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Why Do I need a Licensed Immigration Consultant?

licensing & registration

Licensing

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Immigration laws and policies are complex and hard to comprehend, constantly changing, and they impact different people in different ways, depending on their unique personal circumstances. Just like any other branch of law.

Licensed immigration consultants are qualified, trained, and experienced with an in-depth and current knowledge of these laws, regulations, and procedures. They understand the immigration policies that apply to your specific circumstances, the legal evidence required to support your claims, and how to mitigate any risks along your migration journey.

Licensed immigration consultants in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada are regulated so you can have the peace of mind that the advice you get is accurate and genuine.

The purpose of the statutory licensing is to protect migrants, and ensure that they receive accurate, ethical advice from licensed professionals who work in strict accordance with their respective Code of Conduct set out by the licensing authority. It is a very big responsibility, and they operate with the highest ethical standards.

For example, only a licensed immigration adviser, a legal practitioner, or a person who is explicitly exempt from licensing can give advice on New Zealand immigration matters. Similar statutory laws apply to those giving any advice on Australian immigration matters, or on Canadian immigration matters.

It is an offence punishable by law for someone to provide New Zealand, Australian, or Canadian immigration advice for a fee or other consideration without being licensed by the occupational licensing authority of the respective Government, or the respective local law society, unless they happen to be exempt as defined by the respective country law.

Would you allow a well-meaning but unqualified surgeon to operate on your heart or brain? Never! Because you value your life. So why would you be willing to seek immigration advice from well-meaning but unqualified family or friends, or from social media?

New Zealand

Any individual providing New Zealand immigration advice either in New Zealand or overseas must be licensed, unless exempt under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007.

The Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) is the New Zealand Government’s regulatory body responsible for the licensing of Licensed Immigration Advisers. It is to be noted that individuals, and not companies, are licensed by the IAA.

Licensed Immigration Advisors are required to adhere to a strict set of guidelines in regard to how we provide advice, manage our business and deal with the various immigration authorities. The IAA operates a Code of Conduct under which all Licensed Immigration Advisers operate.

For your own protection, do not seek New Zealand immigration advice from anyone who is not licensed by the IAA, or is a legal practitioner, or otherwise exempt.

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Australia

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Any individual providing Australian migration advice must be a Registered Migration Agent, a legal practitioner, or an exempt person.

The Migration Agents Registration Authority (MARA) is the Australian Government’s regulatory body responsible for the registration of Registered Migration Agents under Section 316 of the Australian Migration Act 1958. It is to be noted that individuals, and not companies, are licensed by the MARA.

All Registered Migration Agents are required to adhere to a strict set of guidelines in regard to how we provide advice, manage our business and deal with the various immigration authorities. The MARA operates a Code of Conduct under which all Registered Migration Agents operate.

For your own protection, do not seek Australian immigration advice from anyone who is not registered with the MARA, or is a legal practitioner, or otherwise exempt.

Canada

Any individual providing Canadian immigration advice must be a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant, a legal practitioner, or an exempt person.

The College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants (CICC) is the Canadian Government’s regulatory body responsible for the licensing of Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants. It is to be noted that individuals, and not companies, are licensed by the CICC.

All Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants are required to adhere to a strict set of guidelines in regard to how we provide advice, manage our business and deal with the various immigration authorities. The CICC operates a Code of Professional Conduct under which all Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultants operate.

For your own protection, do not seek Canadian immigration advice from anyone who is not licensed by the CICC, or is a legal practitioner, or otherwise exempt.

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