Qualification Checks for Green List PR

Immigration New Zealand requires every Green List PR applicant to meet the exact qualification rules listed for their occupation.

Your degree or certification must match what is stated in the Green List. In many cases, you may need an NZQA International Qualification Assessment (IQA) to prove your overseas qualification is equivalent to the required New Zealand level.

Most international qualifications need an IQA unless they appear on the exemption list or fall under globally recognised accords, like the Washington Accord or Sydney Accord for engineering degrees.

How INZ checks Green List qualification requirements

Immigration New Zealand assesses your qualifications by comparing them directly against the specific qualification requirements listed for your Green List occupation.

Every occupation on the Green List has a defined standard, such as a minimum degree level, a specific major, or a qualification equivalent to a New Zealand level. INZ uses this check to confirm you meet the skill criteria for your PR pathway.

If your qualification does not match what is required, your Green List PR application cannot proceed.

1. Matching your qualification to the Green List requirements

The first check is simply: Does your qualification meet what the occupation requires?
Examples include:

• A bachelor’s degree (NZ Level 7) or higher

• A qualification equivalent to a specified NZ level

• A qualification tied to mandatory professional registration

If the Green List says your role requires “a qualification comparable to NZ Level 7,” your degree must meet that benchmark either directly or via NZQA IQA assessment.

2. Checking if your qualification is NZ‑equivalent

If your qualification was completed outside New Zealand, INZ may require proof that it is “equivalent to” or “comparable with” an NZ qualification.
Most overseas qualifications need an IQA (International Qualification Assessment) from NZQA to verify this.

The IQA compares your qualification to the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) and provides an official “equivalent NZ level.”

3. Confirming registration‑linked qualification requirements

Some Green List jobs require New Zealand professional registration (e.g., engineering, teaching, healthcare). In these cases, INZ will look at your registration outcome, because registration boards already verify qualifications.

This means your NZ registration may satisfy the qualification requirement without needing an IQA depending on the occupation and registration process.

However, INZ warns that even if you appear exempt, they can still ask for an IQA if they need more detail about your qualification’s content, depth, or comparability.

When you need an NZQA IQA (International Qualification Assessment)

Immigration New Zealand requires many Green List PR applicants to complete an IQA (International Qualification Assessment) to prove their overseas qualification is equivalent to a New Zealand qualification. An IQA is carried out by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) and is often mandatory when your qualification is not on the exemption list and not automatically recognised under global engineering accords.

INZ uses the IQA to confirm the NZQCF (New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework) level of your qualification and whether it meets the Green List occupation requirement. Here is when an IQA becomes necessary:

1. If your qualification was earned outside New Zealand and is NOT on the exemption list

Most international qualifications must undergo an IQA unless they are specifically listed as exempt.
INZ states that an IQA is required when the visa instructions say your qualification must be “equivalent to” or “comparable with” an NZ qualification.

If you hold an overseas qualification not on the exemption list, you should expect to complete an IQA as part of your PR application.

2. If your Green List occupation requires a qualification match

Many skilled Green List roles require:

• An NZ Level 7 bachelor’s degree (or higher), or

• A qualification that matches a specific NZ level

If INZ cannot confirm this automatically, you must provide an IQA showing the NZ‑equivalent level.

3. If your qualification isn't covered by the Washington Accord or the Sydney Accord (Engineering)

Engineering degrees accredited under:

• Washington Accord, or

• Sydney Accord,

do not require an IQA if the qualification was obtained in a signatory country at the time you studied. Otherwise, you need an IQA.

4. If INZ is not satisfied with your qualification, even if it appears exempt

INZ clearly states:

“Even if your qualification is on the list of exemptions, Immigration New Zealand may still ask you to get an IQA when they process your application.”

Reasons INZ may still require IQA:

• They need proof of course content

• They need to verify credits or knowledge

• Registration alone was not sufficient

• Your documents lack clarity

• Name or qualification inconsistencies

5. If your occupation requires registration AND evaluation of qualification content

Some roles (e.g., teachers) require a Teaching IQA, which is specifically designed for registration purposes.
NZQA confirms that different IQA types exist depending on purpose:

• Green List / Skill Shortage IQA

• Standard IQA

• Teaching IQA

If your registration body needs IQA proof -> you must complete it even if INZ wouldn't normally require it.

