2009: a milestone in our professional journey
2009 was an important milestone in the professional development of the Leader team. In that year, Jean Hu, Lloyd Gao and Hong Ling all became among the first immigration advisers licensed by the New Zealand Government.
This is more than a line on three advisers' CVs. It was a starting point for the professional foundation of the team: giving clients immigration advice that fits their circumstances, within a clear licensing system, code of conduct and set of professional responsibilities.
Where our three advisers started
Jean Hu has long focused on all types of visa and immigration applications, with experience in business and investor immigration and in assessing complex cases. Lloyd Gao has long handled employer, investor and business, and family reunification categories. Hong Ling has long specialised in skilled migration, the Green List, Work to Residence and a wide range of visa matters.
Licensing and professional responsibility
In New Zealand, immigration advice must be given by a licensed immigration adviser or a person who is exempt by law. Licensed advisers must meet the relevant competency standards and follow the code of conduct. This means advice should not rest on template promises, but on the applicable policy, the evidence and the applicant's real background.
Information on the regulation of licensed immigration advisers and the public register is available from the Immigration Advisers Authority.
From professional qualification to long-term practice
A licence is the foundation of professional service, and long-term practice shapes how a team understands the real issues at each stage of an application. Over the years, the team has continued to handle employer, investor and business, skilled, family reunification, student, work visa and complex cases, communicating carefully as policy changes meet clients' real-life plans.
Growing and learning
Immigration rules and the application environment keep changing. Today the team still bases its work on licensing standards, policy updates and the facts of each case, and keeps improving its service through regular case discussions, document reviews and teamwork. This does not mean every application follows the same pathway or reaches the same result; every piece of advice has to go back to the applicant's specific circumstances and the requirements in force at the time.
If you would like to know which visa or immigration pathway may suit your circumstances, you are welcome to book an initial consultation.