New Zealand government offers new immigration advisor guide

A new guide aimed at would-be immigrants to New Zealand is focusing on the need for those seeking visas to apply only via licensed immigration consultants.

The Guide to Licensed Immigration Advisors is being issued after reports of fraud by unlicensed immigration firms preying on would-be migrants. The guide is being issued in several languages, and the Kiwi immigration authority is hoping it will protect potential migrants from unlicensed rogue advisors.

Complied by the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA), the booklet points out that only fully-registered and licensed immigration advisors should be approached by aspiring migrants. Recent media reports have warned that unlicensed, illegally-working crooks have taken money from would-be applicants and disappeared without processing their visas.

The risk of fraud is clearly stated in the guide, which also gives information on the application requirements for visa entry to New Zealand. It notes the officially designated code of conduct which binds all legal advisors, and also touches on competency and the qualifications needed to become registered.

According to a representative from the IAA, all aspiring immigrants should read the easy-to-follow guide before choosing an immigration advisor and commencing an application. The representative stressed the need to get professional and quality guidance both in New Zealand and in overseas locations as well as the need to avoid rogue advisors.