WR4.1 English language requirements (21/11/2002)

This provision ceases to be effective from 01/07/2003

1. Applicants must show that they meet a minimum standard of English to ensure their English language ability is sufficient to assist them to obtain employment in New Zealand.
2. To show that they meet a minimum standard of English applicants must provide:
   1. a Test Report Form (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged) from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), showing they achieved an "Overall Band" score of 6.5 or higher in the IELTS General or Academic Module; or
   2. evidence that the qualification(s) for which they have been awarded points was gained as a result of a course or courses of study in which English was the only medium of instruction; or
   3. other evidence which satisfies a visa or immigration officer that, taking account of that evidence and all the circumstances of the application, they meet the minimum standard of English. These circumstances may include but are not limited to:
      • the country in which the applicant currently resides;
      • the country(ies) in which the applicant has previously resided;
      • the duration of residence in each country;
      • whether the applicant speaks any language other than English;
      • whether members of the applicant's family speak English;
      • whether members of the applicant's family speak any language other than English;
      • the nature of the applicant's current or previous employment (if any) and whether that is or was likely to require skill in English language;
      • the nature of the applicant's qualifications (if any) and whether the obtaining of those qualifications was likely to require skill in English language.

        Note: A visa or immigration officer may require an applicant to provide an IELTS certificate in terms of paragraph WR4.1(b) (i) above to determine whether they meet the minimum standard of English. In such cases, the IELTS certificate will be used to determine whether the applicant meets the minimum standard of English.

Effective 21/11/2002