Are you considering immigrating to New Zealand, working, or studying with a qualification from another country? Your education may necessitate verification that it adheres to Kiwi standards. The International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is a critical stage for numerous visa categories under Immigration New Zealand (INZ). This is where the IQA enters in.
This article will provide an explanation of IQA, its significance, the visas that necessitate it, and the process for applying or verifying one’s qualifications through the NZQA system.
What is the International Qualification Assessment (IQA)?
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) issues the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) as an official document. It assesses qualifications from other countries and compares them to the Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) of New Zealand.
What It Does:
- Ascertains whether your qualification is acknowledged in New Zealand.
- Indicates the equivalent NZQCF level (e.g., Level 7 is equivalent to a Bachelor’s degree).
- Verifies whether your qualifications satisfy immigration, employment, or registration prerequisites.
- Provides verified academic evidence to substantiate your visa or employment application.
This is particularly critical when applying for work visas or residency pathways that necessitate specific education levels or field-specific certifications.
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Benefits of Taking IQA for New Zealand Visas:
- Visa Eligibility Confirmation: IQA verifies whether your foreign qualification satisfies the requirements of the New Zealand visa categories (e.g., skilled migrant, work, student).
- Points for Skilled Migrant Category (SMC): Assists in the claim of education points under the SMC visa, thereby increasing the likelihood of selection.
- Qualification Recognition: Guarantees that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) officially recognizes your overseas degree or diploma.
- Employer Confidence: Provides New Zealand employers with the assurance that your educational background is valid and comparable to local qualifications.
- Pathway to Registration: A prerequisite for the licensing of specific regulated professions in New Zealand, including engineering, nursing, and teaching.
- Support for Study or Work Visas: A necessity for international students who are transitioning to post-study work or specialized employment pathways.
- Clear Education Benchmarking: Facilitates the alignment of your foreign education with the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF), thereby simplifying the process of satisfying immigration or employment requirements.
- Faster Immigration Processing: Immigration officers depend on IQA reports to make informed judgments on visa applications at a faster pace.
- Visa Processing Without Surprises: Prevents delays or rejections by verifying your qualification level prior to submitting a visa application.
- Document of Wide Acceptance: Recognized by Immigration New Zealand, as well as by New Zealand employers, recruiters, and institutions.
Why is IQA Important for New Zealand Visa Applications?
The IQA is employed by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to evaluate whether you are eligible for various visa categories based on your qualifications. Although certain degrees from specific countries are exempt, the majority of international qualifications must be verified by NZQA.
Additional Justifications for Utilizing an IQA:
- To demonstrate that your qualifications align with the job requirements outlined in the Green List.
- To accumulate points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
- In order to qualify for registration with professional organizations (e.g., Engineering NZ, Nursing Council).
- In order to satisfy the requirements of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Which Visas in New Zealand Require IQA?
Visa types and the necessity of IQA are delineated below:
| Visa Type | Is IQA Required? |
|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) | Yes – Unless your qualification is on the exempt list. |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Sometimes – Only if your occupation demands a recognized degree from NZQA. |
| Green List Work to Residence Visa | Yes – Required if the role lists specific degree-level qualifications. |
| Residence from Work Visa | Yes – Especially for roles requiring proof of tertiary education. |
| Long-Term Skill Shortage List Work Visa | Yes – Qualification evidence may be mandatory unless waived. |
| Student Visa | Not usually – IQA not needed unless specified by the institution. |
| Visitor or Working Holiday Visas | No – Not required. |
Who Doesn’t Need an IQA?
Under INZ’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), certain degrees are exempt from IQA. These consist of specific qualifications from universities that are recognized in countries such as:
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Singapore
- Ireland
- South Africa.
How to Check If You Need an IQA in 2025?
Adhere to these procedures:
- Verify the LQEA List: Visit INZ’s LQEA to determine whether your university and qualification are automatically recognized.
- Utilize the Free Pre-assessment Result (PAR) Tool provided by NZQA: This instrument assists you in determining whether your qualifications are likely to be acknowledged. Please visit: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz.
- Refer to the Green List or Visa Guidelines: Each position on the Green List or SMC pathway has its own set of qualifications. Align them with your academic profile.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Do I need iqa for New Zealand?
Currently, the NZQA is required to submit an IQA report for the majority of overseas qualifications and credentials. The New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) was set up by the NZQA in 2020, superseding the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF). Both terms are employed by Immigration New Zealand.
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How long does it take to get iqa in New Zealand?
The outcomes of the assessment are typically received within six weeks (30 working days) of the application date.
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Is a New Zealand visa easy for Pakistanis?
Yes, it is straightforward to obtain a New Zealand visa for Pakistani citizens. However, it is crucial to ensure that the visa application process is done accurately and that the correct visa is selected for your travels.
