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In May 2007 the New Zealand Government passed the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act, which requires anyone providing New Zealand immigration advice to be licensed (unless exempt). The Act has also established the Immigration Advisers Authority (www.iaa.govt.nz) that will licence Immigration Advisers, both onshore in New Zealand and offshore.
The intention and purpose of this Act is to promote and protect the interests of consumers receiving immigration advice, and to enhance the reputation of New Zealand as a migration destination, by providing for the regulation of persons who give immigration advice.
From 4 May 2009, the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 requires that anyone who provides immigration advice onshore in New Zealand must have a licence from the Immigration Advisers Authority, unless they are exempt from the requirement to hold a licence. From 4 May 2009, Immigration New Zealand will refuse to accept applications from unlicensed onshore advisers.
The above requirements does not affect Migration Associates and other offshore advisers, however all offshore advisers will be required to hold a licence to provide immigration advice from 4 May 2010. Immigration New Zealand will still accept applications from offshore advisers who are not licensed until the 4 May 2010.
It is the intention of the Migration Associates to meet the licensing requirements of the Act and be licensed as soon as possible. We want to ensure that we are recognised as delivering advice to clients which is consistent with the intention and purpose of the Act mentioned above.
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