Licensed immigration advisers
See also:
Download more information
Frequently asked questions about upgrades
When can I apply to upgrade my licence?
You can apply to upgrade from a limited or provisional licence at any time.
You must ensure that you can provide all of the evidence required in the upgrade application form, and meet the required competency standards.
Lodging an upgrade application DOES NOT allow you to continue to practise beyond the expiry of your current licence. If you choose to upgrade less than two months before the expiry of your current licence, you may also choose to apply for a licence renewal to ensure that you can continue to practise beyond the expiry of your current licence. You can opt to apply for a renewal of your current licence when you apply to upgrade without completing a separate renewal form.
What if the Authority does not receive my application for a licence upgrade before my current licence expires?
You must allow sufficient time for your application to be assessed prior to the expiry of your current licence. If your application is not assessed before your current licence expires, the expiry of your current licence will be recorded on the register of licensed immigration advisers, Immigration New Zealand will no longer accept immigration applications from you, and you must stop giving immigration advice.
Can I continue to give immigration advice while my upgrade application is being assessed?
Yes. As long as your current licence does not expire. If you choose to upgrade at the end of your current licence period and you wish to continue to provide immigration advice, you should apply to renew your current licence.
What do I have to do to upgrade from a provisional licence to a full licence or limited licence?
Read the licence upgrade policy on the Authority’s website and complete the licence upgrade application form.
You will need to submit:
- the completed licence upgrade application form, including a statutory declaration;
- one verified recent passport photograph;
- evidence relating to fitness (if required);
- copy of four client files (at least two completed and at least two started within the period of the adviser’s current licence), with authorisation and declaration from each client (for a full licence) OR Copy of three client files (at least two completed and at least one started within the period of the adviser’s current licence), with authorisation and declaration from each client (for a limited licence);
- copy of your adviser’s internal complaints procedure;
- certified copy of the three most recent statements from the adviser’s separate clients’ bank account;
- licence upgrade application fee;
- levy.
What do I have to do to upgrade from a limited licence to a full licence?
Read the licence upgrade policy on the Authority’s website and complete the licence upgrade application form.
You will need to submit:
- the completed licence upgrade application form, including a statutory declaration;
- one verified recent passport photograph;
- evidence relating to fitness (if required);
- one client file in an area in which you are licensed to practice, completed (or substantially completed) within the period of the adviser’s current licence, with authorisation and declaration from the client;
- after lodgement, you will also be required to complete two case studies in areas outside your scope of practice within 10 working days of receiving them from the Authority;
- copy of your adviser’s internal complaints procedure;
- certified copy of the three most recent statements from the adviser’s separate clients’ bank account;
- licence upgrade application fee;
- levy.
How much will it cost?
The licence upgrade fee is NZ$535 (GST incl) or NZ$475.56 (GST excl) if not ordinarily resident in New Zealand. The licence upgrade fee will cover the cost of processing and assessing the application.
The levy is NZ$1105 per year (GST incl) or NZ$982.22 (GST excl) if you are not ordinarily resident in New Zealand. The levy will be reduced in proportion to the unexpired portion of your current licence to ensure there is no double payment. For example, if you have three months remaining on your current licence when your upgraded licence is issued, your levy will be reduced by one-quarter of the previous year’s levy. Levies will cover the cost of funding the functions of the Authority (other than application costs) and Tribunal costs.
If I apply to renew and upgrade my application at the same time do I have to pay both fees?
The licence renewal fee is only payable if the adviser’s upgrade application is not approved before the expiry of their current licence and they have opted to apply to renew their licence.
Do the same rules apply offshore as onshore?
Yes.
How long will it take to assess my upgrade application?
The Authority will endeavour to fully complete upgrade applications within 40 working days of receiving a fully completed application.
What kind of client file should I provide?
A client file is a file that records your work on behalf of a client in relation to a particular immigration matter. It should trace your work on the client’s behalf, from your first contact with the client through to the resolution of the immigration matter. It should contain evidence of your communications with your client, and with Immigration New Zealand or any appeal bodies, as well as copies of any applications or other documentation relating to the immigration matter.
You should choose an exemplary client file, i.e. one that you consider shows a high standard of work. You should choose a file that you consider demonstrates your competence, and reflects your standard business practices and processes. This file can relate to any immigration matter. You should choose a file that was started and completed during the period of your current licence. If this is not possible, you may choose a file that is substantially complete. The file must relate to an application that was tendered to Immigration New Zealand since you obtained your current licence.
What CPD am I required to undertake?
The Registrar is seeking active participation in CPD. If the Registrar considers you have not met the standard set in the competency standards, your application for a licence upgrade may be refused.
Do I need to provide information about my immigration cases?
You will be asked to give information in the application for upgrade form about:
- the estimated number of applications you have been involved in during the period of your current licence; and
- how many applications you have had refused/failed lodgement and/or declined by Immigration New Zealand during this period.
As stated in the form, it is expected that you will be able to provide this information from your own records.
Please note that this information will not be determinative of your application, but will be looked at together with the other information and evidence you provide. The application form contains space for you to comment on the information you provide in this section.
You are not required to contact Immigration New Zealand to obtain an activity record. However, if the Authority considers that it is necessary, it may verify the information provided by you with records held by Immigration New Zealand.
Do I need to provide a police certificate with my application for a licence upgrade?
No, not unless requested by the Registrar.
Will I receive a new licence and identification card?
Yes, your new licence and identification card will be reissued with your updated photo and the new expiry date.
What should I do with my old licence and identification card?
You must destroy your old licence and identification card.