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• Jane Palmer
  Communications Adviser
  jane.palmer@iaa.govt.nz
  DD (09) 925 8749
• Information for media

Newsletter #12

December 2008

When Applying for a Licence…

• Please don’t send applications that are not fully completed. The Authority will not process applications with documentation that is missing, such as client references and files. For advisers who need to sit an IELTS test, please remember to include your test results.
• If you need further assistance with your English language skills prior to sitting the IELTS test, many of the leading IELTS providers offer coaching sessions. For more information, click on www.ielts.org and select “New Zealand” for a list of providers in your area.
• Remember that you only need to pay the licence application fee of NZ$890.00 (GST included) at the time you lodge your application. The adviser’s levy is payable after your application is approved.
• If you need more space to answer the questionnaire section in the application book, you can print your answers on a separate sheet.

Three Easy Steps To…

Obtaining your Immigration New Zealand Activity Record:

1. First, you need to request the Client ID Code for the organisation that you work for. Call INZ Contact Centre at +64 9 914 4100 (from overseas) or 0508 558 855 (from within New Zealand) or visit your local INZ branch.
2. Email IAA-Agent-activity@dol.govt.nz with details of your Client ID Code, contact details and a request for your INZ Activity Record for the purpose of applying for a licence. You do not need to provide details of visa applications that you have previously tendered to INZ.
3. You should receive your INZ Activity Record within two working days by return e-mail. Compare this record with your own record and check for any discrepancies. If there are any discrepancies, you will need to attach an explanation with your application booklet (page 30). If you agree with the INZ Activity Record, simply print out a copy of this report and submit it with your application.

Obtaining your NZ Police Certificate:

1. First, you need to complete a Priv/F2 form issued by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ). A Priv/F2 form, signed by the Authority as required, is available to download. Complete the form and send to Privacy Unit, Ministry of Justice, National Office, PO Box 2750, Wellington. Don’t forget to sign it and attach your certified ID.
2. You will receive a response from the Ministry of Justice within 20 working days (we advise a follow-up call to ensure your form has been received). MoJ will send a copy of your NZ Police Certificate to the Authority and a duplicate copy will be sent to you.
3. Submit your NZ Police Certificate with your application book.

Completing your Client Files:

1. If you are applying for a full licence, you will need a total of four client files: two must be residence application client files and the other two should be temporary entry applications.
2. Please specify on the individual Client File Summary Sheet (page 31), whether the client file is a temporary or residence matter.
3. Please attach a copy of the Client File Summary and the Client References sheets for each of the four client files.

Business Addresses on the Register

The Authority will publish up to two business addresses on the Register - these addresses must be where the Immigration Adviser regularly conducts business.

Continuing Professional Development

I have begun a public consultation on proposals relating to Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for licensed Immigration Advisers.

We are seeking the views of a wide range of people and organisations on the proposed implementation timeline for a structured CPD programme and on the structure of the CPD. The consultation and instructions are available at www.iaa.govt.nz/about.html. The deadline is 5pm Monday 19 January 2009.

Please make your submission by completing the questionnaire provided and returning by post or as an attachment via email to consult@iaa.govt.nz. I welcome your feedback and look forward to reading your comments.

Booking for IELTS Essential

The Authority’s phone survey of IELTS providers throughout New Zealand has found that most are fully booked for December. Many of the providers told our survey that places were being filled by migrants based outside New Zealand. One provider said, “We’re getting a lot of interest from people based in Australia and immigration advisers need to be aware that they will be competing for places in 2009.” As with immigration authorities in Canada and Australia, New Zealand Immigration Advisers are required to have a high standard of English. You can further improve your chances by enrolling in an English language coaching session prior to sitting the test. For more information on upcoming dates, click on www.ielts.org and select “New Zealand” for a list of providers in your area. Please remember, that the providers will not accept applications for a test one week or less before the actual test.

Warning for Migrants

Recently, ONE News Pacific correspondent Barbara Dreaver reported on an immigration agent accused of withholding passports and not delivering promised services to a large number of clients. It’s a timely warning for migrants to use only licensed advisers.

View the news item ‘Immigration clients out in the cold’ in full.

Christmas Closure

The office will close on Wednesday 24 December 2008 and will reopen on Monday 5 January 2009. We strongly recommend that you do not send any courier packages during this period.

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