How to avoid problems during the Pacific quota registration period

The Pacific quota registrations are currently underway for the 2010 Samoa Quota (SQ) and Pacific Access Category (PAC) ballots. Eligible citizens of Samoa and Pacific countries – Tonga, Kiribati, and Tuvalu are encouraged to submit their registrations before the closing date.

“We encourage citizens from these Pacific countries to submit their registrations now while the official registration period is still open,” says Head of Immigration New Zealand Nigel Bickle.

“Each year, citizens from these countries are invited to register for these quotas, and we always remind those considering the opportunity to ensure they have all the necessary information to avoid being declined”.

“Some of the reasons registrations were rejected in the past are to do with incomplete registration forms, the signature not being completed by the principal applicant or the person who assisted with filling out the registration form, the principal applicant is currently unlawful in New Zealand at the time of the registration and registration forms being submitted after the closing date”, adds Mr Bickle.

This year the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) has also reminded the Pacific quota applicants of the Immigration Advisers Licensing Act.

Barry Smedts, Registrar of Immigration Advisers says all immigration advisers including those based outside New Zealand must be licensed unless they are exempt. “If you are using an adviser make sure they are licensed to represent you, otherwise they are breaking the law”.

“Any adviser who is not licensed and not exempt is unable to lawfully provide New Zealand immigration advice or submit applications to Immigration New Zealand. Migrants unsure of the status of their immigration adviser should check the Authority’s website to ensure their adviser is licensed,” says Mr Smedts.

Mr Bickle adds “If you lodge an application with Immigration New Zealand and you are using an unlicensed on/offshore adviser, we will refuse to accept your application”.

To register for the quota, applicants need to complete and sign the ballot registration form which can be collected from a nearest INZ branch; or can be downloaded from the Immigration New Zealand website: ww.immigration.govt.nz.

Fully completed registrations must be received by Immigration New Zealand by 31 May or they cannot be accepted.