Whose side are Immigration Advisers on?
- Dean Patrick Weischede
- Jul 17
- 8 min read
Immigration Advisers are often free...
Once you realise that many of the “free” immigration services out there come from unlicensed agents, education agents, or offshore recruiters getting paid by commissions — you might start to wonder things like:
If they’re being paid by a school, recruiter, or employer… are they really working in my best interest?
Are they giving me lawful advice — or just saying whatever helps them close the deal?
What does a licensed immigration adviser actually do that’s different?
A free service always sounds appealing — especially when you’re already saving up, stressed about deadlines, or trying to move fast. And sometimes, a friend of a friend or a Facebook group makes things sound so easy.
But here’s the truth: free immigration advice from someone unlicensed can end up costing you years — or even the chance to come to New Zealand at all.
Licensed immigration advisers are trained, regulated, and bound by law to act in your best interests. They don’t just process your visa — they protect your future.
So ask yourself: is the shortcut really worth the risk?
What is an licensed immigration adviser?
A licensed immigration adviser bridges the gap between your dreams and the reality of New Zealand immigration. They help connect the dots — between your background, your goals, and what Immigration New Zealand actually allows.
Trying to do it on your own or relying on an unlicensed agent can feel like navigating a maze blindfolded. We've seen countless cases where clients were previously declined, misinformed, or stuck — only to succeed after working with a licensed adviser who knew the system inside and out.
Because licensed immigration advisers are regulated by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), they’re legally bound to act in your best interest, not anyone else’s. That means no commission-based shortcuts, no false promises — just honest, strategic advice based on experience and law.
Advisers don’t just help you apply. They help you plan. That might mean finding a better visa pathway, avoiding risky timelines, or preparing for residence years in advance — all based on your situation.
Just because you’ve spoken to someone who’s “done it before” or seen advice in a Facebook group doesn’t mean that guidance is right — or legal — for you.
If you have questions, doubts, or concerns about your visa options, a licensed immigration adviser can give you something most online advice can’t: clarity, certainty, and peace of mind.
Let's get clear about a licensed immigration adviser's legal requirements.
Licensed immigration advisers in New Zealand are regulated under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 and must be registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA). That means they’re not just experienced — they’re legally accountable for the advice they give and the outcomes they help shape.
Whether you're paying them directly or speaking with one through an agency, licensed advisers must act in your best interest — not a school, employer, or recruiter. Their duty is to provide accurate, honest, and tailored advice that aligns with immigration law.
Before they can even give advice, licensed advisers must:
Pass a criminal background check
Complete a government-approved immigration law qualification
Submit to a fit and proper person assessment
Follow the IAA Code of Conduct, which outlines their obligations to you
This means no shortcuts, no commissions, no guesswork — and no tolerance for advisers who aren't fully transparent with their clients.
To keep their licence, advisers must continue learning every year, stay up to date with immigration changes, and consistently meet professional and ethical standards.
A licensed adviser is trained to help you understand your options, weigh the risks, and build the strongest case possible — no matter where you’re starting from.
You deserve advice you can trust — not advice that’s “free” but could cost you your future.
What will the best immigration adviser do for me?
Let’s be clear — a licensed immigration adviser can’t create a new visa category or guarantee you approval. They don’t work for Immigration New Zealand. They can only work with the current rules and policies — and the reality of your circumstances.
But the best advisers know the system better than most — and often see options you didn’t know existed. They understand how to position your case, explain your intent, and time your application based on what gives you the best chance of success.
Because we work with hundreds of clients across different visa types, we often spot solutions others miss — whether it’s a different pathway, a better sequence of steps, or a supporting document that makes the difference.
Let’s say your occupation isn’t on the Green List, or your qualifications are hard to assess — a good adviser won’t just tell you “it’s not possible.” They’ll help you explore what is possible, including potential workarounds like English waivers, registration timelines, or employer-led strategies.
And it doesn’t stop after one consultation. A great adviser stays in touch, helps you plan your next steps, and reassesses your options when circumstances change — so you don’t waste time or miss windows of opportunity.
Even if you're not ready to apply now, we'll help you prepare for the right moment — avoiding delays, unnecessary costs, or risky decisions.
A licensed adviser’s job is to ask the right questions, guide your thinking, and show you what you didn’t know to ask. Whether it’s assessing your chances under the Skilled Migrant Category or understanding how your partner’s visa might affect yours — we’re here to explain it clearly and help you move forward with confidence.
How to choose an immigration adviser?
You’ll usually find an immigration adviser online or get referred by someone you know. Referrals can be helpful — but not all are created equal.
Be mindful of hidden incentives: education agents paid by schools, recruiters paid by employers, or consultants who claim to “know someone” inside Immigration New Zealand. Some of these aren’t licensed — and aren’t held accountable if things go wrong. In fact, Consumer NZ and the Immigration Advisers Authority have both issued warnings about trusting unlicensed advice.
The goal isn’t just to find a “good” immigration adviser — it’s to find the right one for your situation. Look at their reviews, professional experience, and whether they’re actually licensed by the IAA. You can even check the public register online.
