Media release
Update on English language testing for immigration applications
Published
29 June 2026
From midnight 12 July 2026 New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), you must take all parts of the Occupational English Test (OET) in person at a supervised test centre. You will not be able to complete the test online from home.
OET is an English language test commonly used by applicants working in the health sector.
From midnight 12 July 2026 NZST, we will only accept in-person tests for applications where OET is used as the English language test. This change means that all parts of the English test must be completed in person at a supervised testing facility.
This change helps:
- keep the testing process fair for everyone
- protects the integrity of the immigration system, and
- make sure results reflect each person’s own skills and ability.
If you have already completed an at home OET or will complete the test by Sunday 12 July 2026, you can still use those results for your application.
If you take the test on or after 13 July 2026, you must go to a test centre.
We understand this change will require adjustments for some people and is working closely with OET to support a smooth transition and minimise disruption.