Is your immigration adviser licensed? A quick check that can save you money and stress

In late September 2026, INZ shared a case that is worth knowing about: four families paid tens of thousands of dollars for "study and work in New Zealand" packages, only to arrive and find that many of their student visa applications had never been lodged. The person behind the service was found guilty of giving immigration advice without a licence.

Before you hand over your documents or money, a few minutes of checking can make a big difference.

Who can give New Zealand immigration advice?

Advice must come from a licensed immigration adviser (LIA) or an exempt person, such as a New Zealand lawyer with a current practising certificate, or staff at Community Law or Citizens Advice Bureau. Offshore advisers are only exempt when advising on student visas — not work, visitor or guardian visas.

How to check

• Search the adviser's name or licence number on the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) online register.
• Ask to see their digital licence certificate and scan the QR code, which links to their public profile.
• Remember that licences are held by individuals, not companies, and must be renewed every year.

Why it matters

If an adviser named on your application is neither licensed nor exempt, INZ can refuse to accept or decline the application. Anyone can help you fill in a form, but the immigration advice itself needs to come from the right person.

If you need a hand, BeVisa can help you review your application and walk you through each step before you lodge it.