You need an IQA when:

• Your overseas qualification is not on the exemption list

• Your occupation requires a qualification “equivalent to” a specific NZ level

• You work in engineering but do not hold a Washington/Sydney Accord qualification

• The registration board requires IQA as part of its process

• INZ wants additional evidence about your qualification

Who is exempt from IQA  

Immigration New Zealand does not require an IQA (International Qualification Assessment) for every applicant. Some qualifications are already recognised as equivalent to New Zealand standards, and many applicants fall under official exemption categories. These exemptions are based on INZ’s List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), global engineering accords, and NZQA’s own evaluation rules. Below are the main exemption types that apply to Green List PR applicants.

1. Qualifications on the LQEA (List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment)

INZ maintains an official list of overseas qualifications that do not need an IQA because they are already verified as comparable to NZ qualifications.
The LQEA was recently expanded to include qualifications from several new countries. As of the latest update (June 2025), newly added exemption countries include:

• France

• Germany

• India

• Italy

• Singapore

• South Korea

• Sri Lanka

• Sweden

• Switzerland.

Existing exemption lists were also refined for qualifications from:

• Australia

• Japan

• Malaysia

• South Africa

• United Kingdom

• United States

If your qualification appears on this list, you do not need an IQA unless INZ asks for it due to special circumstances.

2. Engineering degrees accredited under Washington or Sydney Accord

If you have an engineering qualification accredited under:

• The Washington Accord (professional engineering degrees), or

• The Sydney Accord (engineering technology degrees),

You are automatically exempt from IQA  provided that:

• Your qualification was awarded in a signatory country, and

• That country was a signatory at the time you completed your degree.

These degrees are already recognised as meeting equivalent international engineering standards.

3. Qualifications verified through NZ registration authorities

Some occupations require NZ professional registration (e.g., teaching, engineering, healthcare).
If your registration process already evaluates and recognises your qualification, INZ may not require a separate IQA. Examples:

• Teaching Council registration (requires Teaching IQA or equivalent path)

• Engineering New Zealand recognising accredited degrees

• Nursing and health boards that verify qualifications directly

However, INZ notes they may still request IQA if more detail is needed.

4. Qualifications automatically recognised under NZQA rules

NZQA confirms that not all overseas qualifications need an IQA for visa purposes.
You may be exempt if your qualification is:

• Explicitly recognised on the NZQA exemption list, or

• Covered by a formal international recognition arrangement.

This saves time and avoids additional evaluation fees.

5. Important note: INZ can still ask for IQA even if you’re exempted

INZ clearly warns applicants that an exemption does not guarantee you won’t need IQA.

They may still request an IQA if:

• They need proof of course content or credits,

• Your qualification name is unclear,

• Your documents are inconsistent,

• The occupation requires deeper knowledge and evidence.

This happens frequently for complex cases or borderline qualification profiles.

Types of IQA assessments 

NZQA offers different IQA (International Qualification Assessment) types depending on your purpose. For Green List PR, choosing the correct IQA type is important because Immigration New Zealand checks whether your qualification aligns with the skilled occupation requirements listed for your visa pathway. Each IQA type serves a different need, and using the wrong one may delay your visa.

1. Green List/Skill shortage IQA

This type of IQA is designed specifically for Green List occupations. It confirms:

• That your overseas qualification meets the exact qualification requirement for the Green List role

• Whether your qualification is equivalent to the NZQCF level required for the occupation

NZQA explicitly notes “skill shortage list IQA for Green List jobs,” which is the correct type for most Green List PR applicants.

This IQA type is used when:

• Your Green List role has a mandatory qualification requirement

• Your qualification is not on the exemption list

• Your qualification is not covered under international accords (e.g., Washington Accord)

2. Standard IQA

A Standard IQA compares your overseas qualification to the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) without referencing a specific occupation.

