Check whether you need a qualification assessment (IQA)

Why it matters

• Immigration New Zealand says you may need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) to show your qualifications can be used in New Zealand.
• NZQA says the main reason people get an IQA is to meet immigration requirements.

Steps

1. Open NZQA's page on applying for an IQA, confirm which type you need, and create an account in its portal when you're ready.
2. If you're applying for a Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa: use the tool on Immigration New Zealand's page to check whether your qualification is on its exemption list.
3. Check that NZQA can assess your qualification. It must be a completed tertiary or vocational qualification of at least 400 notional learning hours, from a nationally recognised and accredited provider.
4. If you have an evaluation from another country, ask the person or organisation you're applying to whether they accept it. NZQA can't.
5. Arrange the verification of your documents before you apply.
6. Submit your application only when you have every required document.
7. Track your application in the NZQA portal and answer any request quickly. NZQA may cancel your application if you don't reply within 15 days of being contacted.

Documents you'll need

• The photo and personal information page of your passport
• Your post-secondary award certificates and the transcripts for each year of study, as full colour scans
• An English translation from a recognised official translation service for any document not in English
• If your names differ across documents: evidence of the change, such as a marriage certificate, deed poll or affidavit

Common mistakes

• Applying before your documents can be verified. NZQA treats this as an incomplete application.
• Sending black and white copies. NZQA says it can't accept them.
• Sending work experience letters. NZQA says not to include them with an IQA application.
• Applying with a qualification you haven't finished. NZQA can't evaluate incomplete programmes.

Watch out for

• Immigration New Zealand says it may still ask for an IQA even if your qualification is on the exemption list.
• NZQA doesn't assess work experience or competence. That's for the registration or licensing body, or the employer.
• NZQA says the average wait for an IQA is 10 weeks, and that it completes most applications within 3 weeks (15 business days) once they're complete.
• NZQA charges an extra NZ$275 if you completed your qualification before 1998, and there's no refund if you cancel. An appeal costs NZ$765 and must be made within 20 working days of your outcome statement.

Cost

• A Standard IQA costs NZ$445 for one qualification.

When to get advice

• NZQA suggests asking the person or organisation you're applying to whether they accept an evaluation from another country before you apply.

Sources