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On Sunday 30 March 2025, changes to the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 came into effect giving Immigration New Zealand new powers when processing applications.
From Monday 31 March 2025, we will decline online applications that have been automatically accepted by our online systems or paper application if it is confirmed to have been submitted or prepared by, or if the applicant has confirmed to have received advice from, an unlicensed or non-exempt person(s).
Paper based applications believed to have been submitted or prepared by, or the applicant has received advice from, an unlicensed or non-exempt person, will continue to not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
This helps to provide a fair, transparent and efficient immigration process for everyone. By ensuring all visa applications are submitted properly and handled fairly and legally, we help protect migrants and the immigration adviser profession from misleading or unlawful people.
Lawful immigration advice
Immigration advice must come from a Licensed Immigration Adviser, a New Zealand lawyer with a current practicing certificate, employees of a lawyer or a law firm, or someone else legally able to provide immigration advice.
Using a licensed or exempt professional avoids relying on illegal advice.
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the information provided with their application is honest and complete. The provision of false, misleading or withheld information may result in INZ declining the application and may also adversely impact future applications.
The risks of relying on illegal advice — Immigration Adviser Authority
If you need advice on your application, you can find a licensed adviser on the Immigration Adviser Register or current practicing lawyers on the New Zealand Law Society Register.
Immigration advice for your visa application
We encourage applicants to do their research and verify your advisers’ credentials, before submitting an application to avoid unnecessary delays or declines.
If your application has been declined or returned, we will provide advice on how to resubmit your application correctly.
If you believe you have been working with, or have been misled by an unlicensed or non-exempt person, you can contact us to discuss your circumstances or make a complaint to the Immigration Advisers Authority.
