23 June 2025 Onwards, New Zealand’s Immigration Office (INZ) has launched a major upgrade to its immigration system. A new policy has been introduced that waives the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) for graduates from nine countries, including India, France, Germany, Italy, Sri Lanka, Singapore, South Korea, Sweden, and Switzerland.
No more lengthy assessments or paying extra fees. Graduates from these countries can now apply directly for Skilled Work Visas, Green list roles, and the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
What Has Changed?
Smoother & Faster Process
Removing the International Qualification Assessment (IQA) step, which took around 8 to 12 weeks and carried a fee of NZD 746, made the application process under the Skilled Migrant Category, Green List occupations, and Accredited Employer Work Visas much more efficient.
Cost-Efficient
International students and professionals save their time and money, avoiding assessment fees and unnecessary documentation hassles
No IQA? No Problem
India’s inclusion in New Zealand’s new policy is especially notable, marking it as the first
South Asian country to be added to New Zealand’s exemption list.
In addition to simplifying the pathway, New Zealand has been working on supporting more Indian students through financial aid and bilateral collaboration. The Visa approval rates this year have skyrocketed for indian students, reflecting newfound confidence in New Zealand as a study-abroad destination.
To support this further, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has recently announced a partial scholarship package worth NZD 260,000 under the 2025 New Zealand Excellence Awards.
This comes on top of the already available generous scholarships and tuition fee exemptions and reductions offered by top New Zealand universities to students from India and South Asia.
Vijay Kanwar, the director of operations at New Zealand Gateway and former immigration manager with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, described the updated LQEA as “ A positive step toward the relationship of the two nations.”
Moreover, PM Luxon stated that the Indian community is the third-most influential ethnic group, which is the largest source of highly skilled immigrants during his recent visit to the country.
What Does it Mean for You?
- International students from these countries can now join Australia, the UK, the US, and others in having a seamless qualification.
- Graduates in Green-list fields, STEM, IT, engineering, healthcare, or business can pursue post-study work visas for up to three years, and fast-track their progress toward permanent residency.
- Employers are also benefiting from fewer delays in hiring international talent and clearer qualification validation.
Welcoming Global Talent
This new policy update is part of New Zealand’s broader strategy to stand out among competitors like Canada, Australia, and the UK. Along with the following initiatives:
- New Zealand Excellence Award (Up to 20,000 NZD scholarships)
- Competitive Visa Fees
- Extended Post-study work visa rights
Study Abroad With RBS Intellect
For international students, this policy update isn’t just red tape being cut; it’s an open door to your successful career.
Whether you’re a recent graduate looking to work abroad or a student planning your education journey, New Zealand has just made the pathway smoother, faster, and more accessible than ever.
Send us your profile and let us work together to determine the best pathway for studying abroad in New Zealand. Our RBS Intellect study abroad experts will guide you toward excellence.
As they say, Seize Your Moment!