You would need a Standard IQA when:

• Your Green List occupation does not require a specialised IQA

• You need to prove qualification level, not content

• INZ wants verification even though your qualification appears exempt

• Your registration board already assessed your qualification, but INZ still needs confirmation

INZ may request a Standard IQA if your documentation is unclear or inconsistent.

3. Teaching IQA (for teacher registration)

Applicants applying for teaching roles must obtain a Teaching IQA, which is specifically tailored for teacher registration and salary assessments. NZQA lists the Teaching IQA as an official assessment type.

You need a Teaching IQA when:

• You are applying for Teaching Council of New Zealand registration

• Your overseas teaching qualification needs NZQA confirmation

• You are in an education‑based Green List occupation

This IQA assesses the qualification content, relevance, and comparability to NZ teacher training standards.

Important notes

• You must choose the correct IQA type based on your occupation.

• If unsure, NZQA advises applicants to confirm the correct IQA type before submitting, especially if more than one qualification needs evaluation.

• INZ may request an IQA even if your qualification appears exempt, depending on how your occupation requirements are structured.

Documents required for an IQA application

When you apply for an IQA (International Qualification Assessment), NZQA requires very specific documents. Missing or unclear evidence is one of the main reasons IQA processing is delayed, so it’s important to prepare everything correctly before submitting your application. These requirements apply to all IQA types, including Skill Shortage IQA, Standard IQA, and Teaching IQA.

1. Academic certificates (degree certificates)

You must upload certified copies of your official qualification certificates.
These must clearly show:

• Your full name

• Qualification title

• Institution name

• Date of award

NZQA requires all certificates to be properly verified and may reject unclear or uncertified documents.

2. Academic transcripts (mark sheets/records of learning)

A transcript is mandatory and must include:

• Subjects completed

• Grades or marks

• Duration of study

• Total credits or learning hours

Transcripts allow NZQA to evaluate course content, study depth, and learning outcomes, which are essential for determining the NZ‑equivalent qualification level.

3. Valid passport or identity document

NZQA requires a current passport copy (or other accepted ID) to verify your identity.
This must match the name on your academic documents or be supported by official name change evidence.

4. Course information (if requested)

Certain qualifications especially those from lesser‑known institutions may require:

• Course outlines

• Syllabi

• Curriculum details

• Programme structure

NZQA uses this information to understand learning outcomes and compare them with NZ qualification standards. This is required more often when qualifications fall outside the exemption list or were completed many years ago.

5. Document verification proof

NZQA requires documents to be:

• Certified

• Legally verified

• Uploaded in acceptable formats

You must follow NZQA’s verification rules, especially for academic documents. Incorrect verification is one of the biggest causes of IQA delays.

6. Proof of payment

You must include a payment confirmation for the IQA fee.
NZQA requires payment at submission; applications cannot be processed without it.

7. Additional documents (case‑by‑case)

If required, NZQA may request:

• Name change certificates

• Additional course evidence

• Confirmation from your institution

• Clarification of study mode (full‑time/part‑time)

Delays occur when applicants cannot provide supporting documentation quickly.

Complete document checklist

IQA processing time & what to expect

The time it takes NZQA to complete an IQA (International Qualification Assessment) depends on how complete your documents are and the workload at NZQA. Based on the latest official updates, IQA processing times follow a clear pattern with faster processing only when the applicant submits all required documents without gaps or errors.

1. Average IQA processing time: Around 10 weeks

NZQA confirms that the average wait time for IQA applications is 10 weeks. This timeframe does not include weekends or public holidays, and it may increase during periods of high demand.

Note* This estimate is for standard applications where qualifications need full evaluation.

2. 90% of completed applications finish within 15 working days

Once NZQA verifies that your application is complete with all required documents, they typically finish 90% of assessments within 3 weeks (15 business days).

This means:

• If all documents are correct -> very fast

• If documents are missing or unclear -> delays happen before processing even begins

3. Delays happen when documents are missing or hard to verify

NZQA clearly states that applications face delays when:

• Documents are incomplete

• Certificates or transcripts lack proper verification

• Course information is missing when required

• The institution needs extra time to confirm authenticity

Incomplete submissions are the main reason IQA timelines stretch far beyond the average.

