Supporting the construction sector to get the right immigration advice
New Zealand immigration advice can only be provided by a licensed immigration adviser or exempt person.
Who is the IAA
The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) is the regulatory body for New Zealand immigration advice. The IAA regulates immigration advisers to protect migrants looking for advice on New Zealand visas.
Information for employers of migrants
New Zealand immigration advice can only be provided by a licensed immigration adviser or exempt person.
This means that employers, recruiters and HR advisers can’t provide New Zealand immigration advice without a licence. They can only provide very basic assistance, such as sharing Immigration New Zealand’s forms and website, and putting workers in touch with a licensed immigration adviser or exempt person.
New Zealand immigration advice includes advising a person on visa options or how best to fill out an application form. Exempt people include New Zealand lawyers with a current practising certificate, Immigration New Zealand staff, Community Law Centres, Citizens Advice Bureaux and MPs and their staff.
Visa information is available on Immigration New Zealand’s website(external link). To find a licensed immigration adviser, search the IAA’s free register of licensed advisers(external link).
If your employee needs immigration advice, check the adviser is a licensed immigration adviser or an exempt person.
If you are found providing immigration advice without a licence you could face prison and a fine of up to $100,000.
Information for migrants
The Immigration Advisers Authority is responsible for protecting people who receive immigration advice. It is important to know that if you need New Zealand immigration advice it must be provided by a licensed immigration adviser or exempt person.
If you would like to know more about immigration advice you can read our guide to Licensed Advisers, or to find a licensed immigration adviser you can search our public register(external link).