New Zealand visa scams: 9 ways foreigners can protect themselves
Foreigners planning to work, study or live in New Zealand have been warned to watch out for visa scams, fake jobs and fraudulent immigration advisers.
Immigration New Zealand says scammers may target people who are unfamiliar with the country’s immigration process. Some may offer fake jobs, promise visas or residence, create fake websites or demand money through unofficial channels.
The New Zealand immigration authority has listed practical steps foreigners can take to protect themselves before paying money or sharing personal information.
Here are nine ways to avoid New Zealand visa scams.
1. New Zealand visa scams: Check your immigration adviser
Foreigners do not have to use an immigration adviser when applying for a New Zealand visa.
Anyone who chooses to use one should make sure the person is legally allowed to provide immigration advice.
Immigration New Zealand recommends using a licensed immigration adviser, a certified New Zealand lawyer or another person who is legally permitted to provide immigration advice.
Applicants should also be careful about people who claim they have special connections with immigration officials.
An adviser cannot guarantee that an application will be approved or receive priority simply because they are handling it.
2. New Zealand visa scams: Compare adviser fees
Applicants should not automatically accept the first price quoted by an immigration adviser or recruitment agency.
Immigration New Zealand advises people to compare prices from different advisers or agencies. This can help them understand whether a fee is reasonable for the service being offered.
However, applicants should also understand what they are paying for.
A genuine professional service may have a legitimate fee. That is different from paying someone for a job or paying a suspicious person who claims they can guarantee a visa.
3. New Zealand visa scams: Check the employer
People applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa should verify their potential employer.
Immigration New Zealand says employers hiring workers through this visa route must first be accredited.
Applicants can use the government’s online accreditation tool to check an employer before accepting a job offer.
It is also important to speak directly with the employer.
A formal interview can help an applicant confirm that the company and job actually exist.
4. New Zealand visa scams: Use the official website
Fake immigration websites can look similar to genuine government websites.
Immigration New Zealand advises applicants to check the website address carefully.
Official Immigration New Zealand online services use the immigration.govt.nz domain. The authority specifically warns people to check that the domain appears exactly as expected.
Applicants should avoid entering passport details, bank information or other sensitive data into unfamiliar websites.
Official email addresses from Immigration New Zealand end in immigration.govt.nz or mbie.govt.nz.
5. New Zealand visa scams: Be careful with job offers
A person should be suspicious if someone asks them to pay money to secure a job in New Zealand.
Immigration New Zealand says employers cannot charge workers fees for getting a job or make them pay the employer’s recruitment costs.
This also applies when a third party is used to collect the money.
Applicants should therefore question demands for so-called job placement, processing or recruitment payments.
A recruitment agency may charge for legitimate services it provides, but applicants should understand exactly what the payment covers.
6. New Zealand visa scams: Do not believe guaranteed residence claims
Another warning sign is a person who promises that a temporary visa will automatically lead to permanent residence.
New Zealand has different pathways to residence, but Immigration New Zealand says there is no guarantee that a temporary visa will lead to residence.
Eligibility can depend on factors such as a person’s skills, qualifications, experience and occupation.
Foreigners should therefore be cautious when an agent presents permanent residence as an automatic outcome.
7. New Zealand visa scams: Never agree to provide false information
Applicants should never allow an adviser or agent to persuade them to lie on a visa application.
Immigration New Zealand says providing false information to qualify for a job or visa is illegal.
The authority also warns that an adviser who encourages an applicant to provide false information may be willing to break other immigration or employment laws.
Applicants should make sure their documents and information are accurate before submitting an application.
8. New Zealand visa scams: Verify a visa before making plans
Scammers can go beyond fake job offers and websites.
Immigration New Zealand warns that fraudsters sometimes provide counterfeit visas to people who believe their applications have been approved.
Applicants can use the government’s Visa Verification Service to check whether a New Zealand visa is genuine.
This is especially important before making major travel arrangements or sending additional money to an agent.
9. New Zealand visa scams: Be careful with payment requests
Applicants should be particularly cautious when someone asks them to transfer visa fees into a bank account.
Immigration New Zealand says it does not ask applicants to pay visa application fees by depositing money into a bank account.
Official visa payments are made through debit or credit card on the relevant application forms. People outside New Zealand can also pay at approved Visa Application Centres where applicable.
The authority also warns that it will never ask people to pay visa application fees by bank deposit.
New Zealand visa scams: What should foreigners do if they are unsure?
Applicants who receive suspicious information should contact Immigration New Zealand directly instead of relying only on an agent.
The authority says it can help explain visa options and check whether information provided by a third party is accurate or realistic. It can also provide interpreter assistance for people who do not speak English as their first language.
Immigration New Zealand has also warned about scammers making phone calls while pretending to be immigration officials.
In a May 2026 warning, the authority said it would never call someone to demand payment. It advised people who receive suspicious calls not to provide personal or financial information and to hang up.
New Zealand visa scams: What applicants should remember
The safest approach is to verify important information through official New Zealand government channels.
Applicants should check their adviser, confirm their employer’s accreditation, use official immigration websites and question anyone who promises a guaranteed visa or residence.
They should also avoid paying for a job and never provide false information in an application.
For anyone planning to move to New Zealand, checking these details before sending money or documents can help reduce the risk of falling victim to a visa scam.