Who can legally give free advice
The licensing rules apply to immigration advice whether or not it is paid for, but the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 exempts several groups:
- Community law centres and Citizens Advice Bureau personnel are exempt, which is what makes their free help lawful
- New Zealand lawyers with a current practising certificate are exempt too
- Advice given only in an informal or family context, and not systematically or for a fee, is outside the regime
The Act's words for that last group:
“(a) persons who provide immigration advice in an informal or family context only, so long as the advice is not provided systematically or for a fee”
Where to go
| Source | What it offers |
|---|---|
| Community law centres | Free legal help across New Zealand, including immigration matters |
| Citizens Advice Bureau | Free guidance and referral to the right service |
| Immigration New Zealand's website and contact centre | Official information on requirements, fees and processing. Its staff do not give advice on what you should do |
| Licensed immigration advisers and immigration lawyers offering a free initial consultation | A chance to have your situation looked at by someone licensed or exempt before you agree to paid work |
The limits of free advice
Free services can help you understand your options and find the official information that applies to you. A declined application, a character or health issue, an appeal or a running deadline calls for sustained work on your file, which is what you engage a licensed immigration adviser or immigration lawyer to do.
That includes social media groups and acquaintances in the migration process themselves. Wrong information on a visa application can damage your immigration record for years, and unlicensed paid advice is an offence; check anyone's licence before acting on what they tell you.
Check your understanding
These questions check what this guide says. They say nothing about your own case.
For educational and illustrative purposes only. This is not immigration advice, and no warranty is given as to its appropriateness or accuracy. If in doubt, talk to an immigration adviser or an immigration lawyer about your specific circumstances.
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