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
OR
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 evidenced by:
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
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
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
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
Completion of five years' secondary schooling (or equivalent) in schools where the education was conducted in the English language, from recognised countries as agreed from time to time with
Notes
In any case of doubt relating to English language competencies an applicant may be required to complete a test to the standard set out above.
Equivalent schooling means an education equivalent to primary or secondary schooling, or equivalent different terminology such as elementary school or high school. The Registrar of Immigration Advisers will supply a list of recognised countries.