[2020] NZIACDT 16, NL v Joseph - Sanctions

“Sanctions decision / lodging of falsely signed documents / work visa based on job offer from business in which adviser had an interest / adviser instructed staff member to sign employment documents in name of business owner / documents falsely represented to complainant & INZ as being signed by owner / adviser also failed to have client agreement & keep a proper file / work visa declined as employment agreement not valid / Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, s50, s51 / documents false but job genuine / not adviser’s first appearance before tribunal / previous misconduct occurred around same time & adviser instructed to take refresher course / adviser claimed to have learnt his lesson / suspension sanction of last resort / adviser misled clients & lax about properly documenting relationship / public not in need of protecting from adviser / adviser censured & ordered to pay $5000 penalty.”