Wellington, June 30, 2025 — In a move that promises to reshape immigration pathways for Indian professionals and students, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has taken a bold and welcoming step. As of June 23, 2025, India has officially joined the “List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment” (LQEA)—a prestigious list that until recently included only a handful of countries.
This landmark decision removes the requirement for International Qualification Assessment (IQA) for most degree-holders from recognised Indian universities and institutions. The result? A simpler, faster, and more cost-effective immigration journey for thousands of qualified Indian aspirants.
What Is the IQA and Why Does Its Removal Matter?
The IQA was a major hurdle in New Zealand’s skilled migration process. It required applicants to get their international degrees officially assessed and mapped against New Zealand’s educational framework—often a lengthy and expensive process, both financially and emotionally.
Now, with India’s inclusion in the LQEA, this bureaucratic obstacle has been eliminated for most applicants.
“This is not just a procedural update—it’s a signal that New Zealand recognises the academic rigour of Indian universities and the value Indian professionals bring to its economy,” said Ravneet Arora, an immigration advisor based in Auckland.
India Joins Global Peers in Education Recognition
India now stands shoulder-to-shoulder with countries like:
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sri Lanka
- Sweden
- Switzerland
INZ is also reviewing existing exemptions for countries such as Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Malaysia, and South Africa, creating a more harmonised and transparent global policy.
Fast-Tracked Pathways for Indian Professionals
Indian applicants can now apply directly under various immigration categories without the IQA step, including:
- Skilled Migrant Category
- Green List Occupations
- Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
These aren’t just work permits—they’re fast lanes to permanent residency, offering high-skilled talent a direct route into New Zealand’s economy and society.
“For sectors like IT, engineering, healthcare, and finance, this is a game-changer. It creates a clear and trusted route to build a life in New Zealand,” said Priya Menon, a migration strategist in Delhi.
A Boost for Indian Students Too
The exemption arrives at a time when New Zealand is actively courting Indian students and graduates. Among recent initiatives:
- New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025: Offering up to NZ$20,000 per student for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with a total pool of NZ$260,000.
- Post-study work rights: Allowing international graduates to stay for up to 3 years to gain local work experience—often a stepping stone to permanent residency.
- Simplified visa rules and competitive fees: Making New Zealand a top contender for high-ROI education and career planning.
Why It Matters in the Global Talent Race
With traditional education destinations like Australia, Canada, and the UK tightening migration rules or raising costs, New Zealand’s approach sends a clear message: talent is welcome here.
This change reflects not only operational pragmatism—by reducing paperwork and processing time—but also geopolitical foresight in attracting global talent.
“In a world where skilled workers can go anywhere, trust, speed, and clarity in immigration policy are invaluable. New Zealand is now playing to win,” said Dr. Anil Kapoor, a professor of international policy at the University of Otago.
Who Benefits the Most?
- STEM graduates from top Indian universities
- MBA holders and business professionals
- Healthcare workers, including nurses and medical technicians
- IT and software engineers, in high demand across New Zealand’s job market
What Comes Next?
While the exemption doesn’t apply to all degrees or institutions, it covers a significant portion of recognised qualifications. Applicants are encouraged to check their institution’s eligibility on the official INZ portal and ensure their documentation is aligned.
INZ will continue to monitor and expand the LQEA list based on bilateral engagements, educational quality benchmarks, and evolving workforce needs.
For countless Indian students and professionals, the removal of the IQA requirement is more than just a policy shift—it’s a symbol of recognition, a streamlined gateway to opportunity, and a warm handshake from New Zealand to the Indian talent pool.
At a time when mobility, education, and meaningful work are central to individual and national growth, this landmark move marks New Zealand’s emergence as a serious, competitive player in the global talent landscape.
