Immigration consultants- Legit, or trouble?

[88Lance]

In my search of ways to immigrate from the US to NZ, I have found a few businesses that offer services that help you out. One that really stands out to me as legitimate is Immigration Concepts, in Nelson. They have good reviews, are licensed, and have been around awhile. I messaged one of the reviewers and he says they are great. Theyr site shows how they help you find employment and about everything else to help you get moved and get your visas. Then I read online about how if the government finds out you are using a consultant, they will kick you out of the system, and you are never able to apply again, ect. Whats the truth behind a business such as this one? Are they a good option?

[ChrisMwn]

Where did you here that from!
Anyone providing Immigration advice for New Zealand must be licensed. See www.iaa.govt.nz.
Possibly what you have heard is that if someone who is not licensed, if found to be advising you with your application, then the application may be rejected.

[ChrisMwn]

Generally too, I'd say it's a question of whether you feel sufficiently competent in dealing with unfamiliar processes yourself. In a similar way in which you might consider using a tax adviser or account to deal with tax issues, a lawyer for some legal issue, or even a medical professional if you are unwell?
Licensed Advisers are required to train , be knowledgeable and operate under a specific code of conduct.

[88Lance]

Generally too, I'd say it's a question of whether you feel sufficiently competent in dealing with unfamiliar processes yourself. In a similar way in which you might consider using a tax adviser or account to deal with tax issues, a lawyer for some legal issue, or even a medical professional if you are unwell?
Licensed Advisers are required to train , be knowledgeable and operate under a specific code of conduct.

This was my thought exactly, I guess you can't expect to much from Yahoo Answers site The place in Nelson has great reviews and apparently help you with everything from paperwork to getting you hired, instead of doing it yourself just throwing your name in a huge pool and hoping your lucky. Expensive, but for somebody that knows nothing about these things, its probably the way to go.

[getthisdone]

Talk to June Ranson at Woburn International. Tell them Ms Fragale from Phoenix, AZ referred you. She is great!!

[Edited to remove phone number in line with Forum Rule http://www.enz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40236 http://www.enz.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40236]

She does all what you mentioned and some!

[JandM]

It is good to hear that some people have had good experiences using immigration advisers. What ChrisMwn says is quite correct - that anyone thinking of using an adviser must make sure that they are licensed. Under NZ law, LIAs have to have undertaken detailed study and examination, and must follow a strict code of practice. Anyone using an agent who is NOT licensed will have their visa application refused.

There are some agents who are LIAs, who ALSO advertise an employment agency side, which is less closely regulated, to their business. While posters on this thread have been lucky in using some such, there are some who are NOT reliable, who nevertheless charge large fees. Be careful, and check users' feedback before committing yourselves.

All that said, it is perfectly possible to go through the whole process of applying for NZ visas for yourself, which saves money. All the information is on the INZ website, there is also a lot of information in old threads on the forum, and if you don't understand some wording or what you need to do, you can always post a question on the threads.

[Jashe]

We are moving from Canada to NZ. Husband has a job there. His company recommend a specialist to assist us with our visa. Basically we had to do everything ourselves but she charged 2,000.00 to do it. Even our recruiter said DO IT YOURSELF. We have. And not that difficult.