There is no requirement for a prospective migrant to appoint an immigration adviser to assist with their New Zealand immigration application however an applicant can benefit significantly from the advice and expertise of an experienced and reputable adviser.

Immigration policies are complex and their content and interpretation change frequently. In addition the unique individual circumstances of applicants can result in situations which do not easily fit within standard policy parameters. Having made the life changing decision to migrate it is critical that the necessary “paperwork” is promptly and correctly completed and the process professionally administered so the dream can become a reality. Risking your family’s future by undertaking the immigration process without professional advice must be a matter for very careful consideration.

As well as providing expert advice and assistance with the application planning and preparation a reputable immigration adviser will also liaise directly with the Visa Officer to ensure the application is processed in accordance with set policy and processing regimes. The adviser acts on behalf of the applicant and in the applicant’s best interests and provides an easy and available ongoing contact point for the applicant. The adviser understands and appreciates the applicant family’s overall situation and areas of particular interest whereas Immigration NZ only deals with the paper application. A reputable adviser provides peace of mind and gives confidence that an applicant’s immigration application is being professionally and correctly managed.

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1. The first and most reliable way to choose an adviser is by referral from someone who has previously used and recommended the adviser they used for their own application. About 80% of PathwaysNZ clients are referred by previous clients.
   

    

2. Check the website of the Immigration Advisers Authority for Licensed Immigration Advisers. The immigration advice industry in New Zealand is currently being regulated and all New Zealand based advisers must be licensed by 4 May 2009 and all overseas based advisers (advising on New Zealand immigration) must be licensed by May 2010. Unlicensed advisers will not be able to practice beyond these dates unless they are exempt  - such as NZ practising lawyers. In order to become licensed, advisers must satisfy a robust application and competency process and then must, at least, maintain and enhance their professional education in order to attain the annual renewal of their licence.  
   
   Advisers, once licensed, must adhere to a significant Code of Conduct and Complaints Procedure and are subject to severe penalties for any digression. Migrant’s who appoint a Licensed Immigration Adviser can be confident in the advisers abilities and in the protection afforded by the IAA. Extensive information on the licensing regime can be found on the IAA website.
   
   PathwaysNZ Managing Director, Richard Howard, is a Licensed Immigration Adviser and is a member of the IAA Industry Reference Working Group. PathwaysNZ was the first company to have multiple Licensed Advisers.
   
   
3. Check the website of the New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment Inc – NZAMI. The Association, founded in 1989, is an incorporated non-profit making association, governed by a Board of Directors and has as its purpose to promote the long-term benefits of migration and investment programmes in New Zealand. The NZAMI comprises migration advisers, legal and accounting practices, finance houses, real estate companies, business investment advisors and local government authorities. Membership of NZAMI is voluntary and all members must conduct their affairs in a professional manner, in accordance with the Association’s objectives, rules and code of ethics. Members of the NZAMI have access to ongoing professional development opportunities and share in timely and relevant immigration information and news updates. The NZAMI is actively involved in immigration policy discussions and reviews with Immigration NZ and is the predominant professional organisation which advocates on immigration issues.
   
   Richard Howard is the immediate past Chairman of the NZAMI.
   
   
4. In many cases the starting point will be a Google web search for New Zealand immigration advisers or similar. Great care is needed in choosing an adviser based on their website as websites do not always honestly convey the bona fides of the adviser or their company. In addition there are many websites which charge fees for immigration or immigration-related “services” such as forwarding application forms or information, immigration Do-It-Yourself packages, registering for newsletters or job vacancies or for undertaking assessments when they may not have a record of following through and actually completing applications. These businesses operate more along the lines of internet companies and make their money from mass marketing.  Never lose sight of the fact that each immigration case is unique.  Be wary of client endorsements as, while many may be genuine, they are very easily manufactured and, of course, only happy satisfied clients will give these and this may not be a true reflection of the actual case. Be wary of guarantees and claims of 100% success rates. No outcome can be guaranteed and it is unlikely any reputable adviser will ever lay claim to a 100% success rate – to do so would suggest that they are only doing a small number of applications or they are not taking on cases which are professionally challenging. Reputable advisers would, in limited cases, always take on cases to test the boundaries and sometimes they have little choice especially with, for example, medical issues. The PathwaysNZ success rate over the past 2 years is 95.2% (INZ statistics).
   
   
5. Always take an early opportunity to telephone and talk to the adviser or someone at the business. All reputable advisers very much welcome the ability to talk directly with any prospective migrant. So much can be achieved more quickly in such a discussion including, importantly, an assessment as to whether a trusting and honest working relationship can be possible. Many questions can be asked, which, if immediately and informatively answered can give a great deal of comfort and confidence in progressing a professional relationship thereafter.
   
   
6. Experience in New Zealand immigration work is irreplaceable. A situation happens almost every week that we have not seen before in our almost 20 years of extensive immigration work. Nothing can replace actual case management experience and the long and involved dealings with Immigration NZ Visa Officers over many years. Again, do not rely on website ramblings. How long a company has been established can be confirmed by checking online at the NZ Companies Register. However many immigration advisers are not registered companies. This can sometimes present a risk as there may be times when the adviser is not available. It is important, in choosing an adviser, that an adviser’s business can continue to function well in their absence so having good business support and administration systems in place can be a factor. There should always be someone who can be contacted and who is knowledgeable about your application – even in the absence of the adviser. Licensed Immigration Advisers are required by their Code of Conduct to have robust administration systems.
   
   
7. The location of an adviser can be a consideration but, generally, this should not be a major deciding factor. A more relevant consideration should be their experience and expertise in New Zealand immigration work. It is simply too difficult for an individual adviser to maintain acceptable currency of knowledge and processing regimes in more than one country’s immigration policies unless they are specialising in a particular policy area. From our New Zealand base PathwaysNZ advises on, prepares and lodges New Zealand immigration applications at Immigration NZ Branches throughout New Zealand and all over the world every week. The advantages of a New Zealand based adviser are that they specialise in New Zealand immigration work and are subject to the regulatory regime (and IAA) in New Zealand. They are well placed to provide updated advice and assistance, and subsequent support, to ensure the move to New Zealand and a family’s settlement is more able to be successful. Furthermore they are available and easily contactable for any ongoing requirements associated with the initial immigration process and for future requirements. A reputable New Zealand based adviser will remain in contact and not forget about you once the immigration application has been completed.

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This page was last updated on 26 November 2009