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What NZ Immigration Advisers Charge, and Why

There is no official price list. The Code of Conduct requires fees to be "fair and reasonable in the circumstances", set out in a written agreement (hourly rate with a time estimate, or a fixed fee, plus GST or overseas tax), and invoiced each time they fall due. INZ's own application fee is a separate cost.

People asking "how much does an immigration adviser cost in New Zealand" usually want a number. The Immigration Advisers Authority does not publish one, and there is no regulated scale of fees. What the IAA does publish is the list of factors advisers weigh when setting a fee, and the Code of Conduct sets binding rules on how fees are quoted, agreed, invoiced, held and refunded.

Those rules matter more than an average figure would. They are what lets a client compare one quote with another and hold an adviser to what was agreed. This guide explains them, using the Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct 2014 and IAA guidance read on 9 October 2026.

The rule: fair and reasonable, not a fixed price

Clause 20 of the Code of Conduct says a licensed immigration adviser must: "a. ensure that any fees charged are fair and reasonable in the circumstances b. work in a manner that does not unnecessarily increase fees, and c. inform the client of any additional fees, or changes to previously agreed fees, and ensure these are recorded and agreed to in writing."

The IAA's guidance for migrants opens the same way: "A licensed immigration adviser must set fees that are fair and reasonable in the circumstances." It adds that "Licensed advisers vary in expertise, the fees they charge and the level of service they offer", and suggests people "may wish to speak to several advisers before deciding which one best meets your needs."

Immigration New Zealand gives similar advice on its scams page: if you use an adviser, "it is a good idea to check prices from different ones, so you know you are receiving a fair price for their services."

Why fees vary between advisers

The IAA lists the factors an adviser may consider when deciding a reasonable fee: - the adviser's experience and ability - the degree of complexity of the application - the urgency of the application, including any time limits the client imposes - the length of time involved in processing the application - the reasonable costs of running the adviser's business - whether the application is lodged in New Zealand or offshore - the location of the adviser lodging the application - the number of people included in the application - whether disbursements such as third-party costs, couriers, translations and copying are included - the level of personal service provided - current market fee levels for similar services.

Two quotes for what looks like the same visa can differ for any of these reasons. Asking an adviser which of them drove the quote is a reasonable question.

How a fee must be set out in the written agreement

Before work starts on a matter, the Code requires a written agreement (clause 18). Clause 19 lists what it must contain about money. Where fees are charged, the agreement must state:

  • "the fees for the services to be provided by the adviser, including either the hourly rate and the estimate of the time it will take to perform the services, or the fixed fee for the services, and any New Zealand Goods and Services Tax (GST) or overseas tax or levy to be charged" (clause 19(f))
  • "the likely disbursements that will be incurred (including any Immigration New Zealand fees), including the amount, if known, or a reasonable estimate" (clause 19(g))
  • whether disbursements are paid directly by the client or by the adviser on the client's behalf (clause 19(h))
  • "the payment terms and conditions" (clause 19(i))
  • what interest on unpaid accounts will be charged, if any (clause 19(j))
  • "the adviser's refund policy" (clause 19(k)).

The agreement must also contain "a full description of the services to be provided by the adviser, which must be tailored to the individual client" (clause 19(e)). Comparing quotes is far easier when each one names the services it covers; a lower fee that covers less is not the same offer.

Disbursements and the INZ fee are separate costs

An adviser's professional fee is one cost. Disbursements are another: third-party costs the adviser pays or passes on. Clause 21 requires advisers to charge disbursements "at the actual amount, if known, or at a reasonable estimate of what it costs the adviser to provide the service", and to record and agree any change in writing.

The Immigration New Zealand application fee is a third cost, paid to the government. The Code treats it as a likely disbursement that the written agreement must estimate (clause 19(g)). INZ's fees vary by visa, passport and country of residence. As examples only, INZ's office and fee finder, queried on 9 October 2026 for an Indian passport holder living in New Zealand, showed: - Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: no fee to submit an Expression of Interest; application from NZD 6,450 - Partner of a New Zealander Resident Visa: from NZD 5,360 - Accredited Employer Work Visa: from NZD 1,540.

Other passports and countries of residence return different figures. The fee finder on each INZ visa page gives the figure for a particular combination. INZ's scams page also notes that "Immigration New Zealand only charges you an application fee", alongside costs such as medicals that may be needed to gather evidence.

First consultation fees

Many advisers offer an initial consultation before any written agreement. The Code handles it separately in clause 16: an adviser "must, if charging a fee for an initial consultation, before the initial consultation, obtain the client's written consent to the fee and the payment terms and conditions for that fee".

The IAA's guidance says some advisers do not charge for an initial consultation, while "others may charge a standard fee or an hourly rate." Either way, if there is a charge, it must be disclosed and agreed in writing before the consultation starts. The IAA confirms that "an email exchange with the client accepting the fee and payment terms by email reply is acceptable."

The first consultation guide covers what else applies at that stage.

Paying in advance: the client account rule

Some advisers ask for payment before the work is done. The Code allows that, but with strict conditions. Under clause 25, an adviser who takes payment "in advance of being payable and invoiced" must "recognise that these client funds remain the property of the client until payable and invoiced", hold them in "a separate client account", and withdraw them "only when payments for fees and/or disbursements are payable and invoiced."

