When it comes to navigating New Zealand’s immigration system, businesses need expert advice they can trust. Whether you’re hiring skilled migrants or supporting current visa holders through their next steps, working with the right immigration professional can make all the difference.
While both lawyers and Licensed Immigration Advisers (LIAs) can legally provide immigration advice in New Zealand, LIAs bring a unique set of advantages, particularly when it comes to employer needs and migrant workforce planning.
Here’s why using a Licensed Immigration Adviser is often the smarter choice for your business.
1. Specialist immigration focus
Unlike lawyers, who typically cover a broad range of legal areas, LIAs specialise exclusively in immigration. It’s not just one part of what they do, it’s all they do. This deep focus means they stay up to date with policy changes, process shifts, and the real-world impacts these have on employers and their visa holder staff.
An LIA’s day-to-day work revolves around complex visa categories, policy interpretation, and case preparation, giving you access to highly tailored advice that reflects the current immigration landscape.
2. Hands-on experience with INZ systems
LIAs work daily with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and understand the nuances of their systems, case officers, and application pathways. They know what to flag, how to reduce delays, and how to respond to INZ requests for information efficiently.
This familiarity is particularly important when it comes to practical matters such as Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV), Job Checks, or residency through the Green List and Skilled Migrant pathways.
3. Practical, end-to-end support
LIAs often work alongside recruiters, HR teams, and international candidates, offering practical support that goes beyond legal theory. They can help structure visa pathways around real hiring needs, manage timing challenges, and provide clear communication to all parties involved.
At Working In, our team of LIAs collaborates directly with employers to develop workforce strategies that are realistic and aligned with business goals. This makes the process less stressful, more predictable, and ultimately more successful.
4. Regulated and transparent
All Licensed Immigration Advisers must be registered with the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) and adhere to a strict Code of Conduct. This includes requirements around transparency, ethical advice, and client care, giving you peace of mind that you’re working with a trusted professional.
5. Cost-effective plan, tailored to business needs
Because LIAs focus on immigration alone, they tend to offer more cost-effective and relevant services than general legal practitioners. Rather than charging by the hour for general legal advice, LIAs usually offer clear, upfront pricing tailored to your visa or workforce needs.
Need help navigating immigration?
At Working In, our in-house team includes the largest group of Licensed Immigration Advisers in New Zealand, working alongside international recruiters and settlement experts. We don’t just provide immigration advice, we provide immigration solutions that support your entire business.
Whether you’re looking to hire from overseas or support your current migrant team, get in touch to see how we can help.