Don’t hesitate to talk to more than one adviser. You want someone you feel comfortable with — who understands your goals, explains clearly, and genuinely cares about your long-term success.
The relationship you build with your adviser shouldn’t end after one application. A good adviser supports you through each stage — from temporary visa to permanent residence — and helps you avoid the kind of costly mistakes that could set you back years.
If you can find someone with thousands of happy clients and years of proven results, you’re in safer hands than with someone who only handles a few cases a year.
Our licensed immigration advisers are here to help!
To speak with someone from our team, book a free 10-minute discovery call. There’s no pressure and no obligation — just a quick chat to understand your goals and situation. When you're ready, we’ll match you with the right licensed adviser to guide you forward.
Adviser vs. Agent - What's the Difference?
You’ve probably seen both terms — immigration adviser and immigration agent — used interchangeably. We’ll admit, we’ve done it too. But does that mean they’re the same thing?
Not exactly.
Technically, a licensed immigration adviser is a regulated professional in New Zealand — someone who has passed formal qualifications, undergone a police check, and is listed on the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) public register. They’re held to a strict Code of Conduct and must provide lawful, transparent, and ethical advice.
The term agent, on the other hand, is often used informally — especially in other countries — and doesn’t always mean someone is licensed or legally authorised to give immigration advice. Some agents work as recruiters or education consultants, and while they may assist with documentation or applications, they are not regulated by New Zealand immigration law.
So what’s the real difference?
A licensed adviser focuses not just on the paperwork — but on your long-term goals and the legal risks or options behind every move.
An agent may focus more on transactions — helping you submit something, but not always explaining the “why” or “what happens next.”
At NZIHS, we’ve moved far beyond simply “processing” visas. We act as licensed immigration advisers with a clear mission: to help you build a long-term pathway to living, working, or settling in New Zealand with confidence.
We don’t just ask for documents — we ask about your dreams. We help you map your plan, understand your risks, and stay supported through every step of the journey.
So whether someone calls themselves an adviser or agent, the real question is: are they licensed, lawful, and working in your best interest?
That’s the difference that matters most.
How much does an immigration adviser cost? Are there free options?
You’ll often see “free immigration help” offered online — but be careful. Many of these services come from unlicensed agents, education recruiters, or people earning commissions by sending you to a school or employer. These individuals are not regulated by New Zealand immigration law, and if something goes wrong — you’re on your own.
A licensed immigration adviser charges professional fees — and rightly so. You’re paying for lawful, accurate advice, personalised to your goals, and backed by years of expertise.
At NZ Immigration Help Service, we believe in keeping things clear and fair:
Free discovery calls to check if we’re the right fit
Paid initial consultations with honest, upfront advice
Flexible fee structure, so you can pay in stages across your visa process
What’s important is that your adviser works for you — not a third party. We don’t take commission from schools or employers. Our only incentive is to help you get the right visa outcome.
Our advisers are known to work late nights and weekends when needed, especially around deadlines — because your success is how we earn our reputation, referrals, and results.
Auckland Immigration Advisers?
Yes — NZ Immigration Help Service is based in Auckland, and our licensed advisers work from our Westgate office. But you don’t need to be here to work with us.
In fact, most of our clients are outside Auckland — or even outside New Zealand.
We’ve been supporting clients virtually long before it became the norm. Whether you're in Christchurch, Manila, Dubai, or Queenstown, you’ll still get the same expert advice, step-by-step support, and personal attention.
Face-to-face meetings are always welcome, but not required. Most things can be done faster and more efficiently online — and we’re set up for that.
So wherever you are, we’re here to help.
Do you need an immigration adviser?
Whether you’re exploring your very first visa, trying to bring your family over, or aiming for residence — a licensed immigration adviser is someone you can turn to for professional, lawful advice and long-term support.
By now, you’ve probably heard the terms agent and adviser used interchangeably. But as we’ve explained, a licensed immigration adviser is trained, qualified, and regulated to work in your best interest — and is focused not just on getting you a visa, but on helping you achieve your migration goals over time.
If you're serious about moving to New Zealand, there are a few things we’ll likely ask at the start — things like your background, qualifications, family situation, and work experience. These help us understand your current eligibility and what your most realistic options are.
Before your initial consultation, you’ll be asked to complete a quick intake form. That way, we don’t spend your whole appointment gathering basic details — instead, we can dive straight into planning your next step, identifying risks, and mapping your best pathway.
If it’s the right fit for both of us, we’ll invite you to submit documents like CVs, passports, qualifications, and proof of work or study — all the things Immigration New Zealand will eventually need.
Our licensed advisers and support team then take care of the heavy lifting — reviewing, preparing, and lodging your application with care. We handle the complex side of the process, so you can focus on the exciting part: building your future in New Zealand.
So whether you’re trying to understand your chances or you’re ready to start the process now, you don’t have to do it alone.
Book a 10-minute free discovery call today — and let’s explore if working together is the right move for you.
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