The purpose of this qualification is to provide consumers of immigration advice with individuals who have attained sufficient knowledge, practical skills and attitudes to meet the Immigration Advisers Authority requirements for licensing as a New Zealand Immigration Advisor.

Graduates who complete the Graduate Certificate in New Zealand Immigration Advice will have supplemented an existing undergraduate degree with a specialisation in New Zealand immigration advice. These graduates will have:
a. knowledge of New Zealand's immigration advisers licensing scheme, New Zealand's immigration law, and Immigration and operational instructions,
b. Competency in preparing, lodging and administering immigration applications, appeals, requests, claims and other representation,
c. The ability to communicate in English in a professional manner, and
d. An understanding of what it means to be ethically responsible, culturally aware, socially responsible and professional.

Graduates may apply to the Immigration Advisers Authority to be licensed as a New Zealand immigration adviser. Licensing with the Immigration Advisers Authority may lead to employment as an immigration adviser.

Graduates who enjoy studying law related subjects at this level may also like to continue their study in other programmes such as a Graduate Diploma in Dispute Resolution or a Diploma in Laws or LLB. Alternatively they may pursue their interest in business by completing a Bachelor of Management Studies or similar qualification.

The following minimum criteria apply for entry to this programme.
1. Qualification
a. An undergraduate degree or equivalent educational experience as evidenced by -
a recognised equivalent qualification; or

b. Special admission to those who have been able to demonstrate equivalent practical and professional experience.

Equivalent practical and professional experience would require evidence of the applicant having worked at a professional level in an area that required them to analyse and solve problems and demonstrate intellectual independence, analytical rigour and sound communication skills for a period of at least 3 years,
and

2. A high level of English language competency as evidenced by
a. Completion of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test with minimum academic scores of Reading 6.5; Listening 6.5; Speaking 6.5; and Writing 6.5 with a minimum overall IELTS academic band score of 7.0 or over (evidence of IELTS test scores achieved in more than one sitting is acceptable if the applicant has taken the second and any subsequent IELTS tests within 12 months of the first test and the applicant has achieved a minimum overall IELTS academic band score of 7.0 in each test); OR
b. Completion of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) paper-based test (pBT) with a minimum total score of 600 and a minimum score of 5 in the Test of Written English (TWE); OR
c. Completion of a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT) with a minimum total score of 100 and a minimum score of 24 in writing; OR
d. Completion of primary schooling (or equivalent) and at least three years' secondary schooling (or equivalent) in schools where the education was conducted in the English language; OR
e. Completion of five years' secondary schooling (or equivalent) in schools where the education was conducted in the English language.
Equivalent schooling means an education equivalent to primary or secondary schooling which uses different terminology; such as elementary school or high school.
Note
In any case of doubt relating to 5.4 (2) the applicant may be required to complete a test to the standard set out at (2a), (2b), (2c)