Migrants satisfied with licensed immigration advisers worldwide

“The IAA has surveyed visa applicants who used a licensed immigration adviser since 2009 with high satisfaction rates of New Zealand-based advisers, but this is the first year we’ve seen those same satisfaction rates apply to migrant experiences of overseas advisers,” says Ms Albiston.

“This year’s results confirm the IAA’s work to enforce New Zealand’s immigration adviser licensing requirements is having an impact, as well as highlighting the professional service provided by advisers.

“Our message to migrants is always to make sure they check their immigration adviser is licensed or exempt, such as a New Zealand lawyer or community law centre. Licensed immigration advisers have met competency standards, and follow a code of conduct.

“To help migrants through the process of finding the best person to provide them with immigration advice, the IAA has developed a ‘Looking for immigration advice’ checklist [PDF, 167 KB] and a ‘who can give immigration advice’ chart available on the website.”
The 2016/2017 survey results show 85 per cent of the 1,841 respondents were satisfied with the overall quality of service they received from their licensed immigration adviser.

“Licensed advisers are required to provide written agreements, a full description of the service and cost, and show respect for a client’s situation. Anyone can make a complaint to the IAA about an adviser if they’re not receiving this type of service, or if the person is unlicensed,” adds Ms Albiston.

“More than eight in ten clients were willing to recommend their licensed adviser to friends or family, which shows the quality of the service provided.”

Any person providing New Zealand immigration advice anywhere in the world must be licensed by the IAA unless exempt. You can search for a licensed immigration adviser(external link) via the IAA website.

Read more about the survey results.

ENDS