New Zealand · general information and referral
New Zealand, with a licensed adviser.
New Zealand is close, but its rules are its own. NZ law requires an NZ licence even for advice given from Australia, so we give general information and refer you to a licensed adviser.
What changed in New Zealand
Skilled Migrant Category changes
Further changes came into effect: more points for New Zealand qualifications and recent New Zealand work experience, and new Trades and Technician and Skilled Work Experience pathways. The points-based model introduced in October 2023 continues.
In forceParent Boost Visitor Visa
A new visitor visa for parents opened, allowing stays of up to five years, renewable once to a ten-year total, with health insurance and sponsor requirements.
In forceAccredited Employer Work Visa
The work visa was reformed in 2025, including a shorter work experience requirement. Further detail changed during 2026; check the official guidance before relying on it.
Check current rules
Source: Immigration New Zealand. Updated 21 October 2026. General information only.
Who may lawfully advise
New Zealand's Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 applies to immigration advice given by a person outside New Zealand as well as inside it. Giving NZ immigration advice without a licence or an exemption is an offence.
Licensed adviser
A licensed immigration adviser, licensed by New Zealand's Immigration Advisers Authority.
Exempt NZ professionals
Some people are exempt, including members of the New Zealand legal profession and their staff, community law centres and citizens advice bureaux.
Student visas offshore
A narrow exemption covers people outside New Zealand who advise only on NZ student visa applications.
There is no exemption for Australian registered migration agents. Immigration New Zealand must not accept applications prepared by unlicensed, non-exempt advisers.
What we do
- We give general information about New Zealand immigration, taken from official published sources.
- When you need advice, we refer you to a New Zealand licensed immigration adviser, and give you their name and licence details in writing before you engage them.
- We do not charge for that referral unless agreed with you in writing.
- We do not prepare or lodge New Zealand applications.
- Sukh Sandhu, Registered Migration Agent, MARN 1384130, advises on Australian visas only.