The International Qualification Assessment (IQA) requirement for the majority of Indian university degree holders has been officially waived by New Zealand in a significant effort to simplify the immigration and education processes. This policy change, which will take effect on June 23, 2025, will be advantageous to thousands of Indian students and professionals who are pursuing New Zealand student visas and work permits.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has updated its “List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment” (LQEA) to include India and eight other countries, which has resulted in the change. This implies that the majority of internationally recognized university qualifications from India are no longer required to undergo a separate evaluation, a procedure that was not only time-consuming but also imposed an additional financial burden on applicants.
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What Does This Mean for Indian Applicants?
- Faster Visa Processing: The application turnaround periods for student visas, Skilled Migrant Category (SMC), Green List occupations, and Accredited Employer Work Visas will be reduced.
- Cost Savings: By forgoing the IQA, applicants may save hundreds of dollars in processing fees.
- Simplified Procedure: Students and skilled workers can now concentrate on other aspects of the visa process without concern for delays in credential evaluation.
This update is indicative of New Zealand’s increasing endeavors to attract skilled talent and international students from India, and it is consistent with the country’s longer-term immigration objectives for 2025 and beyond.
What the Update Covers:
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has expanded its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) to include a number of countries to streamline the student and migrant visa process. This implies that applicants from these countries who possess university degrees that are recognized will no longer be required to participate in the time-consuming and expensive qualification benchmarking process conducted by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
New LQEA Countries Include:
- India
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
Applicants from these countries can now proceed directly to visa processing, which will substantially reduce the costs and delays associated with their applications. This revision represents a substantial advance in the direction of increasing the accessibility of New Zealand to international students and professional migrants.
Furthermore, INZ will revise and elucidate the extant exemptions for countries that are already on the LQEA, including:
- Australia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- South Africa
- United Kingdom
- United States
The purpose of this revision is to ensure that the visa processing framework is consistent and transparent across all specified countries by establishing uniform standards. We anticipate that these modifications will enhance New Zealand’s appeal as a destination for skilled talent and high-quality education.
Why IQA Matters?
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) administers the International Qualifications Assessment (IQA), a formal evaluation. It assists immigration and educational authorities in determining the equivalency of your qualifications by mapping a foreign credential to New Zealand’s education framework.
Ensure that your degree certificate is issued by a recognized institution that is listed on the NZQA database to determine whether your degree is eligible. Before submitting an application for work, study, or a visa in New Zealand, it is imperative to confirm that your qualifications satisfy the necessary standards.
A Broader Play for Indian Talent:
Recently, India has become one of New Zealand’s top four student markets, with more than 22,000 Indian enrollments. New Zealand is broadening its appeal to Indian students by offering a combination of educational and immigration incentives, as evidenced by the most recent revisions to the LQEA (List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment).
Key Advantages for Indian Students:
- New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025: A funding allocation of NZ $260,000 has been allocated, providing grants of up to NZ $20,000 per student for bachelor’s and master’s programs.
- Extended Post-Study Work Rights: International graduates have the opportunity to enhance their global work experience and employment prospects by remaining and working in New Zealand for a maximum of three years.
- Clear Migration Pathway & Competitive Visa Fees: Under the revised visa policies, the application procedure is now more efficient and cost-effective, with more efficient pathways to permanent residency.
These policy improvements, according to industry experts, have the potential to render New Zealand a more appealing alternative to countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, particularly for STEM and business graduates who are seeking long-term settlement.
No Degree Assessment for Indian Qualifications:
New Zealand has eliminated the necessity for qualification assessments for specific Indian degrees that are designated under the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) as part of the 2025 updates. This implies that the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) will no longer require eligible Indian students and skilled professionals to undergo a separate evaluation when applying for visas or employment opportunities.
The relocation streamlines the application process, minimizes expenses, and substantially reduces processing times. It provides a distinct advantage for Indian applicants, particularly those in STEM and business disciplines, rendering New Zealand a more accessible and appealing destination for long-term settlement and higher education.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the basic requirements for a New Zealand student visa?
Indian students need an offer of place from a New Zealand institution, proof of funds, a valid passport, medical insurance, and evidence of English language proficiency like IELTS or PTE.
How long does it take to process a New Zealand student visa?
Processing time usually ranges from 4 to 6 weeks. However, it may vary depending on application accuracy, document completeness, and seasonal demand at the immigration office.
Can Indian students work while studying in New Zealand?
Yes, student visa holders can work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during scheduled holidays, depending on their course and institution’s approval.