2015-May 08: Using Advice from NZQA

Visa Pak 210: Advice for staff regarding using staff supplied by a third party (NZQA) and how to compose letters to clients on the basis of this information.

Visa Paks

8 May 2015

Using Advice from NZQA

Advice provided on 14 February 2014 gives guidance on the assessment of bonus points under the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) for University Lecturers and when it is appropriate to contact the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) for assistance.

The occupation of University Lecturer was recently moved from the Long-Term Skill Shortage List to the Immediate Skill Shortage List; however, you may still be processing SMC applications and need to contact NZQA for advice where points are claimed for work experience at an offshore tertiary institution.

Recognised work experience in an area of absolute skill shortage only qualifies for points if the principal applicant provides evidence that satisfies an immigration officer that their work experience meets the requirements of SM13.20. If you have concerns about an SMC application based on advice received from NZQA, then you may refer to NZQA in the PPI letter as you are using information they provided to assess whether the work experience meets Immigration Instructions; the applicant is entitled to know the source of our information for assessment.

In the final decision, however, the key factor is whether an immigration officer is satisfied, or not, that the work experience meets instructions. You are making the decision using information provided by a third party but officers should not imply that NZQA is responsible for the decision, or copy in the letter the exact response given by NZQA.

Staff contact details at NZQA should not be provided in PPI or decline letters, or to advisers or applicants who query the assessment. You may continue to contact NZQA about any other qualification queries that arise as they are very willing to help.

Action

Please discuss this advice with your team to ensure they are familiar with the process.