Immigration experts in Australia and NZ

Updates to List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment

Starting on the 29th of September, the New Zealand Government will begin updating the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). ย The LQEA is a publicly available list that outlines the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) for specified overseas qualifications. The update is to support the expanded points requirements for qualifications under the new Skilled Migrant Category Residence Visa, which is opening on 9 October 2023. The updated LQEA will also be used for the Green List visas and the Accredited Employer Work Visa.

The updates will take place in phases and will initially include qualifications from 7 countries:

  • Hong Kong
  • Ireland
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • South Africa
  • United Kingdom
  • United States of America.

What the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment is Used For

Certain visa applicants have to submit evidence that their overseas qualification has a comparable New Zealand qualification. This is called an International Qualification Assessment.

Applicants with qualifications that are on the LQEA do not need to submit an International Qualification Assessment.

The updated LQEA will be used for the:

  • Green List Straight to Residence
  • Green List and Sector WTR
  • Accredited Employer Work Visa
  • New SMC resident visa

The New Skilled Migrant Category and the LQEA

Under the new Skilled Migrant Category settings, applicants can claim between three to six points for formal qualifications from a Bachelorโ€™s degree and above. The review and eventual update of the LQEA will add or remove qualification types in line with the new Skilled Migrant Category visa requirements. It will ensure that included qualifications are quality assured, approved, accredited and relevant.

For any questions regarding this update or any further immigration matters, please contact Arno Nothnagel, our NZ Immigration Director, here.

Subscribe for the latest immigration updates

Subscribe to keep current with the latest immigration changes affecting your situation and industry. Follow us on our social media channels so you donโ€™t miss an update.
download

About Sleek

Sleek.com is your one-stop shop for everything back office related, from setting up your company to handling day-to-day accounting, taxes, ASIC/ATO compliance, payroll and more โ€“ all on a single platform.

We take a human-first approach, using technology to tackle the boring stuff so you can focus on building your business. Our expert team is always here to give you personalised advice, with in-house tax experts who can handle your big questions.

With a presence in Australia, the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Hong Kong, weโ€™ve gained the trust of over 450,000+ modern businesses, and are a team of 500 strong devoted to your success.

Free initial consultation with Sleek experts:

Get your free initial consultation with Sleek experts. Mention โ€˜Absolute Immigrationโ€™ and enjoy a free initial consultation and subsequent discounting.