Dreaming of moving to New Zealand for work, study, or residence? While this is an exciting opportunity, immigration scams are on the rise. Many people have fallen victim to fraudsters promising quick visas, guaranteed jobs, or easy pathways to residence. Protecting yourself from these scams is crucial to ensuring a safe and legal migration process.
This guide will help you identify common immigration scams, understand the warning signs, and provide practical steps to safeguard yourself.
Common
Immigration Scams
& How They Work
1. Paying for a Job Offer
- Scammers ask you to pay a “processing” or “placement” fee to secure a job in New Zealand.
- New Zealand employers cannot charge you for a job or make you pay recruitment costs. If a recruiter demands money upfront, it’s likely a scam.
2. Fast-Track Visa Processing
- Agents or advisors claim they can use their connections to speed up your visa process or guarantee approval.
- Immigration New Zealand (INZ) does not prioritize applications based on agents. All applications are assessed fairly based on their merits.
3. Fake Job Offers with Accommodation Packages
- You’re promised a job, visa, and accommodation package, but must pay a fee upfront.
- Very few jobs in New Zealand provide free accommodation. Always verify job offers directly with the employer.
4. Guaranteed New Zealand Residence
- A scammer promises that your visa will automatically lead to permanent residence.
- Residency in New Zealand depends on skills, qualifications, and visa type—no one can guarantee it.
5. Paying Visa Fees to Personal Bank Accounts
- You’re asked to deposit your visa application fee into a private bank account.
- INZ only accepts visa payments via official channels—never through a personal or third-party bank account.
6. Fake Immigration Websites & Emails
- You receive an email from “Immigration New Zealand” asking for personal details or payments.
- Official INZ emails always end in “.govt.nz”. Avoid clicking on suspicious links or sharing personal details.
7. Being Forced to Use an Immigration Adviser
- Someone insists you must use an adviser and pressures you to sign up with them.
- You are not required to use an immigration adviser. If you choose one, ensure they are licensed by the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA).
8. Fake Work Permits & Visa Documents
- An agent tells you they’ve already secured your visa and work permit before you’ve applied.
- You can verify your visa status through INZ’s official Visa Verification Service to ensure it’s legitimate.
How to Protect
Yourself from
Immigration Scams
1. Verify Job Offers & Employers
- Check if your employer is accredited on the INZ website.
- Speak to the employer directly before accepting any offer.
- Be cautious of job advertisements on social media.
2. Use Licensed Immigration Advisers Only
- If using an adviser, ensure they are licensed by the IAA.
- Find verified advisers on the IAA website (www.iaa.govt.nz).
3. Never Pay for a Job or Fast-Track Processing
- Employers must pay for recruitment costs—not the employee.
- No one can guarantee or fast-track visa approvals.
4. Use Official Immigration Channels
- Apply for visas directly through the INZ website (www.immigration.govt.nz).
- Confirm that emails or messages come from “.govt.nz” domains.
5. Be Cautious with Online Communication
- Avoid sharing personal details on WhatsApp, Facebook, or email.
- If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
6. Check Visa Authenticity
- Use INZ’s Visa Verification Service to confirm a visa is real.
- Never trust agents who provide “pre-approved” visas.
7. Report Scams Immediately
- If you suspect a scam, report it to Immigration New Zealand.
- Contact Consumer Protection NZ or Scamwatch to warn others.
Real Case:
International Visa
Fraud Operation
Recently, Immigration New Zealand and the Royal Thai Police Cybercrime Division shut down a scam operation in Thailand. Fraudulent agents were caught selling fake New Zealand visas and job offers, stealing money from victims.
Take-away: Always verify visa offers and avoid agents promising shortcuts.
Final Thoughts:
Stay Safe
& Informed
Migrating to New Zealand is a life-changing opportunity, but scammers prey on people’s dreams. By staying informed, cautious, and using official channels, you can protect yourself from fraud.
- Do your research
- Verify all offers
- Trust only licensed advisers
- Report suspicious activity
Remember: If a job or visa offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stay vigilant and protect yourself from immigration scams.
