New English Requirements of New Zealand Work, Study, Residence, and Investor Visas in 2025
Are you planning to migrate, study, or work in New Zealand in 2025? Buckle up — because Immigration New Zealand has rolled out major updates to its English language requirements across almost all visa categories, including Work Visas, Study Visas, Skilled Residence Visas, and Entrepreneur Visas.
This is not just a technical update — it’s a game-changer for visa applicants worldwide. Read on to make sure you’re fully prepared and don’t risk rejection over English language issues.
Why This Update Matters in 2025
In a move to streamline and strengthen its immigration system, New Zealand is enforcing tougher and more structured English language rules. These updates:
- Raise the minimum required test scores for various visa categories.
- Remove the ability to rely solely on “English-speaking background” for key visas.
- Demand in-person test results only — home/online test scores are now invalid.
- Introduce options like purchasing English lessons for partners and children.
Let’s break it down clearly for each visa pathway.
1# Skilled Residence Visas English Proficiency Requirements
Stricter Language Rules for Principal Applicants – You can no longer rely on your English-speaking environment or work background. You must now meet one of the following:
✅ Accepted Proof of English:
- Citizenship + Work/Study History in countries like the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
- Academic qualification taught in English (Level 7 or higher).
Language Test Scores within 2 years (In-Person Only):
| Acceptable Formats of English Test | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic/General/OSR) | 6.5 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 overall |
| PTE Academic | 58 overall |
| Cambridge English B2 First | 176 overall |
| OET | Grade C+ in all skills |
2# Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) English Requirements
- ANZSCO Level 1–3 Jobs: No English language requirement.
- ANZSCO Level 4–5 Jobs: Applicants must provide evidence of English proficiency.
✅ Accepted Proof: Citizenship + 5 years of study/work in NZ, Australia, UK, US, Canada, or Ireland OR one of the following test scores (no older than 2 years and in-person only):
| ENlish Test acceptable for aewv visa | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic/General/OSR) | 4.0 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 31 overall |
| PTE Academic | 29 overall |
| Cambridge English B2 First | 142 overall |
| OET | Grade D in all skills |
3# NZ Study Visas & Tertiary Pathways English Requirements
Applicants may still meet English criteria through:
- Past education in English (e.g., 5 years of secondary school in English or 3+ years of tertiary studies)
- Recognized international qualifications, such as:
- Full IB Diploma in English
- GCE A Levels (C pass with English subjects)
- South African Matric with D in English (higher grade).
Note: If further proof is required, applicants may be asked to sit an English language test.
4# Entrepreneur & Business NZ Visas English Requisities
Whether you are:
- Applying for an Entrepreneur Resident Visa
- An employee of a relocating business
You must meet minimum English test scores taken in-person within the last 2 years.
| English Test for Entrepreneur & business visas | Minimum Score |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic/General/OSR) | 4.0 overall |
| TOEFL iBT | 31 overall |
| PTE Academic | 29 overall |
| Cambridge English B2 First | 142 overall |
| OET | Grade D in all skills |
5# NZ Parent Resident Visa & Dependent Family Members
New Zealand is offering a flexible option for families:
- Partners and children (16+) can purchase English lessons instead of meeting test score minimums.
- This option must be selected and paid during the application.
- Discounts apply if the applicant attempted but didn’t pass the required test.
For principal Parent Visa applicants, buying English lessons is also allowed as a way to fulfill the language requirement.
New Zealand English Tests: Acceptable & Unacceptable Formats
✅ Must Be:
-
- Taken in person
- No older than 2 years
❌ NOT Accepted:
-
-
Tests taken online or at home (e.g., remote IELTS, TOEFL Home Edition).
-
Also, IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is now accepted, if completed within 60 days of the original test date.
What Counts as “English-Speaking Background” (Still Accepted in Some Cases)?
For non-residence visas, you may still rely on:
-
- Living in an English-speaking country for several years
- Using English in work or daily life
- Holding a degree taught in English.
But BEWARE: This does not apply to Skilled Residence Visas.
References
- https://www.immigration.govt.nz/process-to-apply/applying-for-a-visa/providing-evidence-and-documents-to-support-your-visa-application/english-language-requirements/meeting-english-language-requirements/
- https://ielts.co.nz/newzealand/about/what-is-ielts/ielts-in-new-zealand/english-language-test-for-new-zealand-visas.
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