4. Verification issues also slow down processing

NZQA may need to contact educational institutions abroad to:

• Confirm your degree

• Verify transcripts

• Validate official seals or stamps

Any problem in contacting your institution or confirming authenticity leads to extended wait times.

5. IQA timelines depend on qualification complexity

Processing takes longer when your qualification involves:

• Multiple levels of study

• Older qualifications

• Institutions not widely recognised

• Non‑English documentation

• Programs without clear course outlines

NZQA highlights that qualification structure, mode of delivery, and academic system all influence timing.

What you should expect

Common qualification mistakes that lead to PR delays

Qualification issues are one of the most common reasons Green List residence applications are delayed or declined. Immigration New Zealand uses strict rules to check that your qualification meets the exact requirements for your occupation.

When documents do not match, are not properly assessed, or do not meet New Zealand standards, INZ may not be able to complete your assessment. This can cause delays or stop your application from progressing.

1. Submitting a qualification that does not match the Green List requirement

Each Green List occupation has a specific qualification requirement.

Delays happen when:

• Your degree major does not match the required field

• Your qualification level is too low

• Your course content does not align with NZ standards

INZ compares your qualification directly with the occupation requirement. If the match is unclear, they may request more evidence or pause your application.

2. Not getting an IQA when it is required

Many applicants assume their qualification is enough, but INZ requires an IQA in certain cases.

You may need an IQA if:

• Your qualification is not on the exemption list

• Your qualification must be proven equivalent to an NZ level

• Your occupation has a defined qualification requirement

Without the correct IQA, INZ may not be able to confirm your eligibility.

3. Submitting the wrong type of IQA

NZQA offers different types of IQA, including:

• Green List / Skill Shortage IQA

• Standard IQA

• Teaching IQA

Using the wrong type can delay your application because INZ or registration bodies may not accept the result. It is important to confirm the correct IQA before applying.

4. Assuming exemption means INZ will not ask for an IQA

Even if your qualification is on the exemption list or covered by a global agreement, INZ may still request an IQA.

This can happen when:

• Course content needs to be verified

• Credits or learning outcomes need confirmation

• Registration does not fully confirm the qualification

Exemption does not guarantee that an IQA will not be required.

5. Incomplete or poor-quality qualification documents

NZQA and INZ may reject documents that are:

• Blurry

• Missing pages

• Not certified

• Missing transcripts

• Missing identity or matching evidence

Incomplete documents are one of the main reasons IQA applications are delayed.

6. Missing course information when requested

Some qualifications require additional details such as:

• Course outlines

• Curriculum

• Subject descriptions

If these are not provided, NZQA may not be able to confirm your qualification level, which can lead to delays or refusal.

7. Not following NZQA verification requirements

NZQA requires proper verification for:

• Transcripts

• Certificates

• Identity documents

If documents are not verified correctly, your IQA may not proceed and can remain pending for weeks.

8. Expecting professional registration to replace IQA when it does not

Some Green List roles require New Zealand registration, but this does not always confirm your qualification.

INZ may still request an IQA if:

• The registration body did not assess qualification level in detail

• Additional qualification evidence is needed for your residence application

1. Do I need an IQA for my qualification?

You need an IQA if your overseas qualification must be proven “equivalent to” or “comparable with” a New Zealand qualification and is not on the exemption list. Most international qualifications require IQA.

2. Who does NOT need an IQA?

You are exempt if:

• Your qualification is on INZ’s LQEA exemption list (which now includes added countries such as France, Germany, India, Singapore, Sweden, Switzerland, etc.).

• You hold a Washington Accord or Sydney Accord accredited engineering degree.

3. Can INZ still ask for an IQA even if I'm exempt?

Yes. INZ may still request an IQA if they require proof of course content, credits, knowledge, or if your documents are unclear. Exemption does not guarantee IQA will not be required.

4. What documents do I need for an IQA?

You must submit degree certificates, transcripts, passport/ID, and sometimes course outlines. NZQA requires verified, complete documents before they begin evaluating.

5. How long does IQA processing take?

Average IQA processing takes around 10 weeks. Once all documents are complete, 90% of assessments finish within 15 working days. Incomplete applications cause delays.