Unlicensed immigration advice in New Zealand — how to spot and report it

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. Strategy, eligibility assessments, preparing and lodging applications, and representing you to Immigration New Zealand all qualify. Purely clerical work — filling in forms exactly as you dictate, translating, settlement information — does not, which 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, and public servants doing their jobs. A narrow exemption also covers certain offshore advice about student visas; 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

Report unlicensed advice to the Immigration Advisers Authority with everything you have: names, websites, agreements, invoices, chat messages, bank details. Anyone can report, from anywhere. Offences under the Act carry up to seven years' imprisonment and fines up to $100,000, and New Zealand courts have jailed unlicensed operators.

If you have already used an unlicensed person, 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 adviser is listed on this directory with status and history, and tribunal decisions record how the disciplinary side deals with licensed advisers who cross lines.