What we do

The Immigration Advisers Authority was set up to promote and protect the interests of people receiving New Zealand immigration advice.

We do this by:

• issuing licences to people who are fit and competent to give immigration advice
• maintaining competency standards and a code of conduct for immigration advisers
• investigating people giving immigration advice without a licence or exemption
• receiving complaints from people who have received poor immigration advice.

Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 anyone giving immigration advice must have a licence unless they are exempt. Exempt people include lawyers with a current New Zealand practising certificate and Citizens Advice Bureaux staff among others.

The Authority is independent of Immigration New Zealand and cannot give immigration advice or influence a visa application.

Our legislation

The Immigration Advisers Authority was established under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007.