brand

The group made the following suggestions [Note: These are ideas generated by the reference group and all are not necessarily shared by the IAA.  The IAA will follow up on the noted actions but makes no assurance that they will be actioned.  Also, some of these suggestions have already been undertaken by the IAA]:

• There needs to be a link to the register and visibility of the IAA logo on the front page of the INZ website (IAA to follow up)
• NZAMI could do more to promote the trademark (Action for NZAMI)
• Press releases should be made to overseas newspapers as this is a free method of advertising (IAA to follow up)
• IAA brochure on value of using a licensed adviser to be in all INZ info packs, all INZ offices around the world and all embassies (IAA to follow up)
• IAA brochure on value of using a licensed adviser should be downloadable from INZ website (IAA to follow up)
• INZ marketing shows should include IAA brochures (IAA to follow up)
• Philippines has NZ week in February hosted by NZ embassy – 3 day event. IAA banner, brochures and presence should be there (IAA to follow up)
• IAA should have messaging on all NZ embassy websites (IAA to follow up)
• IAA should have a poster in all NZ embassies  (IAA to follow up)
• IAA should send a message to all electoral secretaries regarding mandatory licensing and the value of using a licensed adviser (IAA to follow up)
• IAA should be present at every quarterly NZAMI meeting with a message as there are still unlicensed NZAMI members  (NZAMI to advise IAA of each quarterly meeting and to invite to speak)
• The INZ call centre should be referring callers to the register if they enquire about how to find an immigration adviser (IAA to follow up)
• The INZ call centre’s recorded message should direct people to the register if they are looking for an immigration adviser (IAA to follow up)
• Promote IAA requirements using the list of accredited Indian education agents as many of these people provide immigration advice broader than student matters (IAA to follow up)
• Promote the IAA’s requirements with all New Zealand universities (what is immigration advice, who needs a licence) (IAA to follow up).

3. Discussion on Immigration New Zealand – immigration adviser relationship

The group made the following comments [Note: These are ideas generated by the reference group and all are not necessarily shared by the IAA.  The IAA will follow up on the noted actions but makes no assurance that they will be actioned]:

• The old INZ customer satisfaction surveys don’t result in any changes.  The group supported efforts to improve the surveys (IAA to follow up)
• INZ representative should attend next year’s reference group meetings (IAA to follow up)
• IAA and a licensed adviser representative should talk to immigration officers on their warrant training (IAA to follow up)
• Licensed advisers should be able to certify immigration documents (IAA to follow up)
• Progress is being made in building better relationships between advisers and INZ, but there is still a long way to go
• The policy seminars were not valuable, local meetings or more structured training sessions are better (IAA to follow up)
• The group suggested that licensed advisers have training on the new Immigration Act 2009 in tandem with immigration officers (IAA to follow up)
• The group stressed that the main message, that advisers improve INZ efficiency is not yet realised at branch level. Advisers want more from INZ – including feedback on the issues they raise and preferential treatment. Preferential treatment is already given in other schemes such as with DHBs and universities. INZ needs to support licensing (IAA to follow up)
• INZ should create an adviser relationship manager (IAA to follow up)
• One member suggested that INZ fees should be decreased for licensed advisers in light of the efficiency gains they create (IAA to follow up).

4. Feedback on renewals

The group made the following comments:

• Renewal reminders worked well
• Process was easier than initial but still comprehensive
• Important to have a case file
• There needs to be more options for offshore CPD
• Constructive, not too onerous
• After the first two years, could look at in depth examination only once every two years.

5. Closing discussion

The chair thanked the group for participating in the 2009 reference group.  All licensed advisers will be asked for expressions of interest in participating in the 2010 reference group in February 2010. Current members may express interest but only 2-3 existing members will be retained.
Before the end of the year, the IAA will seek feedback from the reference group on:

• The performance of the Authority in 2009
• The Registrar’s performance in relationship management  in 2009
• The 2009 reference group and suggestions for improvement.