In a major policy shift aimed at streamlining skilled migration, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has removed a key barrier for Indian professionals and students. Effective June 23, India has been added to New Zealand’s “List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment” (LQEA), eliminating the need for most Indian degree holders to undergo the previously mandatory International Qualification Assessment (IQA). This move is set to significantly fast-track work visa applications, skilled migrant entries, and long-term residency for qualified Indian applicants.
The IQA process — often criticized for being both time-consuming and expensive — served as an evaluation system to align overseas qualifications with New Zealand’s education framework. With India’s inclusion on the LQEA, degree holders from recognised Indian universities can now bypass this step, making the entire process faster and more accessible.
India now joins a group of countries newly added to the LQEA list, including France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, and Switzerland. INZ is also revising existing exemptions for nations like Australia, the US, the UK, Japan, Malaysia, and South Africa to create a more harmonised global framework.
This change is more than just an administrative update — it’s a strategic move to attract global talent. Individuals from LQEA countries now have direct access to New Zealand’s Skilled Migrant Category, Green List roles, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, many of which are fast tracks to permanent residency and employment.
For India, the impact is particularly significant. The country consistently ranks among New Zealand’s top sources of international students, with over 22,000 enrolments in recent years. Existing incentives like the New Zealand Excellence Awards (offering up to NZ$20,000 per student), post-study work rights of up to three years, and streamlined visa processes already make New Zealand a compelling destination.
Removing the IQA requirement signals New Zealand’s intent to welcome Indian talent more openly—especially in critical sectors like STEM, business, and healthcare. Experts believe this shift will enhance New Zealand’s position as a top-tier destination for global education and skilled migration, competing directly with countries like Australia, Canada, and the UK.
More than just policy reform, the LQEA update is a declaration of intent. In an increasingly competitive global race for skilled professionals, New Zealand is sending a clear message to India’s graduates: bring your degree, your talent, and your ambition — the door is open.
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