With a foreign degree, are you planning to work, study, or immigrate to New Zealand? You might have to demonstrate that your schooling satisfies Kiwi requirements. For various visa categories under Immigration New Zealand (INZ), the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is a critical stage.
In this post, we’ll go over what IQA is, why it matters, which visas need it, and how to use the NZQA portal to apply or verify your eligibility.
Check Also: Latest NZ Specific Work Visa Policy Update – Immigration Changes
What is the International Qualification Assessment (IQA)?
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) is the official body that issues the International Qualification Assessment (IQA). It assesses foreign credentials and compares them to the Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) of New Zealand.
What It Does:
- determines whether New Zealand will accept your qualification.
- Indicates the comparable NZQCF level (Level 7 = Bachelor’s, for example).
- Verifies whether your qualifications satisfy the standards for employment, immigration, or registration.
- cites scholarly research to back up your job or visa application.
This is particularly crucial when applying for residency paths or work visas that call for particular certifications or educational degrees.
Why is IQA Important for New Zealand Visa Applications?
The IQA is used by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) to determine whether you are eligible for various visa categories based on your qualifications. Although certain degrees from particular nations are exempt, NZQA must verify the majority of foreign degrees.
New Reasons You May Need an IQA:
- to demonstrate that your qualifications match the requirements of the Green List job.
- to accrue points in the SMC (Skilled Migrant Category).
- to qualify for professional body registration (e.g., Nursing Council, Engineering NZ).
- to satisfy the requirements of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).
Benefits of Prepare Your IQA for New Zealand Visa Application:
- Assures Academic Credibility: An application’s credibility is increased when your overseas qualifications are validated against New Zealand standards through proper IQA preparation.
- Minimizes Application Delays: A thorough IQA helps prevent typical documentation errors, which greatly shortens the time needed to complete a visa.
- Increases Approval Chances: Fulfilling the IQA requirements shows that your qualifications are equivalent, which raises the possibility that your visa will be approved.
- Clarifies Qualification Levels: IQA preparation removes any ambiguity by clearly defining how your credentials fit into New Zealand’s qualification structure.
- Prevents Expensive Reapplications: The likelihood of visa denials and expensive reapplications is reduced when your IQA is completed correctly the first time.
- Supports Work Visa Applications: IQA makes sure your credentials match employer and industry requirements, which is essential for obtaining skilled work visas.
- Improves Eligibility for Professional Registration: IQA makes professional admission easier because it is required for many professions’ licensure or registration.
- Official Recognition: IQA gives New Zealand authorities official acknowledgement of your academic accomplishments, which is essential for both job and educational purposes.
- Boosts Your Profile’s Confidence: Having a valid IQA gives you the assurance to show immigration officers your qualifications in an understandable and expert manner.
- Assists in Handling Complicated Immigration Regulations: Understanding the immigration criteria associated with academic qualifications is made easier by carefully preparing your IQA.
- Facilitates Study Visa Applications: IQA helps students get accepted into courses and obtain a visa by validating their prior education.
- Facilitates Accurate Skill Assessment: In accordance with New Zealand standards, IQA helps companies and immigration agencies conduct accurate skill assessments.
- Facilitates Residency Pathways: Accurate IQA is frequently required for skilled migrant visas, which aids in obtaining possibilities for permanent residency.
- Lowers the Chance of Document Rejection: Thorough IQA preparation guarantees that all documents satisfy the stringent requirements of New Zealand Immigration, lowering the likelihood of rejection.
- Enhances Overall Visa Profile: Including a well-written IQA makes your application for a visa stronger, more thorough, and more convincing to the people who will be making the decision.
Which Visas in New Zealand Require IQA?
A summary of visa categories and if IQA is necessary is provided below:
| Visa Type | Is IQA Required? |
|---|---|
| Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) | Yes – Unless your qualification is exempt. |
| Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) | Sometimes – Only if your occupation requires 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?
According to INZ’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), certain degrees are exempt from IQA. These consist of specific credentials from accredited universities in nations such as:
- Britain
- USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Singapore
- Ireland
- South Africa.
How to Check If You Need an IQA in 2025?
Follow these steps:
- 1# Verify the LQEA List: Check if your university and degree are listed as automatically recognized by going to INZ’s LQEA.
- 2# Utilize the Pre-assessment Result (PAR) Tool, which is free from NZQA: This tool assists you in determining the likelihood that your qualifications will be accepted. It can be found at https://www.nzqa.govt.nz..
- 3# Refer to the Green List or Visa Guidelines: The requirements needed for each position on the SMC pathway or Green List are unique. Make sure they align with your academic background.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is an IQA in the context of New Zealand visa applications?
An International Qualifications Assessment (IQA) is the official evaluation of your overseas educational credentials to determine their New Zealand equivalency, required by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) for many skilled visa applications.
Why do I need an IQA for my New Zealand visa?
An IQA confirms that your foreign qualifications meet New Zealand standards and are relevant to your nominated occupation. It helps immigration officers verify your eligibility for skilled migration or work visas.
Who provides IQA services for New Zealand visa applications?
The main approved organization for IQA in New Zealand is the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). For most visa categories, the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) issues your IQA.
