In a move to enhance the efficiency of visa application processes, significant updates are set to be implemented in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA), effective from March 25th, 2024. This update aims to expand the scope of recognized qualifications and streamline visa pathways for individuals holding overseas qualifications.
What is LQEA?
The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) is a vital component of New Zealand’s visa application process. It serves as a public resource that outlines qualifications from certain countries that are exempt from assessment requirements when applying for visas. The LQEA lists qualifications deemed equivalent to specific levels within the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework. Applicants can refer to the LQEA to determine whether their qualifications are exempt from assessment, simplifying the visa application process for eligible candidates. For qualifications not listed on the LQEA, applicants may need to undergo an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) through the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) to validate their credentials.
Rolled out on March 25th, the revised LQEA will encompass qualifications awarded in various countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Fiji, and Japan. Furthermore, adjustments will be made to qualifications from Malaysia, South Africa, and the United States of America, which were initially added to the list in September 2023.
Specifically, enhancements entail the inclusion of Master’s degrees from Malaysia and Doctoral Degrees from South Africa and the United States of America. These additions underscore the commitment to acknowledging a broader spectrum of qualifications, thereby facilitating smoother visa processing for applicants.
This update forms part of a comprehensive initiative aimed at ensuring the LQEA remains relevant and aligns with evolving visa criteria, providing a seamless pathway for skilled migrants seeking residency. By continually updating and refining the list, authorities strive to accommodate diverse educational backgrounds while maintaining the integrity of the visa assessment process.
In September 2023, significant changes were introduced to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) in preparation for the opening of the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa on October 9th, 2023. These revisions aimed to ensure the LQEA remained aligned with the new visa criteria, facilitating a streamlined pathway for applicants with overseas qualifications. The update involved a thorough review of the existing list, the removal of qualifications not meeting the new visa criteria, and the addition of quality-assured qualifications from countries such as Hong Kong, Ireland, Malaysia, the Philippines, South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Furthermore, the inclusion of qualification types and plans for further updates in subsequent phases underscored the commitment to maintaining an effective and inclusive visa assessment process, accommodating a diverse range of qualifications from around the world.
Moreover, future phases are slated to introduce additional qualifications from various countries to the LQEA, promising further enhancements in visa processing mechanisms. Such proactive measures underscore the government’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and efficient immigration system, conducive to attracting and retaining global talent.
Experts from SH consider the updates to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment to signify a progressive stride towards optimizing visa pathways for skilled migrants. By recognizing a broader array of qualifications and streamlining the assessment process, authorities aim to uphold New Zealand’s reputation as a welcoming destination for talent from around the world.
Useful Links
Check if you need to apply for an International Qualification Assessment
Market Talk
Migration Chat
Travel & Study