Which English language tests are needed for New Zealand skilled residence visas

Applicants seeking skilled residence visas in New Zealand must meet specific English language requirements, either by taking an approved test or by proving their ability through other accepted means, according to official immigration guidelines.

The rules require applicants to take recognised English language tests in person at an authorised test centre. Test results must be no older than two years at the time of application. Authorities do not accept remote or “at home” test formats, making in-person assessment mandatory.

Approved tests and minimum scores

New Zealand accepts a range of standardised English tests. These include the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based test (TOEFL iBT), Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), Cambridge English B2 First, B2 First for Schools, and the Occupational English Test (OET), which is designed for healthcare professionals.


Each test has a minimum score requirement, which differs for the main applicant and accompanying family members.

Test	Principal applicant	Partner / dependent child (16+)
IELTS (General or Academic)	Overall score of 6.5 or more	Overall score of 5 or more
TOEFL iBT	Overall score of 79 or more	Overall score of 35 or more
PTE Academic	Overall score of 58 or more	Overall score of 36 or more
Cambridge B2 First	Overall score of 176 or more	Overall score of 154 or more
Cambridge B2 First for Schools	Overall score of 176 or more	Overall score of 154 or more
OET (Occupational English Test)	Grade C+ or higher in all 4 skills	Grade C or higher in all 4 skills

Different standards for family members

The English language threshold is higher for the principal applicant than for partners and dependent children. This reflects the expectation that the main applicant meets the core eligibility criteria for skilled migration.

If partners or dependent children do not meet the required score, they may still be included in the application through an alternative option. Applicants can choose to pay for English language lessons for them, which they can undertake after arriving in New Zealand. This option is not available to the principal applicant, who must meet the language requirement at the time of application.

Requirements vary by visa type

The English language criteria outlined apply specifically to skilled residence visas. For other visa categories, the required test scores may be lower, and in some cases, applicants may be able to demonstrate English ability through their background instead of formal testing.

Overall, New Zealand’s English language rules aim to ensure that migrants have the communication skills needed for daily life and work, while offering limited flexibility for accompanying family members.