A month all good immigration advisers have been looking forward to. Why?

On Monday 4 May 2008 the Immigration Adviser Authority (IAA) was officially launched based on the Immigration Advisers Licensing Bill. This Bill creates a licensing regime for individuals who provide immigration advice. The purpose of the Bill is the promotion and protection of consumer interests receiving immigration advice, and to enhance the reputation of New Zealand as a migrant destination.

The Bill enhances the ability of immigration applicants to make a well-informed choice of immigration adviser. The Bill also reduces the risk of serious harm to immigration applicants by ensuring that there are consistent and enforceable standards for immigration advisers. Lastly, the Bill provides clear and accessible complaint and redress procedures for those who use an immigration adviser.

On-shore advisers are required to be licensed before 1 June 2008 and all off-shore advisers (those not based in New Zealand), also need to be licensed one year later, otherwise the regime would be critically undermined if off-shore advisors were not included. The Bill exempts those who provide immigration advice in an informal or family context as long as the advice is not given systematically or for profit. It also exempts persons providing advice off-shore in relation to student visa and permit applications only. Other professionals such as Lawyers are exempt as well.

A Registered Adviser will provide professional service and plays a significant role in assisting and representing migrants, temporary entrants and refugee status claimants.

All people who give immigration advise and assist immigrants with their applications are now all called Immigration Advisers.

We have been looking forward to this change as we have heard many many sad stories of immigrants being ripped off or treated very badly. Through the introduction of the IAA, we suggest that this will now be minimal or even eliminated.

More information about the IAA, please click here