TL;DR — IELTS for New Zealand Immigration
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa requires a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5 for the principal applicant. Partners and dependent children (16+) need 5.0 overall. INZ accepts both IELTS Academic and General Training. Results must be less than two years old. INZ also accepts IELTS One Skill Retake. Changes to the SMC visa are scheduled for 24 August 2026.
Originally published July 2026. Last reviewed 3 July 2026.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requires English language proficiency for all skilled residence visa applications. This guide covers IELTS score requirements, alternative tests, and pathways for meeting the English standard, based on information published on the official INZ website.
Skilled Residence Visas Covered
The English language requirements detailed in this guide apply to the following New Zealand visa categories:
Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Straight to Residence Visa, Work to Residence Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, and Transport Work to Residence Visa.
A higher standard of English is required for skilled residence visas than for other residence visa types.
Source: Immigration New Zealand — English language requirements for skilled residence visas.
Minimum Test Scores for Skilled Residence Visas
| Test | Principal Applicant | Partner / Dependent Child (16+) |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall 6.5 or more | Overall 5.0 or more |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 79 or more | Overall 35 or more |
| PTE Academic | Overall 58 or more | Overall 36 or more |
| Cambridge B2 First | Overall 176 or more | Overall 154 or more |
| OET | Grade C+ or higher (all 4 skills) | Grade C or higher (all 4 skills) |
There are no English language requirements for dependent children younger than 16.
Source: Immigration New Zealand — Test and minimum score requirements table.
Approved English Language Tests
Immigration New Zealand accepts the following tests for skilled residence visa applications:
| Test | Accepted Variants | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Academic or General Training | Both modules accepted |
| IELTS One Skill Retake | OSR | Accepted by INZ |
| TOEFL iBT | Internet-Based Test | In-person only; at-home tests not accepted |
| PTE Academic | PTE Academic | Standard version |
| Cambridge | B2 First / B2 First for Schools | Both variants accepted |
| OET | Occupational English Test | Healthcare professionals only |
All tests must be taken in person at a test centre. Tests taken remotely or “at home” are not acceptable. Results must be no more than two years old at the time you apply.
Key distinction: Unlike Canada’s Express Entry (which only accepts IELTS General Training), New Zealand accepts both IELTS Academic and General Training for all skilled residence visas.
Meeting English Requirements Without a Test
INZ allows principal applicants to demonstrate English proficiency without a test under specific circumstances:
Citizenship pathway
Citizens of Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, or the United States who have spent at least five years working or studying in one of these countries, or in Australia or New Zealand.
Bachelor’s degree pathway
A qualification comparable to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor’s degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, or the United States — with at least two years of residence in that country while studying.
Postgraduate qualification pathway
A qualification comparable to a New Zealand postgraduate qualification (level 8 or above) from the same countries listed above — with at least one year of residence while studying.
Source: Immigration New Zealand — Using citizenship, work and study to show English ability.
Partners and Dependent Children
Partners and dependent children aged 16 or older have three options for meeting the English requirement: demonstrating English ability through citizenship, work and study (same pathways as above); taking an approved English language test (minimum IELTS 5.0 overall); or paying for English language lessons in New Zealand.
The English lesson option is available only for partners and dependent children — principal applicants cannot use this pathway. If a partner or dependent child does not achieve the minimum test score, the principal applicant can purchase English lessons for them to complete after arriving in New Zealand. A discount on lessons is available depending on the test scores achieved.
Upcoming Changes: August 2026
Immigration New Zealand has announced changes to the Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa taking effect on 24 August 2026. Applicants should verify the latest requirements on the official INZ website before applying, as English language requirements and points allocations may be affected.
Source: Immigration New Zealand — Final details about changes to the SMC Resident Visa.
Key Takeaways
- The Skilled Migrant Category requires a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5 for the principal applicant and 5.0 for partners/dependents (16+).
- INZ accepts both IELTS Academic and General Training — unlike Canada, which only accepts General Training for Express Entry.
- IELTS One Skill Retake is accepted by INZ — unlike Canada (IRCC), which explicitly rejects OSR results.
- Citizens of Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the US may be exempt from testing if they have at least five years of work or study experience in these or other specified countries.
- Changes to the SMC visa take effect on 24 August 2026 — check the INZ website for updated requirements before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What IELTS score do I need for New Zealand PR?
The Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa requires a minimum IELTS overall score of 6.5. There is no minimum section score requirement — only the overall score matters for eligibility.
Can I use IELTS Academic for New Zealand immigration?
Yes. Unlike some other countries, Immigration New Zealand accepts both IELTS Academic and IELTS General Training for all skilled residence visa categories.
Does New Zealand accept IELTS One Skill Retake?
Yes. INZ explicitly lists IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) as an approved test for skilled residence visas.
What if my partner doesn’t meet the English test score?
Partners and dependent children who don’t achieve the minimum test score can meet the requirement by purchasing English language lessons in New Zealand instead. A discount is available based on their test scores.
How long is my IELTS score valid for New Zealand?
Your test result must be no more than two years old at the time you submit your visa application.
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