How to Choose a Reliable New Zealand Immigration and Visa Consultancy — and How to Avoid Unlicensed “Agents” | IAA licensed adviser, visa application guide, avoid unlicensed agents study and migration

Planning your study or residence pathway in New Zealand is not about finding the lowest price. The first step is to make sure you are working with a licensed and compliant professional. Here is a checklist to help you identify a consultancy you can genuinely trust.

Check the Licence – Work Only with a Licensed Adviser

• Verify the IAA licence: “Any individual providing New Zealand immigration advice either in New Zealand or offshore must be licensed unless exempt under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 (the Act)”. Immigration advisers must be licensed by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) to legally provide immigration advice or submit visa applications. You can search for the adviser’s name or company on the official IAA website to confirm the licence type, status, and expiry date.

• Confirm who signs and takes responsibility:The adviser’s full name and licence number must appear on your contract and application documents.The submission should be prepared and signed off by the licensed adviser, not by “the company” or by you under their instruction.

• Ask about the licence scope:Only advisers with a Full Licence can handle all visa categories.If the adviser holds a provisional or limited licence, make sure you understand which visa types they are authorised to manage.

Evaluate Professionalism – Look for Method and Evidence, Not Slogans

A qualified consultancy will demonstrate its professionalism right from the first consultation by:

1. Identifying key risks: Explaining the critical assessment points and common refusal reasons for your visa category.

   
   

2. Providing an evidence-chain plan: Outlining how to strengthen your documents step by step.

   
   

3. Clarifying boundaries: Making it clear what is not included in the service fee, such as government fees, third-party assessments, or translation costs, to avoid misunderstandings.

Spot the Red Flags – Recognise High-Risk Practices Early

Unlicensed advice or submissions:Some companies say “we can help you apply” but do not specify that a licensed adviser is involved.In reality, they may lodge your application under your own name, leaving you fully responsible for any errors.

• Guaranteeing outcomes or hinting at connections: Phrases like “100% approval” or “special insider channel” are clear warning signs.

  
  

• Unclear pricing or hidden add-ons: A trustworthy consultancy provides a detailed breakdown of deliverables and fees.

  
  

• Avoiding discussion of failures: A professional adviser is transparent about past challenges and explains how they review and learn from refused cases.

Protect Yourself – Six Essential Steps Before Signing or Paying

1. Verify the adviser’s licence on the IAA website and keep a screenshot.

   
   

2. Ensure the adviser’s full name and licence number appear in the contract.

   
   

3. List all deliverables and exclusions to avoid payment disputes.

   
   

4. Agree on communication frequency and progress milestones, such as document checklists, review notes, and pre-submission double checks.

   
   

5. Request a written risk disclosure, including potential concerns and backup plans.

   
   

6. Make payments only to the company account and request an invoice—never pay

   to a personal account.

Large Company or Small Boutique Consultancy — Which Fits You Better?

• Large firms: Strong branding and large teams, but individual cases may be handled by junior staff or trainees. Always confirm the level of direct involvement by the named licensed adviser.

• Small specialist consultancies: Focused on methodology, double review, and evidence-based work.Your adviser is usually the same person who manages your file end-to-end—ideal for complex or time-sensitive applications.

The Seven Key Questions to Ask

1. Is the adviser IAA licensed and can you verify it online?

2. Who is the specific licensed adviser responsible for your case?

3. Did the initial consultation include a risk list and an evidence-chain plan?

4. Does the contract list deliverables, exclusions, and milestones?

5. Is there a pre-submission double-check process in place?

6. Are all fees transparent and paid to the company account?

7. Does the adviser avoid promising outcomes and provide clear alternative pathways?

FAQ

Q1: How can I check if an adviser is licensed by the IAA?

Visit the IAA website and search by name or company.Verify the licence type, status, expiry date, and organisation, then take a screenshot for your records.

Q2: Can I see the full application before it is submitted?

Yes. A compliant process includes a complete document checklist, risk notes, adviser comments, and a double review before submission.

Q3: What if my visa is refused — can it be fixed?

You should first conduct a refusal audit to identify the real cause, then decide whether to resubmit, adjust your pathway, or apply under another visa category.The key is rebuilding the evidence chain, not chasing a “guaranteed” outcome.

Book a structured assessment

Meet a licensed immigration adviser who will identify your key risks, map your evidence chain, and provide a practical next-step plan you can act on with confidence.

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