Planning to work, study, or immigrate to New Zealand with a qualification from overseas? You might have to show that your schooling meets Kiwi requirements. That’s the place the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) comes in — an important step for many visa classes below Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
In this text, we’ll clarify what IQA is, why it’s necessary, which visas require it, and how one can apply or check your {qualifications} utilizing the NZQA system.
What is the International Qualification Assessment (IQA)?
The International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is an official doc issued by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). It evaluates abroad {qualifications} and benchmarks them in opposition to New Zealand’s Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
What It Does:
- Determines in case your qualification is acknowledged in New Zealand.
- States the NZQCF degree equal (e.g., Level 7 = Bachelor’s).
- Confirms in case your qualification meets immigration, employment, or registration necessities.
- Supports your visa or job application with verified tutorial proof.
This is particularly necessary when making use of for work visas or residency pathways that require sure schooling ranges or area-particular certifications.
Why is IQA Important for New Zealand Visa Applications?
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) makes use of the IQA to evaluate in the event you meet qualification-primarily based eligibility for several types of visas. While some levels from particular nations are exempt, most worldwide {qualifications} should be verified by NZQA.
New Reasons You May Need an IQA:
- To show your qualification meets Green List job requirements.
- To acquire factors below the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
- To be eligible for registration with skilled our bodies (e.g., Engineering NZ, Nursing Council).
- To fulfill Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) necessities.
Which Visas in New Zealand Require IQA?
Here’s a breakdown of visa sorts and whether or not IQA is required:
| Visa Type | Is IQA Required? |
|---|---|
| ✅ Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) | Yes – Unless your qualification is on the exempt listing. |
| ✅ Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Sometimes – Only in case your occupation calls for a acknowledged diploma from NZQA. |
| ✅ Green List Work to Residence Visa | Yes – Required if the function lists particular diploma-degree {qualifications}. |
| ✅ Residence from Work Visa | Yes – Especially for roles requiring proof of tertiary schooling. |
| ✅ Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa | Yes – Qualification proof could also be obligatory except waived. |
| ❌ Student Visa | Not often – IQA not wanted except specified by the establishment. |
| ❌ Visitor or Working Holiday Visas | No – Not required. |
Who Doesn’t Need an IQA?
Some levels are exempt from IQA below INZ’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). These embrace sure {qualifications} from acknowledged universities in nations like:
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Singapore
- Ireland
- South Africa.
How to Check If You Need an IQA in 2025?
Follow these steps:
1# Check the LQEA List: Visit INZ’s LQEA to see in case your college and qualification are listed as robotically acknowledged.
2# Use NZQA’s Free Pre-assessment Result (PAR) Tool: This software helps you estimate whether or not your qualification is perhaps acknowledged. Visit: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz.
3# Consult the Green List or Visa Guidelines: Each job on the Green List or SMC pathway has its personal required {qualifications}. Match them together with your tutorial profile.
Taking International Qualification Assessment (IQA) for New Zealand Visas in 2025 FULLY FUNDED SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS SCHOLARSHIPS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS UNDERGRADUATE SCHOLARSHIPS
