Planning to work, study, or immigrate to New Zealand with a qualification from abroad? You may need to prove that your education meets Kiwi standards. That’s where the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) comes in — a crucial step for many visa categories under Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
In this article, we’ll explain what IQA is, why it’s important, which visas require it, and how you can apply or check your qualifications using the NZQA system.
What is the International Qualification Assessment (IQA)?
The International Qualification Assessment (IQA) is an official document issued by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). It evaluates overseas qualifications and benchmarks them against New Zealand’s Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF).
What It Does:
- Determines if your qualification is recognized in New Zealand.
- States the NZQCF level equivalent (e.g., Level 7 = Bachelor’s).
- Confirms if your qualification meets immigration, employment, or registration requirements.
- Supports your visa or job application with verified academic evidence.
This is especially important when applying for work visas or residency pathways that require certain education levels or field-specific certifications.
Why is IQA Important for New Zealand Visa Applications?
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) uses the IQA to assess if you meet qualification-based eligibility for different types of visas. While some degrees from specific countries are exempt, most international qualifications must be verified by NZQA.
New Reasons You May Need an IQA:
- To prove your qualification meets Green List job standards.
- To gain points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
- To be eligible for registration with professional bodies (e.g., Engineering NZ, Nursing Council).
- To fulfill Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) requirements.
Which Visas in New Zealand Require IQA?
Here’s a breakdown of visa types and whether IQA is required:
| 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?
Some degrees are exempt from IQA under INZ’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). These include certain qualifications from recognized universities in countries like:
- United Kingdom
- USA
- Australia
- Canada
- Singapore
- Ireland
- South Africa.
How to Check If You Need an IQA in 2025?
Follow these steps:
1# Check the LQEA List: Visit INZ’s LQEA to see if your university and qualification are listed as automatically recognized.
2# Use NZQA’s Free Pre-assessment Result (PAR) Tool: This tool helps you estimate whether your qualification might be recognized. Visit: https://www.nzqa.govt.nz.
3# Consult the Green List or Visa Guidelines: Each job on the Green List or SMC pathway has its own required qualifications. Match them with your academic profile.
