When You Should Use a Licensed Immigration Adviser for Your Visa Process
Arno with Brioche at Snells Beach, New Zealand.
The immigration advisory industry has undergone major shifts over the last decade. Once an unregulated field, rife with dodgy operators, migrant exploitation, and questionable business dealings, it has now become a regulated profession that requires both yearly licensing and a formal tertiary qualification. (dodgy operators still exist, but are mostly outnumbered by good operators)
What does a Licensed Immigration Adviser do?
A Licensed Immigration Adviser acts as a legal representative for individuals dealing with Immigration New Zealand. They assist clients in navigating the complex immigration system by providing tailored advice on visa options, preparing and submitting applications, and ensuring compliance with immigration laws and policies.
The Benefits of Using a Licensed Immigration Adviser
There are a number of benefits to enlisting the services of a (good) Licensed Immigration Adviser:
Immigration law and policies are becoming more complex. Having an expert available by phone, text, or email offers peace of mind and saves hours of researching visa options online—information that may be outdated or not applicable to your specific situation.
Having a qualified Licensed Immigration Adviser evaluate your individual visa circumstances and apply the relevant immigration policies and criteria increases your chances of success and reduces the likelihood of mistakes in your application.
If your visa application hits an unexpected complication, your Licensed Immigration Adviser can go through the proper channels and protocol to address whatever issue crops up.
In a nutshell, you save time, avoid mistakes, and minimise stress when using the services of a Licensed Immigration Adviser who knows their stuff, gives you accurate and straightforward advice, and manages your visa process in a timely and efficient manner.
When You Should Use an Immigration Adviser for Your Visa Process
Some visa categories are much more complex and time-consuming than others. As a rule of thumb, if you find yourself relating to any of the following scenarios, it could be a good idea to reach out to a Licensed Immigration Adviser:
You're finding navigating and interpreting immigration policies and visas confusing and frustrating.
You are short on time and have limited capacity to research visa details and manage the application process.
You want peace of mind and clarity from the very start when it comes to your visa process, and you recognise the value in having an expert manage your visa application from start to finish.
Your situation is complex, involving issues such as health, character concerns, child custody, or employment. As a result, your visa application is not straightforward and will require a more detailed assessment.
You are an employer or Human Resources Manager seeking expert advice to manage visa applications for offshore talent or staff on work visas and to ensure company compliance.
What to look for in a Licensed Immigration Adviser
A good Licensed Immigration Adviser is worth their weight in gold – the quality of their work directly affects your future and living/work rights in New Zealand, so it's important to choose wisely. The most important qualities to look for in a Licensed Immigration Adviser are:
Honesty and trustworthiness
A good adviser is honest and clear when evaluating your visa options. If you don't qualify for a particular visa or if your options are limited or unavailable, they will inform you honestly without offering false hope (or trying something illegal like suggesting you take on fake job offers or fake partnerships).
Social proof is a good place to start when determining whether or not you can trust an adviser - do they have good reviews/testimonials? Have they been referred to by many people via word of mouth? Do they have a good professional and personal reputation?
A high level of proficiency and competency in their work
Again, social proof and word of mouth are a good place to start when determining an adviser's proficiency and competency. The calibre of the clients they work with may also be a good indication of the type and quality of their work.
Initiative and efficiency
Visas and employer accreditation have expiration dates. It is essential to work with an adviser who monitors these deadlines closely and reminds you in advance when it is time to reapply, ensuring ongoing compliance. They also make sure to keep you up to date at every stage of your visa process.
A good Licensed Immigration Adviser will make you feel at ease when it comes to your visa process, and ensure that your application is taken care of – especially if unexpected issues pop up along the way.
If you'd like to learn more about how we can help with your visa application, reach out to us for an obligation-free chat
