SM14.5 Recognition of qualifications

Subject to SM14.10.5 and SM14.10.10, a recognised qualification is a qualification that a visa or immigration officer is satisfied occupies a level on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF) which qualifies it for points by reference to:

1. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the NZQF as assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA); or
2. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the NZQF as set out in the List of Qualifications Recognised as an Exception (see Appendix 13); or
3. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the NZQF as set out in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (see Appendix 5); or
4. the level that the qualification(s) occupies on the NZQF having regard to the full or provisional registration of the principal applicant by a New Zealand organisation authorised by law to give occupational registration, if that registration involves an assessment that the principal applicant's overseas qualification(s) is comparable with a New Zealand qualification that is included in the List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment.

Note:
~ For medical practitioners, registration within a ‘special purpose scope of practice’ is not full or provisional registration for the purpose of a residence application or a work to residence application.
~ For teachers, 'provisional' registration includes both 'provisional' and 'subject to confirmation' registration.
~ The NZQF is available at www.nzqf.govt.nz.

Effective 05/07/2010