Part of the directory of licensed immigration advisers in New Zealand
How immigration advisers structure their fees
Most immigration advisers use one of three structures.
| Structure | How it works |
|---|---|
| Fixed fee | Covers a defined piece of work, such as preparing and filing a specific visa application |
| Hourly rate | Bills time as it is spent, which suits open-ended or unpredictable matters |
| Staged fees | Split a matter into phases, such as assessment, preparation and filing, each with its own price |
Many immigration advisers offer an initial consultation, which may be free or paid. A paid initial assessment is not a red flag; it is often where the immigration adviser tells you honestly whether your case is worth pursuing.
What the code of conduct requires
The Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct requires licensed immigration advisers to:
- Charge fairly
Fees must be fair and reasonable in the circumstances.
- Agree in writing first
You get a written agreement setting out services and fees before work begins.
- Invoice against the agreement
What you are billed follows what you agreed.
An immigration adviser who wants payment with no written agreement is breaching the code, and that alone is reason to walk away.
What affects the price
- Case complexity, such as declined histories, health or character issues, or tight deadlines
- The visa category, since residence applications generally involve more work than temporary visas
- The immigration adviser's experience and licence tenure
- Urgency, because short deadlines compress the work
- Whether third parties are involved, such as employers in accredited employer work visa matters
How to compare quotes
Get more than one written quote for the same scope of work and check what each includes:
- Government fees
- Disbursements
- What happens if Immigration New Zealand asks follow-up questions
A licence you can verify plus a clear written agreement matter more than a small price difference.
Every immigration adviser's licence status and tenure can be checked on the licence checker, and the city pages list every licensed immigration adviser by area so you can build a shortlist before asking for quotes.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is part of the directory of licensed immigration advisers in New Zealand.
Related guides
- How to choose an immigration adviser in New ZealandA practical checklist for choosing a licensed immigration adviser: verifying the licence, licence types, questions to ask, red flags and where to complain.
- Immigration adviser vs immigration lawyer in New ZealandThe difference between a licensed immigration adviser and an immigration lawyer in New Zealand: regulation, what each can do, complaints and how to choose.
Sources
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