Archive · 29 Jun 2025
New Zealand Scraps Visa Hurdle for Indian Degree Holders
New Zealand is making it easier for people from India with degrees to move there for work or school.
They've removed a test called IQA that was making it hard and expensive.
This change means Indian professionals and students can more easily get visas and work in New Zealand.
This is part of New Zealand's plan to attract smart people from around the world, especially from India, and make it a top place to live and work.
India has been added to New Zealand's List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA).
This means most Indian degree holders no longer need an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).
The policy change aims to fast-track skilled migration and work visas for Indians.
The IQA was a costly and time-consuming process that mapped overseas degrees.
New Zealand is competing for global talent and attracting Indian students and professionals.
- Who
- Indian degree holders.
- What
- New Zealand has removed the IQA requirement for most Indian degree holders.
- When
- From June 23.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- To fast-track skilled migration and attract global talent.
- LQEA Countries Added
- India, France, Germany, Italy, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland
- Main Benefit
- No IQA required for most Indian degree holders
- New Zealand Excellence Awards 2025
- NZ$260,000 funding pool
- Post-study work rights
- Up to three years
- Focus
- Attracting Indian students and professionals