Job offer
An Accredited Employer Work Visa is tied to a job offer from an accredited employer.
For diploma, vocational and degree holders
Your diploma or HND may need an IQA for a work visa.
For New Zealand work visas, Immigration New Zealand generally requires an NZQA IQA where an overseas qualification at Level 4 or higher is below a Level 7 bachelor's degree. We prepare and submit your IQA with you, and guide you through registration if your profession needs it.
Level 4 to 6Where an IQA is most often needed
NZ$445NZQA Standard IQA fee
~10 weeksNZQA's reported average wait
When an IQA matters
How your qualification fits the work visa rules.
Most skilled work visas start with a job offer. Then you show your skill level, and that's where your qualification comes in.
Show your skill level
Through your qualification, experience or pay, depending on the rules that apply.
An IQA is generally required
Diplomas and HNDs usually sit here. Some exceptions apply.
IQA neededOften not required, can still help
Some employers and registration bodies still ask for one.
General guidance from our pathway guide and Immigration New Zealand information. Visa rules change and exceptions apply, so we confirm what applies to you on official pages.
Your profession
Some professions also need registration.
An IQA tells you your level. Some jobs also need registration with a professional body before you can work. Tap a profession to see what usually applies.
Examples only. Registration rules depend on your exact role, so we confirm the right body at your free review.
Your pathway
Four steps up to a New Zealand job.
Get your IQA done early, so it doesn't hold up your visa when a job offer comes.
Step 1
Document review
Certificates, transcripts and employment references, checked and complete.
We review them with you
Step 2
Standard IQA
NZQA assesses your qualification and issues a recognition statement.
We prepare & submit it with you
Step 3
Registration, if needed
If your profession has a registration body, we guide your application.
We help with your application
Step 4
Job offer and visa
An accredited employer's offer, then a visa through a licensed adviser or Immigration NZ.
Immigration NZ decides
Real costs and timelines
Know the numbers before you start.
Official fees are paid directly to NZQA and any registration body. Our fee is separate and confirmed in writing at your free review.
NZQA Standard IQANZ$445Per our guide · verify on NZQA
NZQA Standard IQAOne qualificationNZ$445
Extra qualificationsEach qualification is assessed separatelyPer qualification
Registration body feesOnly if your profession needs itVaries
Transcripts, courier, translationsSet by your institution and providersVaries
GHS
Enter today's rate to see the official fees in cedis.
Typical timeline
Gather documents
2 to 6 weeks*
NZQA Standard IQA
~10 weeks avg
Registration
If needed
Job search
Can overlap
*Depends mostly on how fast your institution sends documents. NZQA's clock only starts once your file is complete.
Biggest time saver: finish your IQA before job offers come in, so your visa isn't waiting on it.
Documents
What you'll need, and who sends it.
Some documents come from you. Others NZQA may need directly from your polytechnic, college or university.
- Diploma, HND, degree or trade certificates
- Passport bio page
- Up-to-date CV with your work experience
- Employment references from past employers
- Official academic transcripts, often sent directly to NZQA
- Confirmation of award, if NZQA requests it
- Course details or syllabus, if NZQA requests it
- Name-change documents, if your name has changed
- Certified English translations of any document not in English
- Trade test or licence documents, for trades
Getting documents from your institution
- Contact your institution's registrar or exams office.
- Ask for official transcripts sent directly to NZQA, if NZQA requires it.
- Pay their fee and keep the receipt.
- Follow up every week until it's confirmed sent.
- Tell us the date it was sent, so we can track it.
You remain responsible for following up with your institution. We tell you exactly what to ask for.
Hands-on supportWe do the paperwork with you
How QualiPath helps professionals
From qualification to job-ready.
- 01Free pathway review
We check whether an IQA applies and if your profession needs registration.
- 02Document review
We check every document and tell you what's missing.
- 03Standard IQA application
We prepare and submit it with you, then track it.
- 04Result explained
We explain your recognition statement and what it means for jobs.
- 05Registration guidance
If your profession needs it, we guide your application.
- 06Career preparation
CV, LinkedIn and interview prep for New Zealand employers.
Scam warnings for job seekers
Three offers that should make you stop.
"Pay us and we'll get you a job offer"
Selling job offers is a common scam. Real employers don't charge you to hire you.
"We guarantee your work visa"
Only Immigration New Zealand decides visas. A guarantee is a warning sign.
"We can get you a higher IQA level"
NZQA alone decides your level, based on your qualification and evidence. Nobody can buy a higher one.
FAQ
Questions professionals ask us.
Still unsure? Ask our assistant or chat with us on WhatsApp.
I have an HND. Do I need an IQA?+
If you're relying on it for a work visa, probably. Immigration New Zealand generally requires an IQA where an overseas qualification at Level 4 or higher is below a Level 7 bachelor's degree, with some exceptions.
I have a bachelor's degree. Should I still get one?+
It's often not required for work visa skill rules, but some employers and registration bodies ask for one. We'll tell you whether it's worth it for your plans.
Does my work experience count?+
Often yes. Depending on the rules that apply, experience or pay can also show your skill level. We look at your full background at your free review.
I have two qualifications. Do I need two IQAs?+
NZQA assesses each qualification separately. We help you decide which ones are worth assessing.
Do you help me find a job?+
We prepare your CV, LinkedIn and interviews for New Zealand employers. We don't sell job offers, and nobody honestly can.
Do you handle the visa too?+
No. Visa applications need a licensed immigration adviser under New Zealand law, or you can apply directly with Immigration New Zealand.
Get started
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