Understanding English Language requirements for New Zealand work visas

New Zealand has clear rules for proving English proficiency for certain work visas, particularly the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). These rules help ensure that skilled workers can communicate effectively in the workplace and integrate into the community.

Who needs to meet the English requirement

Applicants for an AEWV for jobs at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 must show they can speak and understand English. Those applying for jobs at skill levels 1 to 3, or jobs listed on the National Occupation List (NOL) for AEWV or Specific Purpose or Work Visas, do not have to meet these requirements. Partners and dependent children of AEWV holders are also exempt from English requirements for visitor, student, or work visas.

There are two main ways to demonstrate English ability: through citizenship, work, or study experience, or by taking a recognised English language test.

Taking an English Language Test

Applicants can also meet the requirement by taking an approved English language test in person at a test centre. Remote or at-home tests are not accepted. Accepted tests include:

• IELTS (Academic or General)
• TOEFL iBT
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
• Cambridge English B2 First and B2 First for Schools
• Occupational English Test (OET) for healthcare professionals

Minimum scores differ by test. For example, IELTS applicants must score at least 4 overall, TOEFL iBT requires 31, PTE Academic 29, and Cambridge B2 First 142. For OET, applicants must achieve a grade D or higher in all four skills—listening, reading, writing, and speaking.

Applicants who have previously demonstrated English proficiency to Immigration New Zealand may use that evidence, provided it was not assessed by a third-party organisation such as a school or education provider.

Using Citizenship, Work, or Study Experience

Applicants can meet the English requirement if they have lived, worked, or studied in countries where English is the primary language. Citizenship alone is not enough; the applicant must have spent sufficient time living in these countries. For instance:

• Citizens of Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States must have at least five years of work or study in these countries, or in New Zealand or Australia.
• Those with a bachelor’s degree comparable to a New Zealand level 7 qualification must have studied for at least two years in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the US.
• For postgraduate qualifications at level 8 or above, applicants must have lived in one of these countries for at least one year while studying.

Proof of citizenship can usually be shown via a passport. For academic qualifications, applicants need to provide a certificate and transcript. In some cases, an International Qualification Assessment may be required to confirm that the degree or qualification is recognised in New Zealand.

Preparing for the Application

Meeting English language requirements is a crucial step in the AEWV application process. Applicants should carefully check which option applies to them and ensure they provide the correct evidence. Clear documentation and valid test scores improve the chances of a smooth visa process, allowing skilled workers to take up employment and settle in New Zealand without delays.