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Newsletter May 2009

Survey on migrants and immigration advisers

The authority has commissioned an independent online survey of migrants to get a better understanding of how they perceive the services provided by immigration advisers.

The aim of the survey is to provide a benchmark for measuring the performance of immigration advisers from the perspective of their clients. This will help measure the effects over time of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007.

We’ll survey migrants who have been granted a visa or permit (i.e. they are at the end of the application process) in the six months prior to 4 May 2009 and are recorded by Immigration New Zealand as having used an immigration adviser.

The surveys will be repeated in the future for comparative purposes and the results from the first survey will be released later this year.

Authority Operational Update

In the six months to date, we have dealt with more than 2,303 telephone enquiries. Between May 2008 and the beginning of May 2009, the Registrar approved 179 applications. There are now another 76 in the assessment process. Three people have been refused a licence to operate as immigration advisers. Their names are listed on the Register.

Pathways to licensing for onshore advisers

Since May 2008, in order to obtain a licence, applicants have been required to provide client files (three for a limited licence or four for a full licence) to demonstrate their competence in providing immigration advice.

The Registrar will continue to accept licence applications from onshore advisers submitted with client files prepared prior to 4 May 2009. From 4 May 2009, however, it will be illegal for persons onshore to provide immigration advice without a licence, unless they are exempt. This means that an unlicensed person onshore will no longer be able to prepare client files in order to demonstrate that they meet the competency standards required to be granted a limited or a full licence.

The Registrar is currently developing new evidential requirements for people based onshore who wish to apply for a full or limited licence. The new evidential requirements will be posted on the Authority’s website shortly. The assessment of all licence applications will continue to be based on the Licensed Immigration Adviser Competency Standards 2008 [rtf, 7 page, 280kB]

If you are a new entrant to the industry, you should consider applying for a provisional licence.

Upgrade policy now available

We now have policy guidelines about upgrading your immigration licence. The application form will be available to download from this webpage shortly.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about upgrades

IAA function for industry

Registrar Barry Smedts addresses the gathering of licensed advisers at the milestone functionRegistrar Barry Smedts addresses the gathering of licensed advisers at the milestone function

More than 75 licensed advisers attended a function last week to mark the 4 May licensing milestone. Graeme Buchanan, Deputy Secretary, Department of Labour and Pathways NZ Managing Director Richard Howard, both spoke. Mr Howard, who is also the current Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Migration and Investment, congratulated the Registrar Barry Smedts on the rapid set up of the licensing regime and professional development processes.

Mr Smedts told the gathering that he was looking forward to working with the newly established industry reference group. The group represents the full range and diversity of the immigration adviser industry — all sizes and types of businesses, licence types, ethnic groups and regions.

“It was really pleasing to see about 50 licensed advisers volunteering to be part of this group in order to give something back to your profession and make our authority more effective.”

“The reference group will provide an excellent vehicle for testing our thinking and ensuring that it captures the full potential of our immigration adviser community.”

“I want to congratulate the individuals who have gained licenses. I believe you form the core of a respected industry and professional service that’s going to play a key role in New Zealand’s future well being. You’ve all worked hard to achieve this while still running your businesses or organisations. I say well done, thank you for your efforts. Enjoy and celebrate your achievement, you’ve certainly earned it,” Mr Smedts said.

Richard Howard (left) and Barry SmedtsRichard Howard (left) and Barry Smedts

Mr Howard said the evolution of the industry as a whole into a recognised and reputable profession would not occur without further sustained effort.

“This transition will take time and a personal commitment from all advisers to seek continual improvement in all areas of their business performance. Any compromise of standards or performance by any licensed adviser has the potential to prejudice the ability of the industry to be recognised as a profession alongside those of accountants, lawyers, engineers etc.”

“It is only once our profession is able to be properly and duly recognised will the rewards accrue and as licensed advisers we collectively now share in this responsibility.”

Forum for all licensed advisers who deal with Auckland INZ branches

Marie Sullivan, INZ Auckland Regional Manager, would like to invite all licensed advisers to a forum on Wednesday 10 June (3.30pm – 4.30pm) at the Authority’s offices at 52 Symonds Street. Marie and her Auckland Branch Immigration New Zealand managers would like to discuss how they could work more productively with licensed advisers now that compulsory licensing is in place.

If you would like to attend, please RSVP by noon on Friday 22 May to sherine.minjoot@dol.govt.nz. Please be quick as the Authority has limited capacity for this Forum. Put “10 June Licensed Adviser Forum” in the subject line together with your Licence Number. You will receive an email confirming your place, but note that there will be other opportunities for discussion if you can not attend this particular forum.

Continuing Professional Development Resources Online

New professional development resources for licensed advisers will be posted on the Authority’s website this month. Keep an eye on the site here in the section entitled ‘What are my CPD responsibilities?’

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