{"id":55378,"date":"2025-10-22T10:18:37","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T23:18:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/?p=55378"},"modified":"2025-10-22T10:20:56","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T23:20:56","slug":"what-is-considered-immigration-advice-a-guide-for-hr-professionals","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/news\/what-is-considered-immigration-advice-a-guide-for-hr-professionals\/","title":{"rendered":"What is considered immigration advice? A guide for HR professionals"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
As New Zealand workplaces increasingly rely on global talent, HR professionals often find themselves fielding questions about visas, immigration pathways, and application processes. What many don\u2019t realise is that even the most supportive conversation can unintentionally cross into legally protected territory. This could expose both the individual and their organisation to serious legal consequences.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> Knowing exactly where the line is drawn between general support and regulated immigration advice is critical. In New Zealand, only licensed immigration advisers or exempt individuals can legally provide immigration advice. From recommending visa types to reviewing application documents, certain actions that may feel like standard HR support are actually regulated under the<\/span> Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007<\/a><\/span><\/span> (IALA)<\/span>. Understanding these rules is essential for staying compliant while continuing to support your migrant workforce.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Under section 7 of the IALA, immigration advice is defined as using or claiming to use knowledge of, or experience in, immigration matters to advise, direct, assist, or represent another person in relation to any immigration matter. This includes advising on:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> It doesn\u2019t matter whether the advice is free or paid. Providing such guidance without a licence is unlawful unless you are exempt.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Here are real-world HR examples that legally constitute immigration advice if not delivered by a licensed adviser or exempt person:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> These situations can arise frequently, particularly in industries with high migrant workforces. Even well-meaning support, if it involves interpreting immigration rules or application processes, is considered immigration advice under the Act.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Not all guidance or support falls into the category of regulated advice. HR professionals can still provide valuable assistance to migrant staff without overstepping legal boundaries. You are permitted to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> In short, HR can provide support, but not immigration advice. If there is any uncertainty, the safest approach is to refer the individual to a licensed adviser.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Offering immigration advice without a licence is an offence under the IALA. <\/span>Penalties<\/span><\/a> can include:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p>What legally counts as immigration advice under the law<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
Common HR actions that may breach the law<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
What HR professionals can do legally<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
The risks of getting it wrong<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>