New Zealand Now Recognizes Indian Qualifications for Migration & Visa

New Zealand is now considering Indian Qualifications for visas and migration, indicating an IQA requirement from June 23. This move speeds up visa processing, reduces costs, and boosts job prospects for Indian graduates in NZ, driving New Zealand towards a potential top destination for skilled migration.

Starting June 23, New Zealand is keeping India along with eight other countries, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland on its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). This will give certain qualifications from these countries exempt from an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) for visa and immigration categories.

What’s the IQA?

IQA is a process administered by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to demonstrate if foreign degrees are compatible with New Zealand's education requirements. Previously, nations exempted have been the Anglosphere countries (the UK, the US, and Australia).

India is the first ever South Asian country to be included in the LQEA. This is a testament that is important for the policy confidence in India’s higher education reforms and the quality of universities.

If you hold a renowned Indian degree (from an NZQA-listed institution), you no longer have to pay NZD 746 or wait 8-12 weeks for IQA processing. The IQA queue was the leading reason for delayed visas for Indian skilled workers in 2023-24, even more than English language deficiencies.

Also Read: New Zealand’s New Initiative Strengthens Indian Students Study Abroad Prospects

Key Benefits for Indian Students & Professionals

Acknowledging Indian 3-Year Degrees

Previously considered "substandard" by some Western nations, Indian 3-year bachelor’s degrees (BSc, BCom, etc.) are now exempt from further assessment in New Zealand if obtained from recognized universities.

Easier Employment for Indian Graduates

Employees in New Zealand now don’t have to verify credentials through additional checks , making Indian graduates more appealing in sectors like:

• IT
• Finance
• Engineering
• Healthcare

Removal of IQA Hindrance

• Certain NZ recruiters had previously rejected candidates without an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).
• The new policy removes this hindrance, streamlining hiring for Indian degree holders.

Why Did New Zealand Make This Change?

• Aim of Diversification: Immigration & education ministries are diligently growing skilled migrant pools and increasing international student numbers. Geopolitical shifts (tightening policies in Australia & Canada) are making NZ an appealing destination for Indian students.

• LQEA (List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment) – 3-Phase Launch: Launched in 2023, the LQEA focuses on simplified recognition of foreign degrees. Phase 3 (2026): Will include over 25 countries, with India now added.

Also Read: New Zealand Now Accepts IELTS One Skill Retake for Immigration!

With faster visa processing, lower costs, and strong career routes, NZ is emerging as a premium study-abroad choice since there's no need for expensive credential assessments (IQA), reduced external hurdles for visas & employment and high employment in IT, finance, engineering, and healthcare.