{"id":55415,"date":"2025-11-06T11:04:40","date_gmt":"2025-11-06T00:04:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/?p=55415"},"modified":"2025-11-06T11:09:30","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T00:09:30","slug":"how-to-protect-your-organisation-from-penalties-and-visa-rejections","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/news\/how-to-protect-your-organisation-from-penalties-and-visa-rejections\/","title":{"rendered":"How to protect your organisation from penalties and visa rejections"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
Hiring migrant workers in New Zealand comes with high expectations and even higher consequences for getting it wrong. One error in the process could halt recruitment, impact your accreditation, and damage your organisation\u2019s credibility.<\/p>
With Immigration New Zealand (INZ) increasing enforcement, employers are under closer scrutiny than ever. Now more than ever, it\u2019s essential to follow each compliance step carefully to protect your organisation from penalties and visa rejections.<\/p>
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New Zealand law is clear<\/span><\/span><\/a>: only Licensed Immigration Advisers or exempt individuals (such as New Zealand lawyers holding a current practising certificate) can provide immigration advice. This includes helping someone decide which visa to apply for, advising on how to respond to INZ, or completing application forms on someone\u2019s behalf.<\/p> Under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007<\/span><\/span><\/a>, it is a criminal offence to give immigration advice without the proper authority. The penalties are steep<\/span><\/span><\/a>:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> This rule applies even if the advice is unpaid or provided internally by HR or recruitment staff. If your organisation offers immigration assistance, ensure it\u2019s delivered by a licensed or exempt professional. You can verify licence status through the Immigration Advisers Authority Register.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Maintaining credibility with Immigration New Zealand begins with honest, consistent, and well-documented communication. Every detail submitted, whether during a Job Check, AEWV process, or employer accreditation, must reflect the actual terms and conditions of the role.<\/p> Accuracy is essential for visa processing and employer accountability. Even small inconsistencies can delay visa processing or trigger further review of your applications. Common areas where mistakes occur include:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Preventing errors starts with internal checks, clear communication between teams, and strong record-keeping.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> From 31 March 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will automatically decline visa applications that have been prepared, submitted, or influenced by someone who is not a Licensed Immigration Adviser or an exempt professional, such as a practising New Zealand lawyer.<\/p> This change signals a stronger stance on accountability, placing new responsibility on employers and HR professionals to ensure all immigration support within their organisation is lawful and transparent.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> How HR and employers can stay compliant:<\/strong><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> By leading with education, internal controls and accountability, HR professionals can safeguard both their workforce and their organisation\u2019s accreditation, ensuring every step meets INZ\u2019s strengthened compliance expectations.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Employers must retain and produce documentation to prove compliance, including:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Audits can be random or triggered by complaints. INZ has stepped up inspections and can suspend your accreditation while investigating breaches. If your organisation identifies an error, reporting it proactively shows good faith and may reduce penalties.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Your team may share factual information, such as linking to INZ resources or explaining company policy, but must stop short of:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Educate your HR and recruitment teams so they understand the boundary<\/span><\/span><\/a> between general information and regulated immigration advice<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> When false or misleading information is submitted to INZ, intentionally or negligently, it may result in serious penalties under the Immigration Act 2009, including:<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Employers with a history of breaches may also face tougher scrutiny on future accreditation renewals or AEWV approvals.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Protect your reputation, workforce, and accreditation. Engage only licensed professionals, implement strict compliance systems, and stay proactive in your communications with INZ.<\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Need help assessing your risk or responding to INZ? Contact our licensed immigration advisers at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com<\/strong><\/a><\/span> for strategic immigration guidance you can trust.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\tBe honest and accurate in every interaction with INZ<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
Understand INZ infringement penalties and how to avoid them<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
Transparency and record-keeping are your strongest safeguards<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
Know the difference between advice and general information<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
What happens if false or misleading information is submitted?<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>
Take proactive steps to safeguard your business<\/strong><\/span><\/h4>