Registration process

Registration processing times below are indicative:

Initial registration - 8 weeks (including the Notice of Intention period of 30 days)

Repeat registration - 4 weeks

The above times are for standard applications - processing may take longer depending on circumstances.

Initial registration applications

We are required under legislation to publish your details on this website for at least 30 days from the date we receive your application. We cannot consider your application until this prescribed notice period has finished.

We use the information from your application to publish this notice. We publish it to provide an opportunity for any objections to be made about a person being registered as a migration agent. We are required to consider all objections made and provide an opportunity to respond.

We highly recommend you read the registration requirements carefully to ensure you lodge a complete application. This will prevent unnecessary delays.

E-learning and user guides are available to assist you with your initial agent application 
E-learning and website user guides

Repeat registration applications

Agents are required to re-register with the OMARA on an annual basis. Repeat registration applicants who submit their application and pay the application charge before their current registration expires will automatically continue to be registered and may continue to provide immigration assistance until a decision is made on the application.  This is the effect of section 300 of the Migration Act 1958 (the Act) - Automatic Continuation of registration.

If you submit your repeat registration application before your registration expires, you can continue to provide immigration assistance while we process your application. However, if you submit your application after your registration expires, section 280 of the Act prevents you from providing immigration assistance until such time as we have approved your application.

More information:
Registration requirements
Apply for registration as a migration agent
If your application is approved
If your application is refused
If you are registered with the New Zealand Immigration Advisers Authority