Ancillary & Registration Services for Overseas Professionals

Here’s the thing. For many migrants, the visa is only half the journey. In New Zealand, professional registration is often the real gatekeeper. Most regulated occupations require approval from a statutory council before you can legally work, regardless of your visa status.

At Silverstone Immigration Services, we provide end-to-end ancillary and registration support for overseas professionals. We look at immigration and professional registration together, because treating them separately is where delays, refusals, and wasted money usually happen.

This page focuses especially on healthcare and regulated professionals, where registration requirements are strict and non-negotiable.

Teaching Council of New Zealand Registration

For overseas-trained teachers seeking to work in early childhood, primary, or secondary education.

We assist with:

  • Provisional, Subject to Confirmation, and Full Certification pathways

  • Qualification and teacher education alignment

  • English language requirements and teaching experience evidence

  • Police clearances, statutory declarations, and supporting statements

NZQA International Qualification Assessment (IQA)

A foundational step for most skilled migrants and registration bodies.

We assist with:

  • NZQA IQA, PAR, and profession-specific assessments

  • Determining the correct assessment type before you apply

  • Document preparation, upload, and formatting

  • Responding to NZQA queries and additional evidence requests

Commonly required for teachers, engineers, counsellors, healthcare workers, and Skilled Migrant Category applicants.

Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ) Registration

For overseas-qualified doctors and medical practitioners.

We assist with:

  • Identifying the correct MCNZ registration pathway

  • EPIC verification and primary source documentation

  • Evidence preparation for provisional or general registration

  • Alignment with workforce shortages, Green List roles, and visa pathways

Medical Sciences Council of New Zealand (MSCNZ)

For medical laboratory scientists, technicians, and related professionals.

We assist with:

  • Scope-specific registration analysis

  • Qualification comparability and assessment support

  • Documentation preparation and council correspondence

Nursing Council of New Zealand Registration

For overseas-trained nurses.

We assist with:

  • Registration pathway assessment (including CAP requirements)

  • Qualification and competence documentation

  • English language evidence and declarations

  • Alignment with AEWV, Green List, or residence pathways

Physiotherapy Board of New Zealand Registration

For overseas-trained physiotherapists.

We assist with:

  • Registration and competence assessment pathways

  • Qualification assessment and supporting evidence

  • English language and professional standing requirements

Pharmacy Council of New Zealand Registration

For overseas-qualified pharmacists.

We assist with:

  • Initial eligibility and qualification assessment

  • Documentation preparation and submission

  • Understanding intern, bridging, or examination pathways

Counsellor & Mental Health Professional Registration

For counsellors, psychotherapists, and mental health professionals.

We assist with:

  • NZAC, PBANZ, or relevant authority pathways

  • Qualification comparability support

  • Supporting statements, supervision, and experience evidence

Engineering New Zealand Assessment
Trade Registration (EWRB, PGDB, and Other Licensing Bodies)

For overseas-trained tradespeople such as electricians, plumbers, gasfitters, and drainlayers.

We assist with:

  • Electrical Workers Registration Board (EWRB) pathways

  • Provisional, limited, and full registration options

  • Qualification assessment and skills recognition

  • Supporting documentation, employer letters, and practical requirements

Other Regulated Professions We Commonly Assist With

We also support registration and assessment for:

  • Occupational Therapists

  • Social Workers (SWRB)

  • Psychologists

  • Dietitians

  • Radiographers and Medical Imaging Technologists

  • Dentists and Dental Technicians

  • Early Childhood Educators

  • Trades and licensed occupations requiring board or authority approval

If your profession requires registration in New Zealand, we will identify the correct authority and guide you through the process.

Visa vs Professional Registration: What’s the Difference?

Immigration (INZ):

  • Determines your legal right to stay and work in NZ

  • Managed by Immigration New Zealand

  • Focuses on skills, salary, employer, and policy settings

  • A visa does NOT guarantee you can work in your occupation

Professional Registration (Councils & Boards):

  • Determines whether you can legally practise your profession

  • Managed by independent professional councils

  • Focuses on qualifications, competence, and public safety

  • Registration is often required before employment

What this really means is you need both, and they must be planned together.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I apply for a visa without professional registration?

In some cases, yes. But many regulated roles require registration before employment can start. For healthcare and teaching roles, registration delays are a common reason visas stall or fail.

Should I do NZQA first or apply to the registration body?

It depends on the profession. Some councils rely on NZQA, others conduct their own assessment. Applying in the wrong order can cost months. We help you choose the correct sequence.

Does holding registration guarantee a job or visa?

No. Registration allows you to practise, but immigration requirements and labour market conditions still apply. Both must be aligned.

How long does professional registration take?

Timeframes vary widely, from a few months to over a year, depending on the profession, completeness of documents, and assessment pathway.

Do you handle both registration and visa applications?

Yes. That’s the core advantage of working with us. We manage registration strategy alongside your visa plan, not as an afterthought.

Why Work With Silverstone Immigration Services

Professional registration applications are technical and unforgiving. A small mistake can delay your plans by months.

Working with us means:

  • One strategy covering both registration and immigration

  • Clear pathway planning before applications are lodged

  • Reduced delays, refusals, and unnecessary costs

Talk to Us

If you’re an overseas professional, especially in healthcare or other regulated occupations, let’s map your registration and visa pathway properly from day one.

Contact Silverstone Immigration Services to discuss your professional registration and ancillary service requirements.

For engineers seeking professional recognition in New Zealand.

We assist with:

  • Engineering New Zealand competence assessments

  • Accord-based and non-accord qualification pathways

  • Evidence preparation aligned with Skilled Migrant and Green List roles