“On Sunday 30 March 2025, changes to the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 came into effect giving Immigration New Zealand new powers when processing applications.
From Monday 31 March 2025, we will decline online applications that have been automatically accepted by our 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 immigration advice from, an unlicensed, non-exempt person(s).
Paper based applications believed to have been submitted or prepared by, or the applicant has received immigration advice from, an unlicensed, non-exempt person, will continue to not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
This helps to provide a fair, transparent and efficient immigration process for everyone. By ensuring all visa applications are submitted properly and handled fairly and legally, we help protect migrants and the immigration adviser profession from misleading or unlawful people.”
You must be wondering what this is. Well, this is the latest update published on the official website of Immigration New Zealand. In simple words, it means that from now on, if your visa application is submitted by an unlicensed or unauthorized person, it can be rejected or sent back, no matter how complete it is. This is a strict step to protect students and other migrants from being misled. Now you all might be wondering, what exactly is a Licensed Immigration Adviser? And how can you find the right one in India? Well, read on. In this blog, we will clear all your doubts and help you understand how to choose a genuine, qualified advisor who can guide you to study in New Zealand, the right way.
What is a Licensed Immigration Advisor?
A Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) is someone who has official permission to give immigration advice for New Zealand. They are approved by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), the government body that makes sure advisers are qualified and follow the rules. These advisers know New Zealand immigration laws, visa types, and processes very well. They go through training and exams to get their license, and they must follow a strict code of conduct. This means they are legally allowed to help you with your visa application. If someone is not licensed or exempt, they are not allowed to give you immigration advice, and using their help can put your visa at risk.
What Happens If You Use an Unlicensed Immigration Adviser?
Relying on an unlicensed or unauthorised immigration adviser can lead to serious consequences:
- Visa Application Rejected or Returned: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will not process applications submitted by unlicensed advisers. If your application is found to have been prepared by one, it will be declined or returned to you.
- Legal Penalties for the Adviser: Providing immigration advice without a license is a criminal offence. Unlicensed advisers can face fines up to and/or imprisonment for years.
- Potential Legal Issues for You: If an unlicensed adviser instructs you to provide false information or misrepresents your application, you could be held responsible. This can lead to visa refusals, deportation, or bans from reapplying.
- Financial Losses: Unlicensed advisers may charge high fees without delivering proper services. If your application is rejected, you may lose both time and money.
- Emotional and Psychological Stress: The uncertainty and complications caused by using an unlicensed adviser can lead to significant stress and anxiety, affecting your plans to settle or study in New Zealand.
How to Verify a Licensed Immigration Advisor?
Now that we are clear about the serious problems that can happen if you use an unlicensed adviser, let’s talk about how you can check if someone is a licensed immigration adviser for New Zealand.
Check the IAA Register
The first and most important step is to visit the official website of the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA). There, you will find an online register where you can search for an adviser by their name, business name, or licence number. This register will show if they are currently licensed and the type of licence they hold, full, provisional, or limited.
Ask for Proof
You can also ask the adviser directly for their licence card or certificate, which shows their licence number and expiry date. A genuine adviser will never hide this. It’s also helpful to understand the types of licences: a full licence allows them to give advice on all types of visas, while a provisional licence means they are working under supervision, and a limited licence only allows advice on specific matters. Some professionals like New Zealand lawyers are exempt from licensing, but they must still follow legal and ethical rules. You can check their status too.
Be Cautious of Red Flag
Always be careful of people who promise guaranteed visa approvals, avoid giving written agreements, or charge very high fees without explaining the reason. If someone is not listed on the IAA register, do not take advice from them. Your entire visa process depends on following the legal path. Choosing a licensed adviser means your application is in safe hands and handled the right way. This one step can save you from visa rejections, financial loss, and a lot of stress. So, before starting your New Zealand study journey, make sure your adviser is officially approved.
