Who Can Give Advice On Immigration?
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Migrating to New Zealand can be an exciting and life-changing experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges and complexities. So it's important to know who to talk to and where to go to get reliable information and guidance about the immigration process.
In this article, we provide a guide on the resources set up by New Zealand to support migrants and who they can contact to help you along the way. So whether you need advice on which visa to apply for, where to find a supportive community or how to make a complaint, you will find some valuable resources below.
How the NZ Government Supports Immigration & Its Affiliated Agency
Who is the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment?
MBIE plays a critical role in shaping the economic and social landscape of New Zealand, with a focus on promoting growth, innovation, and fairness. The government ministry is responsible for various functions related to economic development, innovation, employment, and immigration.
MBIE sets the overall strategy for New Zealand's immigration policies and processes, including processing visa applications and ensuring compliance with immigration laws. For migrants, their website is a source of information about potential policy changes and provides access to have your say via their public consultation portal.
Immigration NZ: The Government Agency in Charge of Immigration.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is the government agency responsible for managing immigration to New Zealand. INZ is responsible for managing the processing and approving of your visa applications. Your application will join a queue and be assessed by caseworkers. Often they manage 1000s of applications; therefore, communication can be delayed.
INZ's primary functions include the following:
- Processing visa applications: INZ assess visa applications and determine whether individuals meet the immigration requirements to enter and stay in New Zealand.
- Setting immigration policies and regulations: INZ works with the Government to develop immigration policies and regulations that support New Zealand's economic, social, and cultural interests.
- Providing information and support: INZ provides information and support to help individuals understand the immigration process, including visa options, requirements, and application procedures.
- Monitoring compliance: INZ monitors compliance with immigration laws and regulations and takes action against those who breach them.
Their website below provides immigration information and a portal for your visa application.
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/
Get Fast, Personalised Support with a Licensed Immigration Adviser
Although you can work directly with INZ to process your visa, many individuals prefer utilising the support of immigration advisers for various reasons.
Common reasons why people rely on immigration advisers:
- Helping get a visa quickly.
- Receiving professional support to ensure you have correctly filled out your application.
- Getting advice quickly from people experienced in unique and complex immigration situations.
- Having more visibility over your application.
INZ is often processing 1000s of applications. Therefore, getting feedback on whether your application is correct, visa processing delays, where your application is in the queue, or having a simple question answered quickly can be lengthy.
The help of a licensed immigration adviser can reduce stress significantly during the immigration process and help to provide you with the confidence that you have a robust application.
A New Zealand licensed immigration adviser offers services from the professional assessment of your personal situation through to managing the application process. Even if your New Zealand visa is about to expire, or you're simply interested in your different visa options, licensed immigration advisers can help you with your immigration process.
Contact Malcolm Pacific Immigration today for a free consultation. We have a team of skilled and experienced advisers in New Zealand who can assist you every step of the way.
Quality of Immigration Advice is Critical: Who to Turn to If You Need Help.
Immigration Advisers Authority.
The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) is an independent body established by the New Zealand government to regulate the provision of immigration advice and to protect the interests of people receiving that advice.
The IAA's primary responsibilities include the following:
- Licensing immigration advisers: The IAA is responsible for licensing immigration advisers in New Zealand, ensuring they meet professional standards and follow ethical practices.
- Providing information and guidance: The IAA offers information and guidance to individuals seeking immigration advice, including details on finding a licensed immigration adviser and what to expect from the immigration advice process.
- Investigating complaints: The IAA investigates complaints made against licensed immigration advisers, taking appropriate action where necessary to protect the interests of those receiving immigration advice.
- Monitoring compliance: The IAA monitors compliance with the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act and takes enforcement action against those who breach it.
You can contact them via their website: https://www.iaa.govt.nz/
Overall, the IAA's role is to ensure that people seeking immigration advice in New Zealand receive accurate and ethical advice from licensed professionals. The IAA plays an essential role in protecting the interests of migrants and refugees and promoting confidence in New Zealand's immigration system.
Malcolm Pacific International Works Closely with the IAA.
At Malcolm Pacific International, our licenced Immigration Advisers work closely with the IAA to ensure the highest quality advice is met. Our advisers obtain a licence to demonstrate that they meet the correct professional standards, including their knowledge of immigration law and ethical practices.
We are also governed by the Code of Conduct set out by IAA, which sets out the professional and ethical standards that advisers must meet. This includes requirements around communication, confidentiality, and professional development.
By selecting an Immigration Adviser licensed by the IAA, you can be reassured that you will be protected against poor advice or underhanded behaviour.
The Voice for Immigrants: NGOs & Government-Funded Organisations.
There are a handful of Non-Government Organisations, and Government funded organisations migrants can turn to for information and advice. They can cover various issues, including employment, education, housing, healthcare, and other essential services.
They can help you understand your rights and responsibilities as an immigrant in New Zealand and guide you on navigating the settlement process.
The organisations may also focus on promoting multiculturalism by organising events and providing opportunities for you to network, socialise, and build connections with other migrants and members of the wider community.
They can also advocate for immigrants' rights and work to eliminate discrimination and prejudice against immigrants in New Zealand. They can provide support if you experience any difficulties or issues related to your immigration status or settlement process.
They may specialise in a specific area relating to the successful settlement of migrants. By talking to them, you will understand who can best help. Three such examples are:
Belong NZ
New Zealand Federation of Multicultural Councils
https://multiculturalnz.org.nz/
Refugee Council of NZ
Why Should You Access Community Groups and Forums?
Joining community groups and forums for immigration advice can offer a supportive community who have also been through similar situations; they can provide referrals for advisers they have trusted and provide ways of making friends in your new community. In addition, they can be beneficial for newcomers feeling overwhelmed or isolated.
However, relying on advice from well-intentioned acquaintances on specific immigration questions may not provide accurate and up-to-date information. For example, the guidance that worked for them or the regulations changes may confuse your visa application.
Get a Free Consultation with a Licensed Immigration Adviser.
Don't go through the immigration process alone; we can help guide you.
We are here to save you time, stress and money. So keep up to date by reading immigration NZ news, and contact our expert immigration advisers with any questions.
We are New Zealand's largest and most experienced team of licensed immigration advisers. Our experts will remove the stress and worry of navigating the complicated world of immigration. All you need to do is get in touch.
Contact our licensed immigration advisers today for immigration guidance.
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