Get your international qualifications recognised for Immigration purposes

The New Zealand Government Residence Policy requires immigrants under the Skilled Migrant Category to have qualifications assessed as part of their application. If you require more information regarding the Skilled Migrant Category, please visit the Immigration New Zealand website.

You may not need your qualification(s) assessed

The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (formerly known as the List of Recognised Qualifications) was revised with effect from 25 May 2009.

If your qualification is on this list you may not need to get an NZQA qualification assessment for immigration purposes. In addition to the qualifications that were on the List of Recognised Qualifications the list contains some new countries and revised details for some existing countries.

Summary of changes:

Additional vocational, skilled-worker or trade qualifications from Germany, Republic of South Africa, and the United Kingdom.
Additional academic qualifications (e.g. degrees) from Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Netherlands, Philippines, Poland, Republic of South Africa, Sweden, United Kingdom, United States.

Marine and aviation qualifications from several nations, and social worker qualifications from the United Kingdom, have been removed from the list. This means that you do need these qualification(s) assessed.

These lists are for immigration purposes only. The inclusion of a qualification on this list does not have bearing on the status of the qualification for professional registration, further study, salary or employment purposes.

All teaching qualifications and degrees in Education will need to be assessed by NZQA for teacher registration and salary purposes, should an applicant wish to enter the teaching profession within New Zealand

So: do you need your qualifications assessed?
No go to Immigration NZ		Yes continue with NZQA
	Not Sure go to Immigration NZ

Immigration Advisors (or agents)

If you are either: using an Advisor when applying, or acting as an Advisor to applicants, you need to be aware of the Immigration Advisors Licencing Act 2007.

We are happy to accept applications from agents PROVIDED:

the agent is registered under the IA Act; OR
the agent conclusively demonstrates that s/he is exempt from licensing under the IA Act; OR
the agent conclusively demonstrates that the application is NOT for immigration purposes.

Pre-assessment of Qualifications

If you require a Pre-Assessment Report for the purpose of an 'Expression of Interest' under Immigration New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category you may apply for one.

Full Assessment of Qualifications

If you require a full International Qualification Assessment for an application for immgration under Immigration New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category you will need to apply for a full assessment.

If you require more information regarding the Skilled Migrant Category, please visit the Immigration New Zealand website.

Page updated: 14 July 2009