Unlicensed immigration advisers have similar methods when dealing with migrants, warned the Immigration Advisers Authority.

The Registrar of Immigration Advisers, Barry Smedts, said the Authority had investigated several such advisers in 2013.

Some operated from home like Mt Roskill-based Khadijah Lolohea (also known as Khadijah Piu) who offended against 13 mainly Tongan migrants. Others operated from rented office space like Tengyu (Nick) Yuan who obtained more than $100,000 from migrants after advertising his services in a Chinese newspaper.

Ashneel Nand and Sunita Devi face 42 charges and eight charges respectively after receiving more than $50,000 from migrants.

Mr Smedts said: “What we have learned is that those operating unlawfully tend to use similar methods. They may ask you to sign a blank visa application form or tell you they are on close terms with Immigration New Zealand workers. Whatever you are told, it pays to follow our five tips when choosing an immigration adviser.”

The Authority’s five tips when choosing an immigration adviser

Choose someone who is licensed by the Authority or exempt.

Licensed advisers are listed on the Authority’s online register at www.iaa.govt.nz. Exempt people include New Zealand lawyers who can be found at www.nzls.org.nz.

Stay away from anyone who encourages you to lie on your visa application form.

Lying to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) is a criminal offence and dishonesty may affect your future visas or jobs.

Avoid anyone who refuses to put their name on your visa application.

Your visa application form has a section at the end that must be completed and signed by any person who has assisted you. Genuine immigration professionals will always complete this part of the form. People acting unlawfully will avoid including their name because Immigration New Zealand will not accept applications from unlicensed individuals.

Do not sign a visa application form before it has been filled out.

You should never sign a document you don’t understand. Be wary of anyone who claims they have personal contacts at INZ.

Bogus immigration consultants often make false claims that they work with personal contacts at INZ. Mr Smedts warned, even those who mean well such as pastors, teachers or community leaders, frequently put individuals at risk and damage migrants’ chances of legitimately gaining a visa.

He said: “Having good intentions is not the same as giving good immigration advice.”

The Immigration Advisers Authority is a government regulator set up to protect people receiving immigration advice. The Authority forms part of Consumer Protection and Standards within the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.