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Graduate Certificate in New Zealand Immigration Advice Level 7

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If you intend to apply for a license to practice as a New Zealand immigration adviser, you'll need the specialist qualification this course provides. You'll study the Immigration Advisers Competency Standards and Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct.

If you work in international education, travel, or human resources, you cannot provide immigration advice without a licence, or you may wish to do these courses as part of your professional development, to build your knowledge of immigration matters, or to qualify to apply for a licence.

The programme was developed by Bay of Plenty Polytechnic in collaboration with the University of Waikato, New Zealand and Victoria University, Melbourne, Australia and the Immigration Advisers Authority to meet the requirement for a formal qualification to become a licensed New Zealand immigration adviser.

The qualification can be completed in one semester of full-time study or over a period of up to five years part-time; however, for licensing purposes the Immigration Advisers Authority require part-time study to be completed within two years.

As a graduate, you will have:

  • Knowledge of New Zealand’s immigration advisers licensing scheme, immigration law, and immigration and operational instructions
  • Competency in preparing, lodging and administering immigration applications, appeals, requests, claims and other representation
  • The ability to communicate in English in a professional manner
  • An understanding of what it means to be ethically responsible, culturally aware, socially responsible and professional.

Content Details

The learning is intended to be sequential. For students without previous experience in the industry, Course A must be completed before Course B is taken,  although you can enrol in Course B before results for Course A are available. Coursework for both A and B must be passed before entry will be granted to Course  C or D. Licensed Immigration Advisers completing individual courses will be admitted on a case-by- case basis.

Course A - Introduction to New Zealand
Immigration Law and Professional Responsibilities
You’ll learn about immigration law and operations, and immigration advisers’ professional responsibilities.

  • Module 1: Introduction to Immigration Law and Practice
  • Module 2: Professional Responsibilities
  • Module 3: Introduction to Immigration Decision-Making and Operations

Course B - Temporary Entry, Compliance and Unlawful Status
This course will enable you to evaluate client circumstances, and prepare, lodge and administer applications for temporary entry end-to-end. You will also learn  about applying end-to-end representation relating to matters of compliance and unlawful status.

  • Module 4: Temporary Entry
  • Module 5: Compliance and Unlawful Status

Course C - Residence Visas
Learn how to evaluate client circumstances, and prepare, lodge and administer applications for residence visas end-to-end

  • Module 6: Residence – General
  • Module 7: Residence – Skilled and Business

Course D - Refugees, Appeals and Professional Practice
We’ll teach you how to evaluate client circumstances and understand the end-to-end processes and the consequences involved in decision-making relating to  refugee and protection status and immigration reviews and appeals. You’ll also learn how to conduct business in accordance with the Immigration Advisers'  Competency Standards and the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct.

  • Module 8: Refugee and Protection Status
  • Module 9: Review and Appeal
  • Module 10: Professional Practice

Entry

Degree graduates who meet the english language requirements, or equivalent.

Academic Requirements

  1. An undergraduate degree or equivalent educational experience as evidenced by a recognised equivalent qualification; or
  2. Special admission to those who have been able to demonstrate equivalent practical and professional experience.

Note: Equivalent practical and professional experience would require evidence of the applicant having worked at a professional level in an area that required them to analyse and solve problems and demonstrate intellectual independence, analytical rigour and sound communication skills for a period of at least 3 years.

Information on international qualifications that are recognised in New Zealand can be found on NZQA International qualifications or www.immigration.govt.nz.

English Language Requirement

You will be required to have an IELTS score of 7 or TOEFL score of 600.

Refer to the brochure for full details of entry requirements.

Indicative Fees

  • $520.00 per course for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents residing in New Zealand, and for New Zealand citizens residing outside of New Zealand.
  • $1,835.00 per course for international students, and anyone other than New Zealand citizens residing outside of New Zealand.

The standard published fee is applicable for New Zealand citizens and permanent residents only.

An international fee is payable for non New Zealand citizens/permanent residents.

Qualifications Gained

  • Graduate Certificate in Immigration Advice Level 7

Career Opportunities

Licensed immigration adviser.

Please note, that for licensing purposes the Immigration Advisers Authority requires part-time study to be completed within two years. Details of licensing requirements can be found on the Immigration Advisers Authority website. We recommend that you check your eligibility for a licence by reading Section 15 of the Licensed Immigration Act 2007 (Prohibited Persons).