Do You Need an IQA from NZQA for the SMC in 2026?

If you claim points for an overseas qualification under the Skilled Migrant Category, you generally need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) from NZQA, unless that qualification appears on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). You do not need an IQA for a bachelor’s used only to support a higher qualification. Start early: timeframes vary.

Current as at 2026-06-29, based on Immigration New Zealand policy. For advice on your own situation, talk to a ProVisas Licensed Immigration Adviser (IAA Licence 201301110).

Do I need an IQA for the SMC in 2026?

It depends on where your qualification was completed and how you are using it. An IQA is required for an overseas qualification claimed for points unless that qualification is on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) (immigration.govt.nz). An IQA is the NZQA process that compares an overseas qualification to the New Zealand Qualifications and Credentials Framework (NZQCF) so Immigration New Zealand can confirm its level.

The 24 August 2026 changes do not remove the IQA requirement. They do change the points each qualification earns, which is why getting your qualification level confirmed matters more than before (see our SMC points system explainer).

When is an IQA required, and when is it not?

The table below summarises the common situations. Confirm your own case against the current INZ and NZQA pages, because exemption lists are updated.

For a supporting bachelor’s, Immigration New Zealand accepts your certificate and transcript as evidence, and no IQA is needed for that supporting qualification (immigration.govt.nz). The exemption applies to the supporting role: if you instead claim points for that bachelor’s directly and it is overseas and not on the LQEA, an IQA applies.

What is the LQEA exemption?

The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment is NZQA’s published list of overseas qualifications that Immigration New Zealand accepts without a full IQA. If your qualification is on the LQEA, you do not lodge an IQA for it. The list changes over time, so check the current NZQA list before you decide (nzqa.govt.nz).

If your overseas qualification is not on the LQEA and you want to claim points for it, plan for an IQA as part of your evidence.

How does the IQA interact with the new higher points?

From 24 August 2026, several overseas qualification points rose. An overseas bachelor’s now earns 4 points, up from 3, and overseas honours, postgraduate diplomas and postgraduate certificates also earn 4 (immigration.govt.nz). New Zealand qualifications earn 1 more point than the same qualification gained overseas, except doctoral and (in some cases) master’s degrees.

The points table for qualifications:

The threshold is still 6 skilled resident points plus a skilled job or job offer. Because an overseas bachelor’s alone now gives 4 of those 6 points, getting its level confirmed through an IQA (where required) is often the foundation of a points-based application. For a side-by-side look at how location affects the count, see NZ versus overseas qualifications and SMC points.

A separate note for the trades route: the Trades and Technician pathway removed the 120-credit rule for overseas qualifications. An overseas qualification there needs an IQA assessing it as NZQCF Level 4 or higher (immigration.govt.nz).

Why should I start the IQA early?

Two reasons.

• Processing takes time. NZQA publishes its own current timeframes for an IQA, and they vary with demand and how complete your documents are. Allow time and check the current NZQA timeframe before you rely on a date (nzqa.govt.nz).
• The EOI form changes on 24 August 2026. To submit an Expression of Interest under the current rules, you must lodge before 24 August 2026, and draft EOIs not yet submitted are deleted on that date (immigration.govt.nz). If your points rely on an overseas qualification that needs an IQA, the assessment is a dependency you do not want to leave to the last weeks. See our guide on submitting your SMC EOI before 24 August 2026.

Starting the IQA early keeps your qualification evidence ready when you decide whether to apply before or after the change.

Frequently asked questions

Do I always need an IQA for the SMC?

No. You need an IQA for an overseas qualification claimed for points only when that qualification is not on the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA). New Zealand qualifications do not need an IQA.

Do I need an IQA for a bachelor’s that just supports my master’s?

No. When a bachelor’s is used only to support a Level 8 or 9 claim, Immigration New Zealand accepts the certificate and transcript, and no IQA is needed for that supporting qualification.

How many points does an overseas bachelor’s earn from 24 August 2026?

An overseas bachelor’s earns 4 points from 24 August 2026, up from 3. New Zealand bachelor’s degrees earn 5. The overall threshold is still 6 points plus a skilled job or job offer.

How long does an IQA take?

NZQA publishes current timeframes that change with demand and document completeness. Check the current NZQA timeframe rather than relying on an older figure, and allow time before your planned EOI date.

What is the LQEA?

The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment is NZQA’s list of overseas qualifications that Immigration New Zealand accepts without a full IQA. If your qualification is on it, you do not lodge an IQA for that qualification. The list is updated, so check the current version.

Plan your IQA before the deadline

If your residence plan rests on an overseas qualification, the IQA is often the first step to sort. We assess your points position against the current Skilled Migrant Category rules and map the evidence you need, including whether an IQA or the LQEA exemption applies. Check your eligibility or book a consultation to get your qualification evidence ready before 24 August 2026.