New Zealand Immigration Unveils Changes to Overseas Qualification Assessments
Ava Sanchez
Turning Immigration Challenges into Future Kiwis' Success Stories | Licensed Immigration Adviser for Professional Families|Immigration Planning |
In a predicted move that will impact skilled migrants aiming for New Zealand, Immigration New Zealand has outlined modifications to its List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
INZ has confirmed that these changes are primarily aimed at harmonizing the qualifications list with the revamped points system for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) resident visa.
The LQEA, a crucial reference for potential migrants seeking residence in New Zealand, highlights foreign degrees and credentials equivalent to those in the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF).
It has been confirmed that this review will undergo a phased implementation.
The first wave of modifications is slated for 29 September 2023, a strategic move aligned with the opening of the Green List and Sector Work to Residence (WTR) categories.
By the time the curtains rise on the new SMC on 9 October 2023, the initial changes to the LQEA will be operational.
At this point or first phase, the spotlight will be on qualifications from:
Furthermore, this updated LQEA will serve as a benchmark for:
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Deep Dive: For those new to the immigration process, some Future Kiwis have to go through yet another process of proving that their foreign qualifications are on par with New Zealand standards.
This is facilitated via the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) overseen by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).
However, if one's qualification finds a mention in the LQEA, this hurdle is bypassed, offering a smoother path to visa application.
Looking Ahead with LQEA: As the SMC evolves, so does the point system.
With degrees at the Bachelor’s level or higher, candidates can pocket between 3 to 6 points, the exact number depending on their qualification's nature and its NZQF level.
The LQEA's imminent makeover will witness the introduction of new qualification categories, the axing of obsolete ones ( which gives no points under SM6), and the integration of thoroughly vetted, globally recognized qualifications.
While the first phase concludes by 9 October 2023, subsequent phases promise the inclusion of more global qualifications.
In essence, Future Kiwis not spotting their qualifications in the rejuvenated LQEA must be ready with an IQA when submitting their visa application.
Stay with VisaPlex for more exclusive updates on this evolving landscape.
Ava Sanchez Neal
Licensed Immigration Adviser
IAA 200900809
Health Research Ethics Administrator
1 年Hi Ava, Has the LQEA been ratified yet?
Accounts Payable │ Assistant Accountant│ Accounts Clerk │Office Manager
1 年HI Ava Where can we get a list of the LQEA. Even the current one, if not updated yet?