FAQ
If you have a question, look for the Category that matches it and read the questions under that Category. If you do not find the answer to your question, go to the 'Contact NZAMI' tab and type in your inquiry.
About NZAMI
Question: What is NZAMI?
Answer.
The New Zealand Association for Migration & Investment (NZAMI) is a not-for-profit professional association for immigration advisers. Its main purpose is to support its members and build professionalism in the industry.
Question: Why should I use a NZAMI member as an adviser?
Answer.
Licenced advisers or immigration lawyers become NZAMI members for professional reasons. NZAMI offers support and benefits to members, as well as regular seminars which ensure that members are up to date with policy & therefore well prepared to handle your application.
Contacting NZAMI Members
Question: How do I contact a NZAMI member?
Answer.
Go to the 'Find an adviser' page & use the search functions to find the contact details of an adviser who you feel will suit your requirements. If you know the name of the adviser, type it in the 'Find an Adviser by Name' slot.
Question: Is XXXXXX a member of NZAMI?
Answer.
Use the search facility of our website and search for the person by name
Question: How can I find an adviser who speaks my language?
Answer.
Use the search facility on our website and select your language from the pull down list.
Question: How do I find an adviser in my area?
Answer.
Use the search facility on our website and select your location from the pull down list.
NZAMI Membership
Question: What are the benefits of becoming a NZAMI member?
Answer.
NZAMI represents the largest body of immigration advisers & associated organisations in New Zealand. We have dialogue with and make submissions to Immigration New Zealand and the Immigration Advisers Authority in the areas of policy and procedures. Membership provides you with a constant stream of support information, relevant CPD programmes, opportunities to interact with fellow professionals and be involved in the adviser community.
Question: How do I become a NZAMI member?
Answer.
Read the requirements for membership and download the application form from our website. Fill out the form and post it to The Secretary with the application fee. An on-line application process will be available soon.
Question: Will my application fee be refunded if I am refused as a member?
Answer.
No.
Question: If I am not a NZAMI member, can I attend NZAMI seminars?
Answer.
Yes, however, non-member fees are higher, so there is a good financial incentive to join NZAMI.
IAA & Adviser Licensing
Question: What is the IAA and how is it related to NZAMI?
Answer.
The IAA is the Immigration Advisers Authority, a government organisation set up within the Department of Labour to regulate immigration advisers. It does not regulate advice given by people who are exempt from licensing e.g. lawyers (solicitors) who are regulated by The Law Society.
The NZAMI is an independent association and is not controlled by any government agency. Until the IAA was created the NZAMI was the major body controlling the actions of immigration advisers.
Although NZAMI members & directors were instrumental in pushing for the licencing of advisers & cooperated in the formation of the IAA systems & procedures, there is no formal connection between the two organisations.
Question: How do I make a complaint about a NZAMI member?
Answer.
If the member is a licensed adviser then you should direct your complaint to the IAA.
If the member is a lawyer, you should direct your complaint to the Law Society.
If the member is operating off-shore and is not yet a licensed adviser then you should direct your complaint to NZAMI. This applies until May 2010, after which all off-shore advisers must be licensed.
Question: How do I become a licensed adviser?
Answer.
This is explained on the becoming an adviser page of the IAA website
Question: How long does the licensing process take?
Answer.
If you are an experienced adviser, the application for a Full Licence takes between 2 and 6 months. If you are not an experienced adviser, you must first become knowledgeabe enough to apply for a Provisional Licence, after which you must complete the requirements for a Full Licence under the supervision of an adviser with a Full Licence. Everyone will work at their own pace.
Question: What training can I undertake if I want to become an immigration adviser?
Answer.
At present, there is no complete training programme which will qualify you to become an immigration adviser.
Massey University offers a paper on Immigration Law and Practice (Paper 155222) which will give you foundation knowledge on immigration law and policy.
Most advisers learn by working in an established immigration practice. You can become an Associate member of NZAMI in order to attend seminars, join a networking group and become invloved in the immigration community.