When it comes to your immigration journey, getting the right advice is crucial. Whether you’re applying for a visa to live, work, study, or visit New Zealand, you must be careful about who is helping you along the way. Relying on the wrong person can result in devastating consequences — from having your application rejected to being banned from applying again. That’s why it’s essential to understand the difference between general help and licensed immigration advice.
Who Can Give Immigration Advice?
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has clear rules about who can provide immigration advice. Only two types of people are legally allowed to give advice on your immigration matter:
- A Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA).
- A person who is exempt from being licensed, such as a New Zealand lawyer, diplomat, Citizens Advice Bureau staff, or education agent (with limitations).
Others — including friends, community leaders, or unregistered “consultants” — may be able to help fill out forms using information you provide, but they cannot legally advise you on what visa to apply for, what documents to submit, or how to respond to INZ questions.
What Counts as Immigration Advice?
Immigration advice goes beyond simply helping someone fill out a form. It includes:
- Recommending which visa you should apply for.
- Suggesting what documents to provide.
- Advising how to answer questions in the application or from INZ.
- Discussing your chances of success or your future visa options.
Anyone giving this kind of tailored advice must be either licensed or exempt. If they are not — they are acting illegally.
The Risks of Relying on Illegal Immigration Advice
Using an unlicensed adviser can seriously damage your immigration prospects. Here’s why:
- Your application may be returned or declined: INZ does not accept applications prepared by unlicensed or unlawful advisers.
- You may be misled: Unlicensed individuals may not be honest or qualified to guide you.
- You risk committing a criminal offence: If someone includes false information or lies on your application, you are responsible — even if you didn’t write it yourself.
- You may face long-term consequences: Dishonest applications can result in bans from reapplying and may affect job opportunities and future visas.
Why You Should Use a Licensed Immigration Adviser
Licensed Immigration Advisers are trained and qualified to navigate New Zealand’s complex and ever-changing immigration laws. They are required to:
- Meet ongoing competency standards.
- Abide by a Code of Conduct set by the IAA.
- Act in your best interest and be honest and transparent about fees, timelines, and outcomes.
They can help you avoid delays, reduce stress, and increase your chances of success — especially when dealing with complex applications or long-term immigration strategies.
How to Check if Someone is Licensed
Before paying for any immigration advice, check the adviser’s license:
- Visit the IAA’s official register of licensed advisers.
- Confirm the adviser’s license is current.
- Check the type of license — some advisers are limited to certain areas of immigration.
If you’re unhappy with an adviser or suspect someone is giving illegal advice, you can report them directly to the IAA.
Final Thoughts
You are not required to use an immigration adviser. But if you do need help with anything beyond filling out a form, make sure your adviser is licensed or legally exempt.
We’re licensed immigration professionals with the knowledge and experience to guide you safely through the process. Don’t risk your future with unlicensed advice — contact us today and get trusted, expert support every step of the way.
Let’s make your immigration journey a successful one.