IELTS as proof of English language proficiency in New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand trusts and accepts IELTS as proof of English language proficiency for all visa categories. In fact, IELTS is the only test accepted by all immigration authorities of Australia, the UK, New Zealand and Canada.

For migration to New Zealand, you may need to show that you understand the English language. So, to prove this, Immigration New Zealand can ask you to show that you’ve done an official language test, like IELTS. You may also have to show that in the 2 years before you apply you have gained the minimum scores needed for your visa.

When you migrate to New Zealand and are applying for a visa, you may come across different language proficiency levels. For example, there is functional English and vocational English. But also competent English, proficient English and even superior English. Each of these levels has a different IELTS score.

Full list of New Zealand Visas and IELTS Scores

New Zealand Visa Type	IELTS accepted	Minimum score
Residence visas (primary applicant)	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 6.5 or more
Residence visas (partner and children)	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 5.0 or more
Residence from work	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 5.0 or more
Dependent Child Resident Visa	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 5.0 or more
Parent Resident Visa	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 5.0 or more or IELTS score of 4.0 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 4.0 or more
Entrepreneur Resident Visa	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 4.0 or more
Entrepreneur Work Visa	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 4.0 or more
Global Impact Work Visa	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 6.5 or more
Active Investor Plus Visa	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 5.0 or more
Working Holiday Visa (China)	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 5.5 or more
Working Holiday Visa (Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam)	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	Overall IELTS score of 4.5 or more
Working Holiday Visa (Peru)	IELTS General Training IELTS Academic	IELTS score of 5.0 or more in Speaking and 1 other skill area – Listening, Reading or Writing

It’s a big step to move to a new country. Thankfully, you’re not alone. We’ll help you with some background information about the types of visas are available and what New Zealand has to offer you.

Required Level of English for Migration to New Zealand

The principal applicant, their partner, and any dependent children aged 16 and over must all speak and understand English. Most of the time, Immigration New Zealand asks you to show this in your application with English language test results, such as an official IELTS Test Report Form. Book your IELTS test in New Zealand. But, sometimes you are exempted from taking an English language test.

Exemptions to English Requirements for Immigration New Zealand

If one of the following applies, you don't need to provide test results.

• You are a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom or the United States, and you have spent at least 5 years working or studying in those countries, or Australia or New Zealand.

• You have a qualification similar to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree gained in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States, and you studied for at least 2 years in any of those countries to get that qualification.

• You have a qualification gained in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom or the United States, which is comparable to a postgraduate New Zealand qualification. You must have studied for at least 1 year in any of those countries to get that qualification.

IELTS validity for Immigration New Zealand

If you need test results for your New Zealand visa application, they must be 2 years old or less at the time you apply. If your test results are older than two years, you need to book a test.

Immigration and the law

The content on this page is for general information on immigration to New Zealand and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Legislation about immigration changes frequently. It’s important to check the Immigration New Zealand website for changes that may apply to you. If you are interested in New Zealand student and work visas or looking to migrate permanently, you need to apply with the New Zealand Government. You may consider getting support from a lawyer or registered New Zealand Immigration Consultant.

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