New Zealand will stop accepting at-home Occupational English Test (OET) results for immigration applications from July 13, 2026. Anyone taking the test on or after that date must complete every part of the exam at an authorised, supervised test centre.
The new rule takes effect from midnight on July 12, 2026, New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), and applies only to applicants using OET to meet New Zealand’s English language requirements.
What Is the OET?
The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language proficiency exam designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Unlike general English tests, it measures language skills through real workplace scenarios in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and several other health professions.
Many doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare workers choose OET when applying for jobs and residence in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.