Welcome to the latest edition of the Immigration Advisers Authority newsletter
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Message from the Registrar
Kia ora koutou,
Welcome to this edition of the IAA newsletter. As we move through the second half of the year, there is plenty happening across the immigration advice profession. This edition brings together recent information, practical guidance, and reminders to support you in your work.
This edition includes:
- the Authority’s licensing and complaints figures for 2025–2026
- practical suggestions for clear and effective client engagement
- summaries of 5 recent Tribunal sanctions decisions and a recent prosecution for unlicensed advice
- updates from Immigration New Zealand on applicant photos and health instructions for resident visas
- information from Toi Ohomai about industry placements for the Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice
- an update on the next round of the IAA migrant survey
- information about updated client guides and professional standards.
By continuing to communicate clearly, keep good records, and provide professional and diligent advice, we can keep standards high and maintain confidence in the profession.
Ngā mihi nui,
Duncan Connor
Registrar
A year in numbers
Licensing and complaints statistics for 2025–2026 financial year, including licensing outcomes, complaints against immigration advisers, and complaints against unlicensed advisers.
Engagement practices that protect you and your client
Good client engagement practices help protect both you and your client.
Recent Tribunal decisions - August 2026
The Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal has recently released 5 sanctions decisions in relation to 4 advisers.
Update from Immigration New Zealand
Immigration New Zealand reminds advisers about providing compliant applicant photos and recent changes to health instructions for resident visas.
GDNZIA industry placements
If you have an employee who would like to become licensed, they will need to complete the Graduate Diploma in NZ Immigration Advice (GDNZIA).
Upcoming IAA migrant survey
An update on the next rounds of the IAA migrant survey and how advisers can support participation.
Updates to client guides and resources
The Immigration Advisers Authority has expanded the range of languages available for 2 key client information resources and made a number of other updates.
Unlicensed adviser leaves families out of pocket
Four families paid thousands of dollars for study and immigration packages. When they arrived in New Zealand, they found that many of their student visa applications had never been submitted.
