The Graduate Diploma in New Zealand Immigration Advice is a qualification designed to prepare graduates for employment within the field of New Zealand immigration advice. This specialist qualification is required to apply for a licence to practise as a New Zealand immigration adviser and will cover and assess the Immigration Advisers Competency Standards and Licensed Immigration Advisers Code of Conduct.
The qualification will also be of value to people who are exempt by law from requiring a licence to provide immigration advice.

On successful completion of this qualification students will have the ability to:
Work within the framework of the New Zealand immigration advisers licensing scheme to competently advice and represent their clients on immigration matters.
Interpret and apply knowledge of New Zealand immigration law and immigration and operational instructions.
Competently manage the demands of and prepare, lodge and administer immigration applications, appeals, requests, claims and other representations throughout the complete processes.
Use written and oral English language skills to communicate to clients and other stakeholders in a professional manner.
Operate in a manner which is ethically responsible, culturally aware, socially responsible and professional.

Graduates who enjoy studying law related subjects may also like to continue their study in other programmes at degree or post-graduate level.

The following criteria apply for entry to this programme. A recognised undergraduate degree 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
A high level of English language competency as required by the Communicating in English Competency Standard 5 of the Immigration Advisers Competency Standards 2016. These requirements are:
5.1 Have completed, within the two years immediately prior to enrolling for an approved qualification or an approved entry course:
a. an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test with minimum academic scores of Writing 7.0; Reading 6.5; Listening 6.5; and Speaking 6.5 with a minimum overall IELTS academic band score of 7.0. 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; OR
b. a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) internet-based test (iBT) with minimum scores of Writing 27; Reading 20; Listening 20 and Speaking 20 with a minimum total score of 100. Evidence of TOEFL test scores achieved in more than one sitting is acceptable if the applicant has taken the second and any subsequent TOEFL tests within 12 months of the first test; OR
c. a Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) with minimum scores of Writing 65; Reading 58; Listening 58 and Speaking 58 with a minimum overall score of 65. Evidence of PTE Academic test scores achieved in more than one sitting is acceptable if the applicant has taken the second and any subsequent PTE Academic tests within 12 months of the first test; OR
5.2 Have completed:
a. primary schooling (or equivalent) and at least three years' secondary schooling (or equivalent); OR
b. five years' secondary schooling (or equivalent); OR
c. a total of six years' education comprising a completed bachelor degree (or equivalent tertiary qualification) of at least three years duration plus any combination
of:
i. secondary schooling equivalent to year 12 prior to commencing the course of study referred to in 5.4(c); or ii. another completed bachelor degree (or equivalent tertiary qualification) undertaken at a different time to the course of study referred to in 5.4(c); or
iii. a completed postgraduate qualification.
5.3 The schooling or other courses of study referred to in paragraph 5.2 must have been delivered in the English language and completed while living in New Zealand, Australia, Canada (excluding Quebec), the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom
or the United States of America.
5.4 A person is deemed to meet Performance Indicators 5.1 - 5.2 who before 1 October 2016:
a. had commenced but not completed a course of study for an approved qualification or an approved entry course; or
b. had completed an approved qualification or an approved entry course; or
c. held or previously held an immigration advisers licence issued under section 19 of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. Advisers must be able to demonstrate:
5.5 The ability to complete written documentation in English to a professional standard including: forms; letters; emails; client file notes; written agreements; and detailed and well- structured written submissions, arguments or presentations.
5.6 The ability to communicate orally in English to a professional standard including: conducting telephone and face-to-face interviews; active listening; dealing with conflict; and delivering detailed and well-structured oral presentations, submissions
or arguments.