On March 30, 2025, changes to the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 came into effect giving Immigration New Zealand (INZ) new powers when processing applications.
Key Changes
- From March 31, 2025, INZ will decline online applications that have been automatically accepted by their online systems or paper application if it is confirmed to have been submitted or prepared by, or if the applicant has confirmed to have received advice from, an unlicensed or non-exempt person.
- Paper based applications believed to have been submitted or prepared by, or if the applicant has received advice from, an unlicensed or non-exempt person, will continue to not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
Immigration advice must come from a Licensed Immigration Adviser, a New Zealand lawyer with a current practicing certificate, employees of a lawyer or a law firm, or someone else legally able to provide immigration advice.
- It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the information provided with their application is honest and complete.
- The provision of false, misleading or withheld information may result in INZ declining the application and may also adversely impact future applications.
- Those who need advice on their application can find a licensed adviser on the Immigration Adviser Register or current practicing lawyers on the New Zealand Law Society Register.
If an application has been declined or returned, INZ will provide advice on how to resubmit the application correctly.
Those who believe they have been working with, or have been misled by, an unlicensed or non-exempt person can contact INZ to discuss their circumstances or make a complaint to the Immigration Advisers Authority.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.