New English Language Requirements for New Zealand Visas in 2025

Are you planning to migrate, study, or work in New Zealand in 2025? Get ready for significant changes! Immigration New Zealand has updated its English language requirements for nearly all visa categories, including Work, Study, Skilled Residence, and Entrepreneur Visas.

These updates are crucial for visa applicants worldwide. Ensuring you meet these new standards will help you avoid application rejections due to English language issues.

Why This Update Matters in 2025

New Zealand is enhancing its immigration system by enforcing stricter English language rules. Here are the key changes:

• Increased minimum test scores for various visa categories.
• The removal of the “English-speaking background” exemption for key visas.
• In-person test results are now mandatory; online test scores are no longer accepted.
• New options for purchasing English lessons for partners and children.

Let’s break down the requirements for each visa pathway.

1. Skilled Residence Visas English Proficiency Requirements

The rules for principal applicants have become stricter. You can no longer rely on your English-speaking environment. You must meet one of the following criteria:

Accepted Proof of English

• Citizenship and work/study history in the UK, US, Canada, Ireland, Australia, or New Zealand.
• Academic qualifications taught in English (Level 7 or higher).
• Language test scores taken in-person within the last 2 years:

2. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) English Requirements

Job Categories:

• ANZSCO Level 1–3 Jobs: No English language requirement.
• ANZSCO Level 4–5 Jobs: Proof of English proficiency is needed.

Accepted Proof:

Citizenship and 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, in-person only):

3. NZ Study Visas & Tertiary Pathways English Requirements

You can still meet English criteria through:

• Previous education in English, such as 5 years of secondary school or 3+ years of tertiary studies.
• Recognized international qualifications, including:
  • Full IB Diploma in English.
  • GCE A Levels (C pass in English subjects).
  • South African Matric with a D in English (higher grade).

If further proof is needed, applicants may be required to take an English language test.

4. Entrepreneur & Business NZ Visas English Requirements

If you’re applying for an Entrepreneur Resident Visa or are an employee of a relocating business, you must meet minimum in-person test scores taken within the last 2 years.

5. NZ Parent Resident Visa & Dependent Family Members

New Zealand offers flexible options for families. Partners and children (16+) can purchase English lessons instead of meeting test score minimums. This option must be selected during the application process.

Discounts apply if an applicant attempted but did not pass the required test. For principal Parent Visa applicants, buying English lessons is also allowed to fulfill the language requirement.

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).
• IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) is accepted if completed within 60 days of the original test date.

What Counts as “English-Speaking Background”?

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.

Be Cautious: This does not apply to Skilled Residence Visas.

Conclusion

These updates to English language requirements are essential for successful visa applications in New Zealand. Ensure you meet the new standards to avoid delays or rejections. Stay informed and prepare accordingly, and you’ll be one step closer to your New Zealand journey!