New Zealand: Updated LQEA List for Skilled Resident Visas

Key Points  

• New Zealand updated the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) under the Skilled Resident Visa pathway 

Overview  

The government of New Zealand updated the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (LQEA) under the Skilled Resident Visa pathway, which will open on 9 October 2023. According to the announcement, this will streamline immigration pathways for foreign nationals possessing certain qualifications obtained overseas. The review includes: 

• A review of the existing list; 
• Removal of qualifications that do not meet the new Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa criteria; 
• Compiling quality assured, approved, accredited and relevant qualifications that meet the requirements; and 
• The addition of ‘qualification type’ to all qualifications on the list. 

The updated LQEA will be in effect from 29 September 2023, to coincide with the Green List and Sector Work to Residence categories opening to application. It will be in place for the opening of the revised Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa on 9 October 2023. It will include the following seven countries: 

• Hong Kong 
• Ireland 
• Malaysia 
• Philippines 
• South Africa 
• United Kingdom 
• United States of America 

What are the Changes?  

The government of New Zealand updated the LQEA under the Skilled Resident Visa pathway, which will open at the beginning of October 2023.  

Looking Ahead  

The government will release new updates to the list and countries included in the coming months. Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.