G3.1 Basic rules for qualifications (04/09/2000)

1. A principal applicant must obtain a minimum of 10 points for qualifications to be considered in this category.
2. The NZIS will award points for a principal applicant's qualification(s) if the qualification(s) are accepted by the NZIS as occupying a category and level on the Qualifications Table (QT) (see G3.5.1) for which points may be awarded, by reference to:
   1. the category and level that the qualification(s) occupies on the QT as assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), or
   2. the category and level that the qualification(s) occupies on the QT as set out in the List of Recognised Qualifications (see G3.1.1), or
   3. the category and level that the qualification(s) occupies on the QT 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 on the List of Recognised Qualifications.

      Note: For teachers, 'provisional' registration includes both 'provisional' and 'subject to confirmation' registration. For medical practitioners, 'probationary' registration is considered to be 'provisional' registration.

3. Points may be awarded for:
   1. one qualification only which occupies a category and level on the QT for which points may be awarded, or
   2. two or more qualifications accepted as together occupying a category and level on the QT for which points may be awarded.
4. Principal applicants under the General Skills category must submit the qualifications for which they are claiming points and either a NZQA Interim Assessment Report or a NZQA Qualifications Assessment Report (see G3.1.6) of their qualification(s) unless:
   1. their qualification(s) are included on the List of Recognised Qualifications, or
   2. they have been awarded full or provisional registration by a New Zealand organisation authorised by law to give occupational registration, and registration involves an assessment that their overseas qualification(s) is comparable with a New Zealand qualification that is included on the List of Recognised Qualifications.
5. If a principal applicant is claiming points for their qualification on the basis of full or provisional registration the certificate of registration must also be provided.
6. If a principal applicant is claiming points for a qualification on the basis of their registration (see G3.1 (d)(ii)), the points that will be awarded are the points awarded for the New Zealand qualification on the List of Recognised Qualifications that the principal applicant's qualification(s) has been assessed as comparable to.
7. Despite the fact that the List of Recognised Qualifications (see G3.1.1) provides for the award of certain points for specified qualifications, an applicant or the NZIS (by requesting the applicant to do so), may seek a NZQA assessment report of any particular qualification. Where this occurs, the most recent NZQA assessment will prevail for the purpose of allocating points.

G3.1.1 List of Recognised Qualifications

The List of Recognised Qualifications is a list of qualifications for which points may be awarded without the need for a NZQA assessment (unless G3.1 (g) above applies). The List of Recognised Qualifications is contained in Appendix 5 of this Manual.

G3.1.5 NZQA involvement in the assessment of qualifications

1. If a NZQA assessment of qualification(s) is sought, the NZQA determines the category and level that the qualification(s) occupy on the QT, however, the points awarded for a particular qualification or group of qualifications is determined by the NZIS alone.
2. Despite the fact that the NZQA may undertake its own verification of qualifications that are submitted to it for assessment, the NZIS alone determines whether an applicant genuinely holds the qualification(s) for which they are claiming points.
3. Principal applicants who wish, or are required, to provide an assessment of their qualification(s) from the NZQA must apply to the NZQA on the appropriate NZQA form (available from NZIS branches, New Zealand diplomatic and consular offices, or the NZQA itself).
4. The principal applicant should send the NZQA the application for qualifications assessment and is responsible for ensuring that any NZQA assessment report is submitted to the relevant NZIS branch or New Zealand diplomatic and consular office processing the application.

G3.1.10 NZQA Interim Assessment Reports and Qualifications Assessment Reports

1. The NZQA will provide Interim Assessment Reports and Qualifications Assessment Reports.
2. An Interim Assessment Report is one which assesses the category and level of the QT that the qualification (or group of qualifications) occupy and states that verification of the qualification has not been completed by the NZQA.
3. A Qualifications Assessment Report is one which assesses the category and level of the QT that the qualification (or group of qualifications) occupies and refers to any verification of the qualification(s) undertaken by the NZQA.

Effective 04/09/2000