{"id":54929,"date":"2025-06-23T06:00:12","date_gmt":"2025-06-22T20:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/?p=54929"},"modified":"2025-06-20T16:30:46","modified_gmt":"2025-06-20T06:30:46","slug":"more-countries-added-to-nz-qualification-exemption-list","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteimmigration.com\/nz\/news\/more-countries-added-to-nz-qualification-exemption-list\/","title":{"rendered":"More countries added to NZ qualification exemption list"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> 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 <\/span>International Qualification Assessment<\/a><\/span> (IQA), provided the qualification level and institution are listed.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> The IQA is an official evaluation carried out by the <\/span>New Zealand Qualifications Authority<\/span><\/span><\/a> (NZQA) to determine how an international qualification compares to New Zealand standards. It\u2019s often a required step for visa applications, especially when the visa criteria specify that a qualification must be \u201ccomparable to\u201d a New Zealand one.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> However, exemptions from the IQA can significantly reduce time and cost for applicants\u2014particularly when applying for the<\/span> Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa<\/a><\/span> or certain <\/span>work visas.<\/span><\/span><\/a>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> New countries added: Qualifications from the following countries will be included in the updated exemption list:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Existing countries updated: Minor revisions will also be made to the qualifications listed for:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Applicants whose qualifications and institutions appear on the exemption list will no longer need to undergo an IQA to:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> You may still need to obtain an IQA if:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> You also do not need an IQA if your qualification is an engineering degree accredited under:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> Note:<\/strong> 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> If an IQA is required, NZQA offers several types:<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/p> You can apply for these assessments via the NZQA website.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> This update reflects New Zealand\u2019s 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> To see if your qualification is exempt from assessment, use the<\/span> qualification checking tool<\/span><\/a> on Immigration New Zealand\u2019s website or consult with one of our Absolute Immigration NZ licensed immigration advisers.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> 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.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p> Get in touch today at: aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com<\/span><\/strong><\/a><\/span><\/p> \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\u00a0<\/h4>
What is the IQA?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
\u00a0<\/h4>
Key changes from 23 June 2025<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
\u00a0<\/h4>
Do you still need an IQA?<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
\u00a0<\/h4>
Types of IQA assessments<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
\u00a0<\/h4>
Why this matters<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>
\u00a0<\/h4>
Check your qualification<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/h4>
\u00a0<\/h4>
Need help navigating your options?<\/b><\/span>\u00a0<\/h4>