New Zealand Work Visa Rules Just Changed — English Test Now Mandatory for Some Jobs!

If you’re planning to work in New Zealand under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and your job offer falls under ANZSCO level 4 or 5, there’s a crucial new requirement you need to meet.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) now officially requires proof of English language ability for applicants seeking lower-skilled roles. This change directly impacts those aiming for positions in cleaning, hospitality, caregiving, factory work, and other support-level occupations.

Who Needs to Meet the New English Requirement?

This new rule only affects Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applicants in ANZSCO level 4 and 5 jobs, which are generally considered lower-skilled or support-level roles.

✅ You need to meet the English requirement if:

• Your AEWV job offer is listed under ANZSCO level 4 or 5
• Your role is in sectors like aged care, hospitality, cleaning, or production support

❌ You do NOT need to meet this requirement if:

• Your job is in ANZSCO levels 1 to 3 (typically higher-skilled positions)
• You’re applying for a partner or dependent child visa — they are exempt

How to Prove Your English for the AEWV

You’ve got two pathways to show your English proficiency under the new rules.

1. Prove English Through Work, Study, or Citizenship

You can skip the test if:

• You’re a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the UK, the USA, Australia, or New Zealand
  AND
• You’ve lived, worked, or studied there for at least 5 years

Or if you have a recognised qualification from one of these countries:

Degree Type	Minimum Study Duration
Bachelor’s (Level 7)	At least 2 years
Postgraduate (Level 8 or higher)	At least 1 year

What documents will you need?

• Passport
• Degree certificate
• Academic transcript
• Possibly an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) if your qualification isn’t automatically recognised in NZ

2. Take an Approved English Language Test

If you don’t qualify through work or study, don’t worry, you can still meet the requirement by taking an approved English test.

Here’s a breakdown of the minimum scores for AEWV roles at ANZSCO 4 or 5:

English Test	Minimum Score Required
IELTS	Overall score of 4+
TOEFL iBT	31+
PTE Academic	29+
Cambridge B2 First	142+
Cambridge B2 First for Schools	142+
OET (Health roles only)	Grade D+ in all skills

Why This Matters

This change is part of New Zealand’s effort to ensure that workers in customer-facing or safety-sensitive roles can communicate effectively in English. It also aims to maintain work standards and safety in industries where communication is key.

Failing to meet this requirement could result in a rejected visa application, so it’s crucial to get your documents or test results ready before applying.

Final Tips for Applicants

• If you’re unsure about your ANZSCO level, ask your employer or refer to the ANZSCO classification system.
• Consider preparing for an English test early to avoid delays.
• If you already have overseas qualifications, check if an NZQA IQA is required for recognition.
• For accurate visa guidance, consult New Zealand’s official immigration website or a licensed immigration advisor.

Final Thoughts

If you’re eyeing a job in New Zealand under the AEWV and your role is classified at ANZSCO level 4 or 5, make sure you meet the new English language requirement. Whether through citizenship, education, or an approved test, proving your English skills is now a must.

Preparing ahead can make all the difference in securing your visa and starting your journey to work in New Zealand stress-free.