[mesh2008]

Finally after nearly four months and half I've just got my ITA :nice1 Now starting the paper work, actually I have some questions and I'm hoping someone can help me. I have a Bachelor degree of Computer Science, do I need to ask NZQA for a full assessment of my qualification? Do I need to register at any registration board to practice my job in NZ as a Programmer?
Thank you
AM

[dusk]

well done :)

for the degree, it depends where you studied for it and if the qualification is already recognised - you can check on the NZIS website

and no you don't need to register for IT work - thats mainly for medical practiioners and teachers and engineer types :D

[mesh2008]

Thank you very much for your prompt reply. Just to confirm, any IT work does not need registration even software engineering, correct?
Thank you

[dusk]

I've certainly never heard of any IT work requiring certification no.

if any was required I would think that your ITA would have stated that you needed to send it in :)

[benhila]

Even if your qualification is already recognised, unless you have a job offer, you will need to send the stuff to NZQA:

"The QAR (NZQA Qualifications Assessment Report) is required regardless of your qualifications being listed on the list of Recognised Qualifications as your EOI requires the Qualification and/or Work Experience bonus points to meet the current selection criteria. Without the NZQA Assessment and therefore, without these bonus points, your points total will substantially decrease making you no longer eligible to submit a residence application".

Basically, they only give you points for your qualification if it is approved by NZQA. If you have a job offer (which is 'worth' 50 or 60 points) you don't really need the BSc points. Otherwise, you must get NZQA 'rubber stamp'.

[neilw71]

Even if your qualification is already recognised, unless you have a job offer, you will need to send the stuff to NZQA'.

I don't think that is correct - certainly wasn't 3 years ago when we got PR. My degree was from a recognised university and was accepted by NZIS without a mention of NZQA!

Neil

[theSingsons]

I don't think that is correct - certainly wasn't 3 years ago when we got PR. My degree was from a recognised university and was accepted by NZIS without a mention of NZQA!

Neil

I think that is the case too, you might not be asked to go through NZQA if the University you graduated from is already accredited... saves you $450.00 + 150.00 should you wish to fast track.
:o

[benhila]

Sorry guys, I think that you are both wrong. My OH has a MSc in computers from London University (a recognised qualification) and yet was asked to go through the NZQA route. The later was only wavered when the job offer came in! And this is all 'fresh' info (Feb 08).

[dusk]

I think theres a difference in approach depending on what the qualification type is, a BA certainly is okay without NZQA (as thats what I have and I got my ITA forms a couple of days ago)

just went and checked, here is the page you need to check out your qualifications and whether they need NZQA assessment: List of Recognised Qualifications (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/general/formsandfees/formsandguides/lorq/)

the page says:
List of Recognised Qualifications
The qualifications in this list do not require assessment by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA). Qualifications will qualify for points on the basis of their assessed position on the Register (see SM14.15 of the Skilled Migrant Category).
The List of Recognised Qualifications is for immigration purposes only. The inclusion of a qualification on this list does not have bearing on the status of the qualification for professional registration, further study, salary or employment purposes.

All teaching qualifications and degrees in Education will need to be assessed by the NZQA for teacher registration and salary purposes, should an applicant wish to enter the teaching profession within New Zealand.

[yossarian]

i'm a little confused on this one as well. i had bs computer science, my university listed among their accredited and was still asked to provide nzqa. i told the case officer my situation and she confirmed that i really need the assessment. so to avoid possible problems and missing requirements, i just did for 600 nzd..

[mesh2008]

Thank you for all your replies. Do I need to send certificates of my primary preparatory and secondary schools? or just my BSc degree? I'm confused because of item #12 in NZQA application form. Please advice.

[dusk]

as far as i know you only need to send cerificates for the qualification for which you are claiming points, so in your case just the BSc, no need to dig out every educaitonal qualificatn you ever got, no :)