Key Qualities of a Trusted Immigration Adviser
Choosing the right immigration adviser is important for a smooth and successful application process. Here are four essential qualities to look for:
Licensed and Regulated
Ensure your adviser is licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA). A licensed adviser has met specific competency standards and adheres to a professional Code of Conduct. You can verify their credentials through the IAA’s online register. This guarantees that they are legally authorized to provide immigration advice.
Transparent and Fair Fees
A reputable adviser provides clear and upfront information about their fees. They should offer a written agreement detailing the services provided and the associated costs. Be cautious of advisers who demand large sums of money without a clear breakdown or who promise guaranteed outcomes, as such practices are against the IAA’s Code of Conduct.
Proven Track Record and Experience
Look for an adviser with a solid history of successfully assisting students with New Zealand study visas. Their experience should align with your specific needs, whether it’s applying for a student visa, work visa, or residency. An experienced adviser can navigate complex immigration laws and provide tailored advice .
Effective Communication and Support
Choose an adviser who communicates clearly and promptly. They should keep you informed at every stage of the application process and be available to answer your questions. Good communication ensures you understand the process and feel supported throughout your journey.
By selecting an adviser who embodies these qualities, you can enhance your chances of a successful application and a positive experience in your pursuit of study in New Zealand.
Meet Ms. Parwinder Kaur: Your Trusted Licensed Immigration Adviser for New Zealand
Now that we’ve clearly understood the risks of using unlicensed advisers and how to identify the genuine ones, let’s make things easier for you by introducing a trusted and fully licensed immigration expert you can reach out to in India- Ms. Parwinder Kaur, Director of West Highlander Immigration Consultancy Services Pvt. Ltd., based in Chandigarh. Ms. Parwinder Kaur is not just another name in the immigration industry. She is a highly experienced, government-authorised Licensed Immigration Adviser (LIA) registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), New Zealand. Her licence number is 201002008, and you can easily verify her status on the official IAA register. What makes her stand out is the fact that she holds a Full Licence, which gives her the legal authority to advise clients on all categories of New Zealand visas- not just New Zealand student visas, but also New Zealand visitor visas, New Zealand Partner Visa and child visas, and more.
She has held this license since 2010, making her one of the few immigration consultants in India with such long-standing official recognition. That’s over a decade of consistent, qualified service in helping students, families, and professionals make New Zealand their study or migration destination. This longevity speaks volumes about her credibility and dedication to ethical, transparent, and well-informed immigration advice.
Under her guidance, West Highlander Immigration, founded in 2005, has successfully helped thousands of Indian students receive their New Zealand study visas. The consultancy is known for its honest counselling, visa transparency, and high success rates. They provide end-to-end support from career counselling, university/course selection, document preparation, to pre-departure sessions, all done with accuracy and care. What sets Ms. Kaur apart is her personal involvement in each case and her deep understanding of New Zealand’s immigration law, which ensures that every applicant’s profile is assessed and processed lawfully.
Ms. Kaur’s license is not only up to date but also clearly listed on the IAA register, where you’ll find all necessary details including her name, license type, and its effective date. Clients can rest assured that they are dealing with someone who has undergone the necessary training, passed stringent assessments, and continues to meet IAA’s professional standards. Her full licence allows her to guide applicants with more authority and flexibility than those holding limited or provisional licences. If you’re a student planning to take your spouse or children along, or looking to transition from a New Zealand student visa to a work visa in New Zealand, Ms. Kaur can help you understand your options and plan your path legally.
In a world where misinformation and unregulated agents are everywhere, Ms. Parwinder Kaur’s name offers a sense of assurance. Her advice is not only backed by official authority, but also by years of experience, legal knowledge, and a deep commitment to ethical service. To get started with your New Zealand journey under the expert guidance of a fully licensed immigration professional, you can visit West Highlander’s official website, call their Chandigarh office, or simply verify Ms. Parwinder Kaur’s licence directly on the IAA register using Licence No. 201002008.