Photo credit: Tourism NZ Visual Library
From 23 June 2025, New Zealand will expand the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment, streamlining the visa process for skilled migrants and workers with overseas qualifications.
This update is expected to benefit applicants from France, Germany, India, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland, whose qualifications may now be used without undergoing an International Qualification Assessment (IQA), provided the qualification level and institution are listed.
What is the IQA?
The IQA is an official evaluation carried out by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to determine how an international qualification compares to New Zealand standards. It’s often a required step for visa applications, especially when the visa criteria specify that a qualification must be “comparable to” a New Zealand one.
However, exemptions from the IQA can significantly reduce time and cost for applicants—particularly when applying for the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa or certain work visas.
Key changes from 23 June 2025
New countries added: Qualifications from the following countries will be included in the updated exemption list:
- France
- Germany
- India
- Italy
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Existing countries updated: Minor revisions will also be made to the qualifications listed for:
- Australia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United States of America
Applicants whose qualifications and institutions appear on the exemption list will no longer need to undergo an IQA to:
- Apply for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) Resident Visa
- Demonstrate qualification level points under SMC
- Apply for certain work visas that require comparable qualifications
Do you still need an IQA?
You may still need to obtain an IQA if:
- Your qualification is not on the exemption list
- Your visa requires assessment of specific knowledge or course content rather than just level
- Immigration New Zealand requests one during the processing of your visa application
You also do not need an IQA if your qualification is an engineering degree accredited under:
- The Washington Accord
- The Sydney Accord
Note: To be exempt, your engineering degree must be accredited under the Washington or Sydney Accord, and your country must have been a signatory to that accord when you graduated.
Types of IQA assessments
If an IQA is required, NZQA offers several types:
- Standard IQA: General comparison with New Zealand qualifications
- Skill shortage list IQA: For Green List roles
- Teaching IQA: For teacher registration or salary assessment
You can apply for these assessments via the NZQA website.
Why this matters
This update reflects New Zealand’s ongoing efforts to attract skilled global talent and reduce administrative barriers for qualified migrants. With more qualifications now exempt from assessment, the process becomes more efficient for both applicants and Immigration New Zealand, supporting smoother pathways to residence and employment.
Check your qualification
To see if your qualification is exempt from assessment, use the qualification checking tool on Immigration New Zealand’s website or consult with one of our Absolute Immigration NZ licensed immigration advisers.
Need help navigating your options?
Absolute Immigration NZ can help determine whether your qualification meets exemption criteria or if an IQA is required for your visa application. We are here to help you navigate your immigration journey.
Get in touch today at: aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com
