New Zealand immigration advisors are individuals or organizations that are approved by the New Zealand Government to provide professional immigration advice. There are currently two types of immigration advisers in New Zealand:
Registered immigration advisers: Registered immigration advisers can provide immigration advice on a wide range of immigration matters. To be a registered immigration adviser, an individual must:
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Complete an Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) approved course
- Pass the IAA registration exam
- Pay the registration fee
Ongoing requirements for registered immigration advisers include:
- Maintaining a current practicing certificate
- Adhering to the IAA Code of Conduct
- Keeping up to date with changes to immigration law and policy
Immigration consultants: Immigration consultants are only able to provide immigration advice on behalf of a particular country, and can only provide advice on visa categories for which they are accredited.
To be an accredited immigration consultant, an individual must:
- Be a NZ citizen or permanent resident
- Be over 18 years of age
- Have a clean criminal record
- Complete an IAA approved course
- Pay the registration fee
Ongoing requirements for accredited immigration consultants include:
- Maintaining a current practicing certificate
- Adhering to the IAA Code of Conduct
- Keeping up to date with changes to immigration law and policy
Only registered immigration advisers and accredited immigration consultants can provide immigration advice in New Zealand. If you are seeking immigration in New Zealand, you should always hire an adviser who is either a registered immigration adviser or an accredited immigration consultant.
However, before you go ahead, you need to know the myths and misconceptions about immigration advisors in New Zealand. In this guide, we will discuss the same.
Here are some common myths and the facts about them.
Myth 1: All immigration advisors are the same
Fact: There are different types of immigration advisors in New Zealand. Some are registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), while others are not. Registered immigration advisers must meet certain standards and comply with the Code of Conduct. They must also keep up to date with changes in immigration law and policy.
Myth 2: You need an immigration advisor to get a visa
Fact: You don’t need an immigration advisor to get a New Zealand visa. In most cases, you can apply for a visa yourself. However, an immigration advisor can help you with your application and give you advice on your chances of success.
Myth 3: Immigration advisors can guarantee that you’ll get a visa
Fact: No one can guarantee that you’ll get a visa. The decision on whether to grant a visa is made by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), not an immigration advisor.
Myth 4: Immigration advisors can help you if your visa is declined
Fact: If your visa is declined, you can’t ask an immigration advisor for help. You can ask for a review of the decision, but the decision will still be made by INZ.
Myth 5: All immigration advisors charge the same fees
Fact: Immigration advisors can charge different fees. Some charge by the hour, while others charge a fixed fee. It’s important to ask about fees before you decide to use an immigration advisor.
Myth 6: You need to use an immigration advisor if you want to appeal a visa decision
Fact: You don’t need to use an immigration advisor to appeal a visa decision. You can represent yourself in an appeal. However, an immigration advisor can give you advice on your chances of success and help you with the appeals process.
Myth 7: You can’t use an immigration advisor if you’re already in New Zealand
Fact: You can use an immigration advisor even if you’re already in New Zealand. However, you can only use a registered immigration advisor if you’re applying for a visa from outside New Zealand.
Myth 8: Immigration advisors can help you with your visa application even if you have a criminal record
Fact: Immigration advisors can only give you general advice on your visa application. They can’t help you with your application if you have a criminal record.
Myth 9: You need to use an immigration advisor if you want to apply for citizenship
Fact: You don’t need to use an immigration advisor to apply for citizenship. In most cases, you can apply for citizenship yourself. However, an immigration advisor can help you with your application and give you advice on your chances of success.
Myth 10: You can’t use an immigration advisor if you want to apply for a refugee or protection visa
Fact: You can use an immigration advisor if you’re applying for a refugee or protection visa. However, you can only use a registered immigration advisor if you’re applying for a visa from outside New Zealand.
The bottom line
Now that you know the myths and facts about immigration advisors in New Zealand, we hope you will be able to make an informed decision. If you have any questions, feel free to share them with us!