Short answer
For non-regulated employment, first ask the employer what qualification evidence it accepts; a separate immigration rule can require an NZQA IQA for a specific work-visa application.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand
Who decides
The employer determines its job's requested evidence. Immigration New Zealand independently decides whether qualification evidence satisfies the relevant visa requirements.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand
Check this before paying
Read the job offer and employer's qualification criteria, then inspect the official immigration qualification guidance only if relevant to the application.
Open the primary source ↗Sources: Immigration New Zealand
When this applies
The official AEWV example may request NZQA assessment for overseas qualifications below bachelor's level used to meet its skill threshold. Work-experience routes and specific exemptions exist. This is not a condition imposed on every non-regulated job.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand
Which document
The qualification records requested by the employer, plus a purpose-specific NZQA IQA only where the selected official immigration criteria require it.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand
Avoid the wrong purchase
Do not purchase an IQA solely because an overseas employer wants to see a degree; and do not treat an employer's acceptance as proof the immigration threshold is met.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand
What this does not do
Examples draw on the AEWV evidence rules, not every work visa. This page does not determine job acceptance, immigration eligibility or permission to work.
Sources: Immigration New Zealand
Your next official step
Ask the receiving employer which records it accepts. If using a qualification for an AEWV requirement, read INZ's specific IQA threshold and exceptions before paying.
Continue to the official guidance ↗Sources: Immigration New Zealand
Employer proof and visa proof have different recipients
INZ's AEWV guide describes a distinction between skills and qualifications required by an accredited employer and evidence submitted to immigration officials. A stated overseas-qualification IQA requirement applies in particular below-bachelor situations, with alternative experience and exception pathways. It does not make IQA a universal prerequisite to job interviews.
Sources: Accredited Employer Work Visa — qualifications and employer evidence
DiploWay preparation checklist
Ask the employer to name the precise qualification record and whether a third-party evaluation is needed.
Do not confuse employer acceptance of a degree with the work-visa qualification test; examine the named official requirement separately.
Related decisions for this process
Explore another use for the same qualification
Sources and scope
- Accredited Employer Work Visa — qualifications and employer evidence
Immigration New Zealand · checked 2026-10-14 (UTC date)