For many of the occupations eligible for extra points under Immigration New Zealand’s skilled migrant category, it is necessary to have your qualification(s) assessed and approved as equivalent to a corresponding New Zealand qualification.
Even if you know your qualification is equivalent, you may still need to go through the process and have it officially assessed.
Which professional bodies must be contacted?
There may be a professional body to advise you on the qualifications in your industry. TeachNZ, for example, provides an online guide that details the specific procedure necessary to validate your teaching qualifications in New Zealand.
Some other occupation industries requiring registration:
- Medicine: The Medical Council of New Zealand
- Nursing: The Nursing Council of New Zealand
- Dentistry: Dental Council of New Zealand
- Pharmacists: Pharmacy Council of NZ
- Midwifery: Midwifery Council of New Zealand
Further qualifications, such as those for accountants, can be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Standard applications through the NZQA take 35 days to assess and cost NZ$450. In situations with pressing time imperatives, applicants may be fast-tracked for an additional fee of $150.
If you inform NZQA that you are seeking professional registration, you will be given the contact details of the relevant New Zealand professional body when NZQA issues your assessment report.
What if my qualification was obtained in New Zealand?
If Immigration New Zealand has requested that you have the level of your New Zealand qualification confirmed by NZQA, you can apply in writing to:
The Register Advisor
Tertiary Education Group
NZQA
PO Box 160
Wellington, 6140
New Zealand
Ensure that you include the name of the qualification you need to have assessed, the year the qualification was awarded, and your full return postal address.
What happens if my qualifications are not considered comparable?
You may still be able to apply for a job, but perhaps at a lower level of skill.
Alternatively, you could consider:
- Taking a less specialised position
- Taking a course to reach the standard requested
- A career change
- Starting your own business
Getting your qualifications recognised is an important part of the moving process. Start the process as soon as possible to make it easier when you are offered a job.