New Zealand to widen English rule for work visa applicants

New Zealand will extend minimum English language requirements under the Accredited Employer Work Visa to more mid-skilled jobs from the beginning of next month.

The rule will apply to ANZSCO and National Occupation List skill level 3 roles. It already applies to skill levels 4 and 5.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said skill level 3 now forms the largest part of the AEWV group.


"Being able to communicate in basic, everyday English ensures that workers understand their rights and engage effectively at work and in the community while they are here," Stanford said.

The required level will remain IELTS 4.0 or an equivalent standard.

"The required standard is the current baseline (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent), which demonstrates basic, everyday English for common situations, not a high or advanced level of English," she said.

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Stanford said the change comes ahead of two new skilled residence pathways due in August.

She said people coming to New Zealand for "mid-skilled roles with aspirations for residence" should arrive with a "minimum of basic, everyday English".

"They will then have up to five years to meet the higher level of English required for residence," she said.

The rule will not apply to Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications.

The government will also expand the Active Investor Growth category from 1 June. Applicants will be allowed to include philanthropic gifts of up to 20 percent of their total investment.

Stanford said the change would allow investors to support charities and some Department of Conservation projects, while keeping the category focused on active investment.