What to Look for in choosing a New Zealand Licensed Immigration Adviser

Immigrating to another country is one of the most significant and life-changing decisions a person or family will ever make and engaging a suitably qualified professional to advise on, and manage, the application process can greatly contribute to a “smooth journey” and a successful outcome.

However, choosing from the 1300+ licenced immigration advisers, and hundreds of immigration lawyers, is a confronting challenge – so what are the key considerations?

1. Personal Referrals: In many cases the personal referral of someone who has used an adviser’s services, and is very happy with the experience, is the best recommendation - although an applicant must also take into account whether the application type is similar, as advisers may specialise in certain application types.


2. Independent Verification of Expertise: It's essential to look for independent verification of an adviser's expertise and credentials. Do not rely solely on what a website says, or on approval decisions published on an adviser's website (NB: any advisers who follow this practice are only ever going to publish favourable decisions, and for this reason reputable advisers would not normally publish their application decisions). Always check on the website of the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) to see an adviser has a current licence to practice – and how long they have held their licence for (NB: the first four digits of an advisers immigration licence indicate the year they first became licenced (eg; 2025xxxxx means the adviser has only very recently become licenced).


3. Professional Memberships and Affiliations: Membership in professional organizations is also an indicator of an adviser's commitment to maintaining high standards of practice. Look for advisers who are members of professional bodies such as the New Zealand Association for Migration and Investment (NZAMI) and New Zealand Association of Immigration Professionals (NZAIP).


4. Experience and Specialisation: Consider the adviser's experience and areas of specialization. An adviser with extensive and successful experience in handling similar cases is likely to be most suitable. You can also check experience via appeal cases with the Immigration and Protection Tribunal (IPT) and with presentations made at industry seminars and webinars. While the websites of more recently licenced advisers tend to promote they have expertise and capability across many visa types the reality is that this cannot actually be the case.


5. Client Testimonials and Reviews: Client testimonials and reviews can provide valuable insights into an adviser's reliability and effectiveness. Look for reviews on independent platforms rather than just the adviser's website. Positive feedback from previous clients is normally a good indicator of the adviser's competence, professionalism and success.


6. Transparent Fees and Services: Ensure that the adviser provides a clear and transparent breakdown of their fees and services. Be wary of advisers who are not upfront about their charges or who promise guaranteed outcomes – it is contrary to the IAA Code of Contact to guarantee an application’s success as only Immigration New Zealand can decide a visa application. A reputable adviser will provide a detailed explanation of the costs involved and the services they will provide.


7. Communication and Support: Effective communication is vital throughout the immigration process. Choose an adviser who is responsive and provides regular updates on the progress of your application. Good communication can help alleviate stress and ensure that you are well-informed at every stage.


8. Adviser company/law firm v sole practitioner: If appointing a sole practitioner, it is best to check what happens if the adviser gets sick or goes on holiday and what support they have to manage the application in these circumstances. There can be benefits if the adviser is a member of a larger immigration firm which has other advisers to assist if your adviser is away, and also to enlist additional expertise and administration support as required.