COMPETENCY STANDARDS AND CODE OF CONDUCT

PROFESSIONAL CONDUCT

The provision of New Zealand immigration advice has recently been regulated. From 4 May 2009, a person who wishes to operate as an immigration adviser and give immigration advice in New Zealand must hold a licence, issued by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), or be exempt from licensing requirements (i.e. a lawyer). Advisers who give advice on New Zealand immigration matters from outside New Zealand must obtain a licence through the IAA, by no later than 4 May 2010.

COMPETENCY STANDARDS

The Competency Standards set the minimum level of expertise required to be a licensed adviser. All licensed advisers must have relevant qualifications, demonstrate knowledge of the licensing system, and meet an English language requirement and conduct business professionally, ethnically and responsibly. Additional competency requirements relate to:

The specific requirements depend on the type of licence held. Please click here for further details on the Competency Standards and related performance indicators for licensed immigration advisers.

CODE OF CONDUCT

The Code of Conduct sets professional and ethical standards expected of Licensed Immigration Advisers, including minimum requirements about a licensed Adviser’s obligations to clients. As part of their obligation to clients, licensed advisers must provide clients with a copy of the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct (the “Code”) before any agreement is entered into. The Code must also be displayed in a prominent place of business at all times. Please click here to view the Code of Conduct.

REGULATION OF MIGRATION AGENTS

New Zealand Migration Consultants employed with Migration Expert Ltd comply with the requirements of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 and the Immigration Advisers Licensing Regulations 2008.

For further information about the regulation of New Zealand immigration advice, please refer to the Immigration Advisers Authority.