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Newsletter #10

30 September 2008

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Pending Applications – 4 May 2009

From 4 May 2009, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will refuse to accept applications or requests from unlicensed advisers onshore, unless exempt.

Applications lodged by INZ by 1 May 2009 from unlicensed advisers will continue to be processed. If an unlicensed adviser provides immigration advice after this date, they would be in breach of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007.

Last chance for Licence Application Workshops

It’s your last chance to enrol for the Authority’s licence application workshops this year. There are only two, three-hour workshops available: Thursday 16 and Thursday 23 October, 2008 in Auckland. Please book now to secure a place. Email info@iaa.govt.nz with the heading “Workshops” in the subject line.

Important Tips for Client Files

Please don’t send any original documents with your client files, as the Authority will not be returning any documentation submitted by applicants. The Authority will retain all client files submitted with your application. You should keep your original client files to hand because your assessor may have follow up questions. Please ensure you provide evidence of your competency, and refer to the application booklet (page 33) for a full list of the documents required.

Reminder for IELTS Tests

IELTS test centres still have places available on all their upcoming academic IELTS test schedules. Be sure and book your place quickly in order to take the test if you need to in order to complete your adviser licence application. To locate a test centre near you, click on www.ielts.org and select “New Zealand”.

Is there a New Zealand residency requirement?

Several people have asked the Authority if New Zealand residence is a prerequisite for obtaining a licence.

You do not have to be a permanent resident or a New Zealand citizen in order to apply for a licence. However, where you are resident determines what fee you pay and from which date compulsory licensing applies.

Applicants who are “ordinarily resident” (i.e., have been lawfully present in New Zealand for more than 183 days in the 12 months before applying and are not unlawfully in New Zealand) pay the on-shore application fee which includes GST. Applicants who are not ordinarily resident in New Zealand pay the off-shore application fee and do not pay GST.

It is compulsory for anyone giving immigration advice in New Zealand to be licensed by 4 May 2009, unless exempt. From 4 May 2010 it is compulsory for anyone who is not ordinarily resident (ie offshore) to be licensed, unless exempt.

Training on Assessment

The Authority team have all been awarded with their NZQA-accredited certificates to Unit Standard 4098. All those credited with this unit can prepare for, and conduct assessment and complete assessment administration.

New face at the Authority’s assessment team

Zeenat Afiz Zeenat Afiz is the latest member to join the assessment team at the Authority’s Auckland office. A qualified lawyer, Zeenat has experience in the private and public sectors, with stints at Vodafone and the University of Otago. During her eight-year career, Zeenat has been involved in research and analysis, compliance and investigations and project work. Prior to joining the Authority, she worked as a prosecutor for the Auckland City Council.

Contact us

As always, please feel free to contact us on info@iaa.govt.nz, freephone 0508 IAA IAA (0508 422 422 — New Zealand only) or write to us at PO Box 6222, Auckland 1141, New Zealand. Or you can visit us at: www.iaa.govt.nz

Barry Smedts
Registrar of Immigration Advisers

Licensed professionals = Protected migrants