Phase 2 updates have been made to the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) and will come into effect from 25 March 2024.

This is part of a wider piece of work to update the LQEA to ensure it continues to provide a streamlined visa pathway for applicants who hold overseas qualifications.

LQEA updates for 25 March

On 25 March the LQEA will be updated with qualifications awarded in these countries:

• Australia
• Canada
• China
• Fiji
• Japan

In addition, updates will be made to the list for these countries added to the LQEA in September 2023;

• Malaysia
• South Africa
• United States of America

The updates to countries already on the LQEA includes adding:

• Master’s degrees to the list of qualifications awarded in Malaysia
• Doctoral Degrees to the list of qualifications awarded in South Africa and the United States of America.

More qualifications from additional countries will be added to the LQEA in further phases.

Where to get more LQEA information

– Check if you need to apply for an International Qualification Assessment
-International Qualifications Assessment – NZQA website
-Updates to List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment ahead of Skilled Migrant Category opening