English language test results for a Dependent Child Resident Visa

Find out which English language test results are acceptable if you are applying for a Dependent Child Resident Visa.

English language test results we accept

Your English language test results

Your result must be no more than 2 years old at the time you apply and must be obtained by sitting the test in person at a test centre. Tests taken remotely outside of a test centre, such as ‘at home’ tests are not acceptable.

IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)

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.

Cambridge language assessments

The Cambridge English: First (FCE) is now called B2 First.

The Cambridge English: First for Schools (FCE) is now called B2 First for Schools.

Children of skilled residence visa holders

Check Table 1 to find out which test results we accept for dependent children aged 16 or older who were eligible to be included in a skilled  residence visa application.

Dependent children

English language requirements for skilled residence visas

Table 1: English language test results we accept
Test Minimum score you need

International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

5 overall

Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)

35 overall

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

36 overall

Cambridge English B2 First

154 overall

Cambridge B2 First for Schools

154 overall

Occupational English Test (OET)
Paper or computer-based test

Grade C or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

You need this score in all 4 skills because there is no overall grade for this test.

Children of business visa holders

Check Table 2 to find out which English language test results we accept for dependent children aged 16 or older who were eligible to be included in a residence application under any of these business visas:

  • Entrepreneur Resident Visa
  • Investor 2 Resident Visa
  • Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa.
Table 2: English language test results we accept
Test Minimum score you need

International English Language Testing System (IELTS):

4 overall

Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)

31 overall

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

29 overall

Cambridge English B2 First

142 overall

Cambridge B2 First for Schools

142 overall

Occupational English Test (OET)
Paper or computer-based test

Grade D or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking.

You need a score of Grade D or higher in all 4 skills as there is no overall grade for this test.

Other ways to show English proficiency

Instead of taking an English language test, you can meet our English language requirements by:

  • proving you have an English-speaking background that is at the level needed for your visa
  • purchasing English language lessons as part of your visa application.

English-speaking background
Learning English after you come to New Zealand