The IAA's toolkit explains why this matters: "The Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal has expressed the view that client funds are held on trust and an adviser in this situation is seen as a trustee." It also says: "When any money held in the client account is due to be paid to the adviser, an invoice must be issued to the client before the money is transferred to the adviser."

For advisers outside New Zealand the toolkit is direct: "If an offshore adviser cannot operate a separate client account, he or she may not receive payments in advance for disbursements or services."

An adviser who never takes money before providing a service does not need a client account at all. Paying after the work, against an invoice, is the other lawful model.

Invoices, receipts and refunds

Three more Code clauses deal with money after the agreement is signed:

Invoices (clause 22): each time a fee or disbursement is payable, the adviser must provide "an invoice containing a full description of the services the fee relates to and/or disbursements that the invoice relates to."

Receipts (clause 23): each time a cash payment is received, the adviser must give a receipt showing which invoice it relates to.

Refunds (clause 24): the adviser must "ensure that refunds given are fair and reasonable in the circumstances", "ensure that refund obligations can be met", and "promptly provide any refunds payable upon completing or ceasing a contract for services." The refund policy itself must be written into the agreement (clause 19(k)).

Commissions and other benefits must be disclosed

Some advisers receive payments from third parties, such as commissions from education providers. The Code does not ban these. It requires disclosure. Clause 5 says that where there is a potential or actual conflict of interest, "including the existence of any financial or non-financial benefit the adviser will receive as a result of the relationship with the client, the adviser must disclose the potential or actual conflict to the client in writing." Under clause 6, the adviser may then act only with the client's written consent, and clause 19(l) requires the benefit to be recorded in the written agreement.

The IAA's summary for migrants puts it simply: an adviser must "declare any conflicts of interest, including any commission they will receive, and seek your approval to continue to act for you."

Questions worth asking before agreeing a fee

These questions follow directly from the Code clauses above: - Is the fee a fixed fee or an hourly rate, and if hourly, what is the time estimate? - Does the quote include GST or any overseas tax? - What disbursements are expected, including the INZ fee, and who pays them? - Is any payment due before work is done? If so, is there a separate client account? - What is the refund policy if the matter stops part way? - Will the adviser receive any commission or other benefit connected with this matter? - Who will do the work, and what is their licence number and licence type?

If a fee later seems unreasonable, the IAA's complaints process covers licensed advisers. The complaints guide explains the steps.

Finding a licensed immigration adviser

Because fees depend on the adviser and the matter, the only way to know a fee is to ask the adviser directly and get it in writing. Migratio's directory lists licensed immigration advisers so you can contact several and compare their written quotes. We do not rank advisers or publish an "average fee" we cannot source.

Questions people ask

How much do immigration advisers charge in NZ?

The IAA publishes no price list. Fees must be fair and reasonable in the circumstances and depend on factors such as complexity, urgency, the number of people included and the adviser's experience. The fee must be written into the agreement as an hourly rate with a time estimate, or a fixed fee.

Is the INZ visa fee included in an adviser's fee?

Not usually. The INZ application fee is a disbursement, and the written agreement must give the amount or a reasonable estimate and say whether the client or the adviser pays it.

Can an immigration adviser ask for payment upfront?

Yes, but money paid in advance stays the client's property until it is invoiced and must be held in a separate client account. An offshore adviser who cannot operate a client account may not take advance payments.

Do immigration advisers charge GST?

The written agreement must state any New Zealand GST or overseas tax or levy that will be charged on the fee (Code clause 19(f)).

Can an adviser change the fee after I sign?

Only with the client's written agreement. Clause 20(c) requires advisers to inform clients of additional or changed fees and have them recorded and agreed in writing.

Do advisers charge for a first consultation?

Some do and some do not. If there is a charge, the adviser must get the client's written consent to the fee and payment terms before the consultation starts.

Sources

Last checked 2026-10-09.

Related guides

  • Your First Consultation With an NZ Immigration Adviser — If an adviser charges for a first consultation, the Code of Conduct requires your written consent to the fee and payment terms before it starts; an email exchange is enough. A full written agreement is not needed for the consultation itself, but it is required before any further paid work.
  • Immigration Adviser or Lawyer in NZ: The Difference — Licensed immigration advisers (regulated by the IAA) and lawyers with a current New Zealand practising certificate (regulated by the New Zealand Law Society) can both give NZ immigration advice and represent people to INZ and the Immigration and Protection Tribunal. Only lawyers can represent a person in a New Zealand court or on judicial review.
  • How to Check an NZ Immigration Adviser's Licence — Search the adviser's name or licence number on the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) public register and confirm the status reads current. The record also shows whether the licence is full, provisional or limited. Lawyers are not on that register; check them on the New Zealand Law Society's register of lawyers.
  • Complaining About an NZ Immigration Adviser: How the Process Works — Complaints about a licensed immigration adviser go to the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA), which can close them or refer them to the Immigration Advisers Complaints and Disciplinary Tribunal. There is no cost, anyone can complain from anywhere, and the IAA says a complaint does not affect the complainant's immigration status.
  • NZ Visa Fees 2026: The Main Visa Costs in One List — Immigration New Zealand's fee finder showed these main application costs on 9 October 2026: visitor visa NZD 441, AEWV 1,540, Fee Paying Student 850, Post-Study Work 1,670, residence under the Skilled Migrant, Straight to Residence and Work to Residence visas 6,450, and Partner of a New Zealander Resident 5,360. Each is a stated amount for the passports and places queried.