Finding a Licensed Immigration Adviser

## Finding a Licensed Immigration Adviser ### Why Use a Licensed Adviser? In New Zealand, it is **illegal** for unlicensed people to provide immigration advice for money. **Only these people can legally give immigration advice:** - Licensed immigration advisers - Lawyers (who are registered) - Some exempt people (family, employers, MPs, etc. - but they can't charge) ### How to Check if Someone is Licensed **Use the IAA Register:** 1. Go to iaa.govt.nz 2. Click "Find an Adviser" 3. Search by name or location 4. Check their licence is current (not expired or suspended) ### Types of Licences | Licence Type | What They Can Do | |--------------|------------------| | **Full** | All visa types | | **Provisional** | Working under supervision | | **Limited** | Specific visa types only | ### Red Flags - Warning Signs **Do NOT use someone who:** - Is not on the IAA register - Guarantees visa approval - Asks for cash only with no receipt - Pressures you to sign quickly - Asks you to lie on applications - Claims special connections at Immigration NZ - Charges very low fees (too good to be true) - Has no physical office address ### Questions to Ask Before hiring an adviser: - "What is your IAA licence number?" - "What experience do you have with my visa type?" - "What are your fees?" - "What happens if my application is declined?" - "Can I have this in writing?" ### Costs Adviser fees vary widely: - Simple visitor visa: $300-800 - Work visa: $1,000-3,000 - Residence visa: $2,000-8,000+ **Always get a written agreement** with clear fees before starting. ### If Something Goes Wrong **If you have a complaint:** 1. Try to resolve with the adviser first 2. Contact the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) 3. IAA can investigate and take action 4. Licensed advisers have complaints process **If used an unlicensed person:** - Report to IAA - Very difficult to get money back - You may have been given wrong advice ### Free or Low-Cost Help - **Community Law Centres** - Free legal advice - **Citizens Advice Bureau** - General help - **Refugee services** - For refugees - **CAB Immigration clinics** - Some areas offer free sessions ### Official Immigration Information **Immigration New Zealand (INZ):** - Website: immigration.govt.nz - Phone: 0508 558 855 - Contact Centre can answer general questions ### Important Tips - **Always check the IAA register first** - Get everything in writing - Keep copies of all documents - Don't pay all fees upfront - If in doubt, don't proceed - Report suspected fraud