Visas & Advice Detail
Licence to advise
With new rules regulating the work of New Zealand immigration advisors coming into effect, Geoff Taylor sets out his views on how to pick a professional to help you prepare your visa application
Ask yourself a question: When buying or selling a house, would you consider doing so without using the professional services of a solicitor? The answer is probably not. Unless you know exactly what you're doing, it's a little like walking into a minefield.
The same can be true when preparing and submitting a residence application. It is not simply a form-filling exercise. The application process for residence can be anything but straightforward.
Consider what Immigration New Zealand has said about this subject: "The question many people ask is, 'Is it necessary to have an agent?' Perhaps the correct question to ask is: 'Is it wise to retain an agent?' We are in no doubt that a competent and ethical agent can add considerable value to their client's application and their dealings with us. In addition, a good agent can help a migrant resettle and locate good opportunities for jobs or a business.... We believe that agents can have a valuable role in the immigration process."
Having elected to invest in the services of an agent, just how do you select one? There are quite a number to choose from. As a guide there is a five-point checklist upon which you should make your judgement.
First of all, use one who is registered. Note that soon Immigration New Zealand will cease to deal with any agent, wherever they are based, who is not licensed with the Immigration Advisors Authority (IAA). So, if you choose to use a non-licensed advisor now, you run the risk that your application may not be approved before the deadline (May 2010) and if your agent is not licensed, INZ will no longer deal with them, so you could be on your own! [For advisors based in NZ, the deadline for obtaining an IAA licence is 4th May.]
Secondly, don't necessarily rely on just a phone call or meeting in a hotel or at your home. Only by visiting the consultancy at their offices will you gain a full and complete impression. If meeting at a hotel, for example, ask to see photographs of the company's offices. Ask what success rate the consultancy has and how long they have been in business? Ask to see letters of testimonial from previous clients.
Thirdly, don't make your decision on price alone. This can prove disastrous as numerous migrants regularly find out to their cost. Remember, you are buying a service not a product. After you have paid for it, you can't touch it or take it home. A service is intangible. Paying the lowest price for a service does not mean you are certain to receive good value and obtain a satisfactory result.
Fourthly, there is also the critical question concerning employment. No one can successfully settle in a new country until they have gained suitable employment. This can pay dividends in another area. For New Zealand migrants, applying under the Skilled Migrant Category, a job offer is often critical to achieve the current pass mark. I would argue that a consultancy dealing with New Zealand as a destination, who is unable to deliver in this area is of little help to many New Zealand bound migrants.
Finally, what practical assistance is being offered after you have secured your residence visa? Successful emigration involves much more than a residence stamp in your passport. Ask what practical help and assistance is available to you if required after you have your residence visa.
Geoff Taylor is director of The Emigration Group
The April 2009 issue of Emigrate magazine takes an in-depth look at the licensing of NZ immigration advisors
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