Unlicensed immigration adviser leaves families tens of thousands out of pocket
4 families paid thousands of dollars for study and immigration packages. When they arrived in New Zealand, they found that many of their student visa applications had never been submitted.
On 15 September 2026, Paola Walker-Rodriguez was found guilty in the Auckland District Court of 11 of 12 charges under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. The charges included:
- providing immigration advice without being licensed or exempt
- holding out as an immigration adviser when not licensed or exempt, and
- asking for or receiving a fee for providing immigration advice.
Walker-Rodriguez's co-defendant and husband, Mauro Donoso Godoy, was also found guilty on one charge of providing immigration advice without being licensed or exempt.
Bevan Yee, National Manager Occupational Regulation, says the case highlights the significant impact unlicensed immigration advice can have on people who are making important decisions about their future.
"In this case, individuals and families paid substantial sums of money and made important decisions based on advice and assurances that proved to be false.”
"This verdict reflects the seriousness of that harm and demonstrates that allegations of unlicensed immigration advice will be investigated and, where appropriate, prosecuted.”
Between March 2023 and May 2025, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment received 5 complaints from Chilean citizens living in New Zealand who had bought a 'Study and Work in New Zealand' programme from Walker-Rodriguez’s companies, AIS.Walker and Walker Travel Education. The complaints were investigated by the Immigration Advisers Authority and ultimately led to the prosecution.
The packages were promoted as providing personalised advice, visa application support, and assistance with studying and living in New Zealand.
When most of the victims arrived in New Zealand, they found that their student visa applications had not been lodged with Immigration New Zealand. This is despite being told by Walker-Rodriguez that their visas were being processed. Without the visas, they were unable to access some of the study and work opportunities they had paid for and planned their move around.
Some victims also discovered that school or institute fees they had paid to Walker-Rodriguez had not been passed on to the education providers as promised.
People seeking immigration advice and assistance should ensure they are working with a licensed immigration adviser or an exempt person as defined under section 11 of the Act, says Mr Yee.
"Licensed immigration advisers have specialist expertise, have met competency standards and follow a professional code of conduct.
"Taking a few minutes to check that an adviser is licensed can help protect people from financial loss and avoid significant disruption to their plans."
Aaron Smith, National Manager Risk & Verification for Immigration New Zealand, says the outcome reflects strong collaboration across the immigration system.
"This case highlights the value of different parts of the immigration system working together to protect international students and their families, who may be navigating unfamiliar education and immigration processes.
"Immigration New Zealand works closely with the Immigration Advisers Authority, providing information, supporting enquiries and investigations where appropriate. This ongoing collaboration plays an important role in preventing harm to migrants and protecting the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system."
The Immigration Advisers Authority regulates the provision of immigration advice in New Zealand and maintains the official register of licensed immigration advisers. People can search for an adviser’s name in the online register or ask to see an adviser’s digital licence certificate, including a QR code linking to their public profile on the register.
Yee adds that anyone providing immigration advice unlawfully should stop immediately. Individuals convicted of offences under the Act can face penalties of up to 7 years' imprisonment and fines of up to $100,000.
“The law is clear and we will continue to take action where people provide immigration advice unlawfully.”
Sentencing is scheduled for early 2027.