An article from http://www.migrationnews.com/new_zealand/news#happy clearly outlines the benefits of enlisting the help of a Licensed Immigration Adviser for your New Zealand Visa Application process:
Immigrants to New Zealand are better protected than ever before. This is the finding of the Immigration Advisers Authority IAA), the body established to regulate the New Zealand immigration industry. From now on, anyone providing immigration advice, whether based in New Zealand or elsewhere, must be licensed by the IAA.
All Licensed Advisers must abide by the IAA’s Code of Conduct, which must be displayed in a prominent place at their offices.Registrar of Immigration Advisers, Barry Smedts said, “Immigration adviser applicants must complete a rigorous, evidence-based assessment process to meet the standard required of a licensed adviser. The assessment is based on their relevant qualifications; knowledge of immigration advisers licensing scheme; knowledge of immigration law and policy in New Zealand; ability to lodge applications and appeals; English language proficiency; professional, ethical and responsible business practices; and maintenance of professional development activities.
Mr Smedts continued, “One of the primary motivators for introducing a mandatory licensing regime in New Zealand was to promote and protect the interests of migrants to New Zealand and to ensure they have confidence in the standard of immigration advice they receive. We are already starting to see the benefits of licensing. Migrants can have confidence in their licensed advisers, knowing there is the opportunity for redress if problems arise, and we see an increased level of interest in professional up-skilling from licensed advisers,”
“Immigration New Zealand no longer accepts applications from advisers unless they are licensed or exempt. This has been the message that we have given offshore advisers from the beginning of our communication with them.”
