G5.5 Spouse or partner's qualifications (04/09/2000)

1. Principal applicants* may obtain points for qualifications held by their spouse or partner if the spouse or partner is included in the application.
2. The NZIS will award points for a spouse or partner's qualification(s) if the qualification(s) is 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. If a principal applicant is claiming points for a spouse or partner’s qualification on the basis of the spouse or partner’s registration, the points that will be awarded are the points awarded for the New Zealand qualification on the List of Recognised Qualifications that the spouse or partner’s qualification(s) has been assessed as comparable to.
5. 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.
6. If a spouse or partner's qualification is in an occupation for which registration is required by law in New Zealand, they do not need to be registered in order to obtain points.

G5.5.1 Points awarded to a spouse's or partner's qualification

1. A qualification or group of qualifications held by the principal applicant's spouse or partner must be awarded one point, if the qualification(s) is accepted as occupying Category B Level 7, Category C Level 5 or 6 or Category D Level 3 or 4 on the QT.
2. A qualification or group of qualifications held by the principal applicant's spouse or partner must be awarded 2 points, if the qualification(s) is accepted as occupying Category A Level 7 or 8, or Category B Level 8, or Category C Level 7 or Category D Level 5 on the QT.

G5.5.5 Evidence of spouse or partner's qualification

Evidence is the same as that required for the principal applicant (see G3.15).

G5.5.10 Evidence of NZQA qualifications assessment reports

NZQA qualifications assessment reports must be originals or certified copies.

G5.5.15 Evidence of occupational registration in New Zealand

Evidence of a spouse or partner’s occupational registration in New Zealand is an original or certified copy of the certificate of registration.

Effective 04/09/2000