Appendix 3 – List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment

At a glance

The List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment (Appendix 3) applies to people who have made a Skilled Migrant Category residence application under SM instructions or a work visa application under WI instructions [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment]. Qualifications on this list do not require assessment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). The list only provides the level on the New Zealand Qualifications Framework (NZQF); it does not confirm comparability to any New Zealand qualification, nor does it carry any weight for professional registration, employment, or salary [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment]. For all other visa instructions (including SR residence), Appendix 17 applies instead.

Definition

Appendix 3 is an immigration‑only list that assigns an NZQF level to named overseas qualifications awarded by specific institutions in listed countries [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment]. A qualification appearing on the list:

• does NOT mean the qualification is comparable to any similarly named New Zealand qualification;
• only advises the NZQF level the overseas qualification can be compared to;
• is solely for immigration points purposes [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].

The list is maintained as a collection of country‑specific sub‑pages (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, etc.) and includes historical versions for applications made before particular dates [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].

All teaching qualifications and degrees in Education must still be assessed by NZQA for teacher registration and salary purposes, even if they appear on Appendix 3 [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].

Application in decisions

When an applicant claims points for a qualification under SM instructions or applies under WI instructions, an immigration officer verifies that the qualification and awarding institution appear in the Appendix 3 country list. If they do, the qualification is not referred to NZQA for an International Qualification Assessment. Points are then awarded according to the NZQF level stated in Appendix 3, subject also to any additional requirements in SM8.5 and SM8.10 [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].

Interpretation & edge cases

• Scope limitation: Appendix 3 is only for SM residence and WI work visa instructions. Applications under other residence instructions (e.g. SR) or under work visa instructions where the country is listed in Appendix 17 must use Appendix 17 [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].
• No employment or professional guarantee: Inclusion on Appendix 3 does not help with professional registration, further study, salary, or employment; only the immigration points value is fixed [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].
• Teaching qualifications: Any qualification used to enter the teaching profession in New Zealand requires a separate NZQA assessment for registration and salary irrespective of Appendix 3 [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].
• Historical versions: Different versions of Appendix 3 apply depending on the date of application; links to historical lists are available from the current instruction [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].
• Country sub‑pages: Each country entry lists specific institutions, qualification names, and effective‑from dates. The officer must confirm that the qualification was awarded in the list country and not at an overseas campus [A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment].

Citations

• A-appendix-3-list-of-qualifications-exempt-from-assessment — Appendix 3 – List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment