Do I Need an NZQA IQA for My Overseas Qualification Under the SMC 6-Point System?
Llandora·Updated 2026-10-14
⚠️ Disclaimer: For general information only — not tax, financial, legal, or medical advice. Figures may be outdated or incorrect; tax rules change frequently. Verify important decisions with the CRA/IRS or a qualified professional (for health topics, a licensed healthcare provider). You use this information at your own risk.
The short answer
An IQA assesses two things: the NZQF level of your qualification, and whether New Zealand has an equivalent qualification. That produces two possible outcomes:
The three routes to claiming qualification points
New Zealand qualification — assessed by Immigration New Zealand directly; no IQA needed.
Overseas qualification on the LQEA — the exemption list on immigration.govt.nz matches on the exact institution, qualification title, and country. An exact match means no IQA; a near-match does not count.
Any other overseas qualification — you must get an NZQA IQA.
What an IQA actually decides
An IQA assesses two things: the NZQF level of your qualification, and whether New Zealand has an equivalent qualification. That produces two possible outcomes:
Level confirmed plus a New Zealand equivalent → you claim the full points for that level.
Level confirmed but no New Zealand equivalent → Immigration New Zealand drops you one level (one point) down.
Points from 24 August 2026 (overseas qualifications)
Qualification
NZQF level
Points
Doctorate
10
6
Master's degree
9
5
Bachelor's honours / postgraduate diploma
8
4
Bachelor's degree
7
4
Two recent changes matter. From 24 August 2026, a bachelor's degree is worth 4 points (up from 3), and qualifications completed in New Zealand score one point more than their overseas equivalents (except doctorates) — for example, a New Zealand master's worth 6 points requires at least 30 weeks of full-time study in New Zealand. Also from 24 August 2026: if you claim points for a level 8 or 9 qualification, you must also hold a supporting bachelor's degree. The supporting bachelor's only needs a certificate and transcript — no separate IQA.
Cost and timing
A Standard IQA costs NZ$445 (NZQA's fee page, last updated 30 July 2026 — confirm the current fee before applying). NZQA states a standard processing target of 25 working days from when it has your complete application, but verification delays can stretch this, and many applicants report waiting around 10 weeks in practice. Apply months before you need your EOI — Immigration New Zealand accepts NZQA's confirmation email that your assessment is underway as evidence you are waiting on it.
Frequently asked questions
My IQA says "level 9, no New Zealand equivalent." How many points do I get?
One level down from a level 9 master's: 4 points instead of 5.
My master's is on the LQEA but my bachelor's isn't. Do I need an IQA at all?
No. Only the qualification you're claiming points for needs the exemption or the IQA — and in that case the master's is exempt, so no IQA is needed.
Can I use an old IQA from a previous application?
Generally yes — an NZQA recognition statement remains valid. But confirm Immigration New Zealand's current instructions before reusing one, especially if your qualification details have changed.
Is IQA the same as getting my occupation registered?
No. IQA assesses your qualification's level; occupational registration (for regulated professions like teaching or nursing) is a separate process with its own body — and registration itself can be a source of SMC points.
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