Recognised Qualifications

ChrisandDenise · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 14

Hi,

We are in the process of gathering information and applying to emigrate to NZ from the UK. We hope to apply under the skilled migrants scheme and have a few questions we hope the forum members will be able to assist with.

We cannot find any relevant information for Denise's UK qualifications for accountancy. She is a qualified ACMA with 15 years experience and this qualification would be recognised in Australia as eqivalent to a Batchelors Degree, but I cannot find any such information regarding this (or any accounting qualifications) in NZ. Anybody help here?

Also, is it better to use an immgration specialist/lawyer?

If so, can anybody recommend one?

I read about 'Front Loading' applications...what does this mean?

How long does an application usually take?

I have lots of other questions but don't want to get bogged down yet.

Thanks

Chris and Denise

JCM · Posted: Tue Dec 09, 2003 9:38 pm Post subject:

Hi Chris and Denise,

Your qualification should be accepted as suitable for the Skilled Migrant stream. It will have to be verified by the NZQA which can take a couple of months and costs money.

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/for-international/qual-eval/index.html

It's fair to say that most people under the old General Skills stream applied without using an agent. If you dislike filling in forms or you expect that your case might be less than straightforward it might be an idea to use their services. Forum rules prevent me from naming any but if you are interested, PM me for further info.

It's yet to be seen how quickly completed applications will be processed in the new Skilled Migrant stream. If you're invited to apply for residence, it usually takes several weeks to gather the info - medicals, police, nzqa etc. After that a general skills application submitted to London could have been processed in a few days if you were lucky or a few weeks if you weren't.

ChrisandDenise · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 14

JCM,

I have looked at the list and cannot find anything at all in relation to accountancy.

Plumbers, electricians, bakers, masons, even hairdressers Confused

I read a couple of weeks ago somewhere that the accounting body in NZ is in such a shambles that other countries will not engage in reciprocal agreements regarding qualifications in accountancy due to to the poor standard of the administration of the accounting body in NZ and NZ accountants who wish to work abroad are finding that their NZ qualifications are not being recognised by other countries.

Perhaps we should go to OZ instead Hmmm

G'day

JCM · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 8:14 pm Post subject:

To set your mind at ease, you could telephone the NZQA and simply ask them in principle about the status of the ACMA qualifiication in NZ.

ChrisandDenise · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 14

JCM,

Do you have a number for them??

Thanks

karltsmith · Posted: Wed Dec 10, 2003 9:23 pm Post subject:

Try the NZQA website at www.nzqa.govt.nz !
Razz

ChrisandDenise · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 14

Thanks Karl

ChrisandDenise · I'll Hang Around A Little Joined: 08 Dec 2003 Posts: 14

Already been there but can't find accountancy Sad

Hairdressing yes Hmmm

Jenkins · Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2003 5:32 pm Post subject:

Hi Chris and Denise,

You can check out the NZIS List of Recognised Qualifications (http://www.immigration.govt.nz/nzis/forms/pdf/nzis1080.pdf) to see if your qualification is recognized. This leaflet will tell you the level (between 1 and 8) and the category (A,B,C or D) of your qualification. I'm not sure if the level/category will still be relevant in the new points system.

If your qualification is not in the List of Recognised Qualifications or if you wish to claim more points for your qualification than are indicated by the List of Recognised Qualifications, you can lodge a formal application for your qualification to be assessed by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA).

JCM · Posted: Thu Dec 11, 2003 8:34 pm Post subject:

Hi Chris and Denise,

Phone the NZQA call centre: +64 4 802 3000

or you can get specific e-mail addresses for different departments of NZQA here:

http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/contact/index.do;jsessionid=59681602261408EAF3EC3031B146936C.tkw