Part of the directory of licensed immigration advisers in New Zealand
What counts as immigration advice
The Act defines immigration advice as using knowledge or experience of immigration matters to advise, direct or assist someone with a New Zealand visa matter.
| Immigration advice | Not immigration advice |
|---|---|
| Strategy and eligibility assessments | Filling in forms exactly as you dictate |
| Preparing and lodging applications | Translating |
| Representing you to Immigration New Zealand | Settlement information |
That is the line that separates a family member typing your answers from someone actually advising you.
The rule follows the advice, not the address: advice about New Zealand visas given from overseas is still covered, which is why many offshore agencies hold New Zealand licences.
Who is exempt
The main exemption is New Zealand lawyers holding a current practising certificate, verified on the Law Society register rather than the IAA register; this directory lists verified immigration lawyers on exactly that basis. Other exemptions cover people acting in official or community capacities:
- Community law centres
- Citizens advice bureaux
- Members of Parliament and their staff
- Public servants doing their jobs
- Certain offshore advice about student visas, a narrow exemption
The IAA's own exemption guidance is the authoritative list.
Red flags
- No licence number anywhere (on the website, agreement, invoices or email signature) and no match on the licence checker or the Law Society register
- Ghost advising: they prepare everything but tell you to submit it yourself, keeping their name off the application
- Guaranteed visas or claimed inside connections at Immigration New Zealand
- Payment demanded in cash or to personal or overseas accounts, with no written agreement
- An overseas agent handling your NZ visa who cannot name their NZ licence or their exemption
- Job offers bundled with visa services for one fee, a pattern that features in exploitation prosecutions
How to report, and what happens
- Gather what you have
Names, websites, agreements, invoices, chat messages, bank details.
- Report it to the Immigration Advisers Authority
Anyone can report, from anywhere.
- Maximum imprisonment
- 7 years
- Maximum fine
- $100,000
- Who can report
- Anyone
Offences under the Act carry up to seven years' imprisonment and fines up to $100,000, and New Zealand courts have jailed unlicensed operators.
You are treated as the victim, not the offender. But tell your new, licensed representative the full history, because your past applications may contain errors or fabrications you will otherwise inherit.
Every licensed immigration adviser is listed on this directory with status and history, and Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal decisions record how the disciplinary side deals with licensed immigration advisers who cross lines.
Frequently asked questions
This guide is part of the directory of licensed immigration advisers in New Zealand.
Related guides
- How to become a licensed immigration adviser in New ZealandThe pathway to an IAA licence: the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice, the provisional licence and two years of supervision, fees, the fit and proper person test, and the exemptions.
- How to become an immigration lawyer in New ZealandThe pathway to practising immigration law in New Zealand: law degree, professional legal studies, admission, the practising certificate, and why New Zealand lawyers do not need an IAA licence.
- The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007, what it does and how it has changedThe Act behind immigration adviser licensing in New Zealand: its purpose, who may give immigration advice, the offences and penalties, the Authority and the Tribunal it created, and every amendment to date including the 2025 changes.
- 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.
- Immigration consultants and agents in New ZealandWhat an immigration consultant or immigration agent legally is in New Zealand, how to check whether one is licensed, and the rules for agents based overseas.
- 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.
Sources
Not sure where to start?
Send one enquiry and we will connect you with a suitable licensed professional.