New AEWV English language changes in New Zealand

New Zealand announced important changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV).

If your job is classified as Skill Level 4 or 5, you are required to provide evidence of English proficiency. From 1 June 2026, this requirement will also extend to ANZSCO and NOL Skill Level 3 roles, such as community workers, hospitality supervisors, and other service positions.

To meet this requirement, you'll need to take an IELTS test and achieve a minimum overall score of 4.0 to show your ability to communicate in everyday English in common situations.

The government says this will help people work safely, understand their rights, and live in New Zealand more easily.

Do you need IELTS for AEWV?

This is an important change for many migrants. Previously, most people in skill level 3 jobs did not need to show English. Now, those with ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations will need to meet the minimum language requirements .

Skill level 3 jobs include many common roles, such as:

• Hospitality supervisors

• Chefs (not head chefs)

• Retail managers

• Community and support workers

• Trade supervisors

• Some technician roles

You can see the full list of roles on the official Immigration New Zealand classification here: ANZSCO and NOL occupations.

If your job is on this list, you may now need IELTS to show your English level when you apply.

Working in New Zealand: AEWV

If you need to show proof of your English skills for your AEWV application, IELTS is most trusted tests for New Zealand.

The required level of English for your AEWV application is an IELTS overall band score of 4.0. This level means you have basic English skills and can communicate in simple, everyday situations.

Not everyone needs to take a test. You may be exempt if you are from an English-speaking country, such as the UK, the US, or Canada.

For many people, taking IELTS is the easiest and most direct way to meet the requirement. It gives clear proof of your English level and is trusted by Immigration New Zealand.

Understanding an IELTS 4.0 band score

An IELTS score of 4.0 means you have basic English skills.

At this level, you can:

• Talk about simple topics like work and daily life

• Understand basic instructions

• Ask and answer simple questions

However, people at this level may still find it hard to understand fast speech, or talk about new, complex or unfamiliar topics.

This is why the New Zealand Government only asks for “basic, everyday English”. You do not need advanced English for this visa.

Compare Band 4 vs Band 5

Why take an Academic test when you don't need to? The IELTS General Training test examines your English using every-day, non-academic English, and is accepted for migration, secondary education and work experience in New Zealand.*

In New Zealand, you can take the IELTS General Training test on computer and receive your results typically within one day.

*Always check with your migration agent, education consultant or workplace to find out which IELTS test you need.

Reasons to choose General Training

If you were unable to meet your required scores when you first take your IELTS test, you can retake one section of the test with IELTS One Skill Retake.

• To be eligible, you must:

  • have completed a full test on computer at an eligible test centre

  • received your IELTS results

  • book your IELTS One Skill Retake within 60 days of your original test date

Explore IELTS One Skill Retake

Booking your IELTS test for your AEWV is simple and can be done online:

1. Choose a test centre near you

2. Choose your test type (General Training is usually for work visas)

3. Pick your test date

4. Complete the online form and upload your ID

5. Pay the test fee

You can learn more about how to book IELTS here.

After you finish, you will receive a confirmation email. There are many test dates across New Zealand, so you can choose a time that fits your visa plans.

Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the New Zealand Immigration website for changes that may apply to you. You may want to consider getting support from a lawyer or migration agent.

Sources:

Beehive NZ

Immigration New Zealand