English Language Requirements For NZ Skilled Residence Visas

January 2, 2024

Several options are available to meet Immigration New Zealand’s (INZ) English language requirements for NZ visas on a Skilled Residence Pathway.

Principal applicants can fulfil INZ English language requirements through citizenship, educational background, and qualifications, or English language tests.

Partners and dependent children who are 16 years old or above have the option to fulfil INZ’s English language requirements. This can be achieved not only through citizenship, qualifications obtained, or English language tests but also by opting for English language lessons to enhance their language proficiency after arriving in New Zealand.

There are three scenarios where New Zealand Immigration (INZ) can be confident in your or your family members’ English language ability:

• Scenario 1: If you hold citizenship in Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States and have spent a minimum of 5 years studying or working in person in one of these countries, as well as in Australia or New Zealand.
• Scenario 2: If you possess a qualification equivalent to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree, which you obtained in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States. Additionally, you must have studied for at least 2 years in any of these countries while physically present there to qualify.
• Scenario 3: If you have a qualification comparable to a New Zealand postgraduate qualification at level 8 or above, achieved in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States. In this case, you should have studied for at least 1 year in any of these countries while physically located there to obtain the qualification.

Please note that these three scenarios are examples, and specific requirements may vary depending on individual circumstances. It is advisable to visit INZ’s official website for the most current and detailed information.

Citizenship can be verified through the passport details provided, and additional evidence of citizenship or residency is not required unless specifically requested by INZ. INZ may require copies of qualification certificates and academic transcripts to verify educational background, and overseas qualifications may need to be assessed against the New Zealand Credentials and Qualifications Framework.

The principal applicant is required to achieve a higher language test result, while partners and dependent children aged 16 or older can meet the requirement with a lower test score.

It is important to note that test results must not be older than 2 years at the time of application. In some cases, if there are concerns with a home-based test, INZ may require the applicant to take another test at a test center.

If your partner and dependent children aged 16 or older do not meet the minimum test score required, you have the option to purchase English language lessons for them. The lesson option can be selected during the application process, and the lessons can be paid for if the visa application is approved. This allows your partner and dependent children to improve their English skills after arriving in New Zealand. Discounts on lessons are available based on test scores.

It is important to note that principal applicants for skilled residence visas cannot use English lessons as a means to meet INZ English language requirements.

For non-skilled residence visas, the required level of English is lower. Lower English language test results are accepted, and having an English-speaking background can also contribute to demonstrating English language ability.

Please refer to your specific visa requirements to determine if any minimum English language requirements must be met. Some visa types may not have English language requirements, e.g., Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

If you have any questions or require immigration advice regarding your immigration-related circumstances or matters, please contact  Immigration Advisers New Zealand Ltd at [email protected] We will be able to assist you and provide the necessary guidance.