What we do, and what we do not
Most agency websites only have the first list. The second one is the more useful of the two, so it is on the same page, the same size, and not in the footer in small type.
We do
- Work out what the student actually needs, before naming anything
- Shortlist registered New Zealand schools and universities that fit
- Explain the real entry requirements, including the English language ones
- Prepare the application and lodge it with the provider
- Chase the provider and tell you where it is up to
- Go through the offer of place with you, refunds and withdrawal included
- Help the family settle in once the student is here
- Teach them, if Maths or English turns out to be the hard part
We do not
- We never give immigration or visa advice, however you ask
- Tell you whether you qualify for a visa, or how long one takes
- Prepare, check or lodge anything with Immigration New Zealand
- Guarantee admission, a scholarship, a grade or a job
- Name a school or university we have no written agreement with
- Hold, collect or forward your tuition money
- Act as the student's legal guardian or designated caregiver
- Arrange accommodation or a homestay
Not caution. Criminal law.
In New Zealand, giving immigration advice without a licence is an offence under the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act 2007. It does not matter whether we charge for it, and it does not matter that you asked first. It also matters to you and not only to us: since March 2025 Immigration New Zealand declines applications it finds were prepared by an unlicensed person. An agent who helpfully answers your visa question is putting your application at risk, not just their own licence.
So when we say we cannot answer, it is not a brush-off and it is not us being unhelpful. The useful thing we can do is point you at someone who is allowed to.
Vertex Academy is an education placement agency. We help you choose a registered New Zealand school or university, prepare your application to that provider, and stay in touch once you arrive. We are not licensed immigration advisers. We do not give immigration or visa advice, we do not assess whether you qualify for a visa, and we do not prepare or lodge visa applications. Under New Zealand law only a licensed immigration adviser, or a person the law exempts, may advise you on immigration.
Search the register of licensed immigration advisers. Kept by the Immigration Advisers Authority (iaa.govt.nz). For official visa information see Immigration New Zealand at immigration.govt.nz.