High migrant satisfaction with licensed immigration advisers

30 August 2013

High migrant satisfaction with licensed immigration advisers

Four out of five migrants said they would recommend their licensed immigration adviser to family and friends, according to an independent survey.

Results showed that 82% of migrants were very satisfied or satisfied with their licensed immigration adviser. The top three reasons for satisfaction were:
• good, helpful service
• professionalism and honesty
• a fast service.

More than eight out of ten migrants agreed that as a result of using a licensed adviser:
• I had a better chance of having a successful visa application (85%)
• I feel my interests as a consumer were protected (86%)
• my impression of New Zealand as a migration destination was positive (88%).

The migrant survey is carried out by Premium Research on behalf of the Immigration Advisers Authority.

Registrar of Immigration Advisers, Barry Smedts, was delighted but not surprised.

He said: “Licensed immigration advisers do great work for their clients and the country. They help migrants see the opportunities New Zealand has to offer, bring families together and help drive our economy.

These survey results are testament to that work and they deserve to be recognised.”

The Immigration Advisers Authority was set up to protect people receiving New Zealand immigration advice.

We do this by:
• issuing licences to people who are fit and competent to give immigration advice
• maintaining competency standards and a code of conduct for immigration advisers
• receiving complaints against licensed immigration advisers
• investigating people giving immigration advice without a licence or exemption.

Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 anyone giving immigration advice must have a licence unless they are exempt. Exempt people include lawyers with a current New Zealand practising certificate and Citizens Advice Bureaux staff among others.

We are independent of Immigration New Zealand and cannot give immigration advice or influence a visa application. Watch a video about us to find out more.

ENDS

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