For people seeking to work in New Zealand, being familiar with and proficient in the English language is a key factor in obtaining an Accredited Employer Work visa. The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows individuals to work in New Zealand for an accredited employer offering at least 30 hours per week, or study for up to 3 months in a 12-month period.

You need to find out if you meet the English language requirement for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), if you have been offered a role at ANZSCO level 4 or 5.

If you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at ANZSCO level 4 or 5 you must show that you can speak and understand English. You can meet our English language requirements through your citizenship, where you studied and the qualifications you gained or through English language tests.

There are no English language requirements if you are applying for an AEWV for a job that is at ANZSCO level 1 to 3.

You will not required to sit for a test if you have spent at least 5 years working or studying in person in 1 of these countries – Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States.
Another way to show your English language ability is through getting an acceptable result in an English language test.

In 2023 the International English Language Test System (IELTS) provider introduced a One Skill Retake option for both their Academic and General Training tests. The IELTS One Skill Retake must be completed within 60 days of the original test date.

English Language Test Results: Minimum Score

For the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score required is 4 overall.

Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFLiBT): 31 overall

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 29 overall

Cambridge English B2 First: 142 overall

Cambridge English B2 First for Schools: 142 overall

Occupational English Test (OET): Grade D or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

If your job token is expiring before June 30, 2024

If your job token is expiring before 30 June 2024 New Zealand office will also accept evidence of your English language test booking when you submit your AEWV application. Job token is a unique number that represents one of the jobs an accredited employer is approved to hire migrants for.