A 65-year old Auckland man has been charged by the Immigration Advisers Authority (IAA) for giving immigration advice without being licensed or exempt, holding out to be a licensed immigration adviser, and unlawfully taking payment.

Timothy Joseph Spooner appeared in the Manukau District Court on Monday and was charged in relation to advice provided on student, visitor, work and residence visa applications as well as advising one of his victims to appeal to the Immigration and Protection Tribunal.

Spooner was charged with five counts of providing immigration advice without being licensed; three charges of holding himself out as a licensed immigration adviser knowing he does not hold a licence nor is exempt; and four charges of asking for or receiving a fee for the provision of immigration advice knowing that he was neither licensed nor exempt.

The Registrar of Immigration Advisers, Catherine Albiston, said the case was an example of someone who was alleged to have been taking advantage of vulnerable migrants, particularly in the Thai community.

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"The IAA continues to raise awareness that unlawful immigration advice can cause significant stress and problems for visa applicants," Albiston said.

"If people need help with a visa application, they should only use a licensed immigration adviser or exempt person."

The IAA's online register of licensed advisers is available for those who want to search for a licensed immigration adviser.

The IAA looks into all complaints made by the public about unlicensed immigration advice.

In 2016, documents released under the Official Information Act showed 44 agents had been involved in the fraud.

In total, 57 agents had been identified as using fraudulent methods - some using fake documents for almost all of their applicants.

Individuals found breaking the law can face up to seven years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Spooner will reappear at the Manukau District Court next month.