Our Team
Richard Kensington, Director
With nearly 25 years of experience in international education, including six years as Principal: Academic Relations at UP Education, I am now excited to be charting a new professional course with Visa and Vetting Solutions Ltd. My passion remains firmly rooted in supporting international students and promoting New Zealand as a world-class study destination.
Throughout my career, I have developed deep expertise in education management, having worked across school, foundation, and tertiary programmes within ACG Education (formerly part of UP Education). I have partnered extensively with New Zealand universities, regional study groups, and key stakeholders to build and sustain academic relationships and pathways that connect students globally with opportunities in New Zealand.
In my new role with Visa and Vetting Solutions Ltd, I leverage this background to provide strategic insights and support to individuals and institutions navigating the complexities of international education pathways, visa processes, and compliance requirements. I continue to collaborate closely with partners across diverse regions—including Russia, Kazakhstan, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia—to facilitate smooth transitions for students and ensure high-quality outcomes.
I remain committed to excellence, innovation, and fostering a collaborative approach that enriches the experiences of students and education providers alike. My focus is on delivering tailored solutions that align with regulatory frameworks and the aspirations of students and institutions seeking opportunities in New Zealand and beyond.
Soon Lim, Licenced Immigration Adviser – (201400840)
Soon Lim is a seasoned finance and investment professional with expertise in financial management, corporate financing, business restructuring, and investment consulting. He has successfully led business growth initiatives, optimized financial operations, and advised on strategic investments across various industries.
With extensive experience in business process automation, investment advisory, and immigration consulting, he has played key roles in restructuring corporate financing, securing syndicated loans, and implementing financial forecasting models. As a licenced immigration adviser and director at RBS Immigration Ltd, he specializes in business and investment consulting for investors in New Zealand.
Fluent in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Malay, Soon Lim holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Canterbury (NZ) and an MBA from the International Islamic University in Malaysia. His leadership and expertise make him a valuable asset in facilitating global investments and business expansion.
Kainaaz Mistry, Head of Education Services, VFS Global
Kainaaz Mistry leads the operational strategy and delivery for Education Services at VFS Global, playing a pivotal role in aligning process excellence with the company’s growing education portfolio. She is responsible for implementing scalable workflows, managing compliance and partnerships, and ensuring seamless execution of education-focused initiatives globally.
With over two decades in the international education and migration sector, Kainaaz brings a deep understanding of student recruitment, agent networks, destination readiness, and visa ecosystem integration. Before joining VFS Global, she held senior leadership positions with the London School of Commerce and Best Migration Services Global, where she built regional education strategies, launched new recruitment markets, and worked closely with public universities across Europe.
At VFS Global Education Services, she has driven key projects such as the development of student CRM tools, remote counselling and pre-departure systems, agent engagement platforms, and post-arrival onboarding flows for students. Her domain expertise and hands-on leadership have contributed to the rapid scaling of the company’s education initiatives.
Kainaaz holds a Master’s in Business Finance and a Bachelor’s in Economics & Business Management from the University of Mumbai. She is a certified Professional Development Programme alumnus of the British Council and has played a key role in several bilateral education dialogues and visa consultations.