New look Immigration NZ website

We're happy to announce the  ‘new look’ Immigration New Zealand website (www.immigration.govt.nz) which went live on 3 September. As well as a refreshed design across the whole website, the home page and the 25-30 most visited pages have been revised to ensure you can easily locate the information you need.

CLICK here to read the Minister of Immigration’s media release regarding the new look Immigration New Zealand website.
 

I have a legal problem. Where can I get help?

 

Community Law Canterbury provides quality  free legal help to people in Canterbury who face barriers to accessing justice.  If you cannot get legal help anywhere else, go to Community Law.  They offer free & confidential advice by phone or in person.

By phone: Monday to Friday - 10am to 4pm - Phone: 371 3819 or 0508 226 529 if you are outside Christchurch or drop in to their offices.

They also offer seminars on legal issues and a whole range of other services.  Check out http://www.canlaw.org.nz/.

 

Did you know… LawSpot is a website where members of the public, like you, can ask questions about New Zealand law and qualified lawyer volunteers will answer them for free. For further in-formation or to ask a question go to www.lawspot.org.nz. Making law accessible.

 

Citizens Advice Bureau: for more information please click here Free Legal Advice Clinics

 

Who can witness a document?

Sometimes it is necessary to have someone officially witness a signature on a document, certify hat a copy of a document is correct, or take a declaration or affidavit.  A Justice of the Peace can do this, for further information please click here Justice of the Peace

 
How do I apply for a Permanent Residence Visa?

Visit www.immigration.govt.nz

 

Make sure your Immigration Adviser is licensed!

Potential migrants currently based in New Zealand need to be aware that from May 2009 all Immigration Advisers need to be licensed.
The key question is: 'How does this affect me?'
Migrants and relatives acting on their behalf need to be informed of their rights and choices.

 

Key points on immigration adviser licensing

The Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007 seeks to professionalise the immigration advice industry by licensing immigration advisers; this will protect migrants.

  • The Immigration Advisers Authority is responsible for managing immigration adviser licensing www.iaa.govt.nz, freephone 0508 422 422, email info@iaa.govt.nz
  • To find a licensed Immigration Adviser in your area please follow this link: http://www.iaa.govt.nz/adviser-register
  • After 4 May 2009, Immigration NZ (INZ) will not be accepting applications from unlicensed onshore advisers.
  • The regime applies offshore too, except the operational date is 4 May 2010.
  • It is an offence to give immigration advice without a licence once these dates have passed and offenders can be fined up to $100,000 and/or go to jail for up to 7 years.
  • Licensed immigration advisers have to abide by a code of conduct and take part in professional development.
  • People who can give advice without needing a licence (“exempt”) include Citizens Advice Bureaux staff/volunteers and Community Law Centre staff/volunteers where at least one lawyer is present.
  • Practising lawyers are also exempt from being licensed – they can provide immigration advice.