English language test results for a Dependent Child Resident Visa
Find out how to meet our English language requirements if you are applying for a Dependent Child Resident Visa.
When you apply
The holders of some visas must show that their dependent child can speak and understand English when they apply for a Dependent Child Resident Visa. This applies only if the child was eligible to be included in their parent's original application.
This is a requirement for dependent children of the following skilled residence visa holders:
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
- General Skills category
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Straight to Residence Visa
- Transport Work to Residence Visa
- Work to Residence Visa.
English language requirements for skilled residence visas
It is also a requirement for the dependent children of the following business visa holders:
- Entrepreneur Resident Visa
- Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa.
English language test results for entrepreneurs and employees relocating to New Zealand
Note
If you (the visa holder) have a skilled residence visa, the English language requirement for your dependent child is higher than if you have a business visa.
How to meet our English language requirements
There are 3 ways a dependent child, aged 16 or older, can show us they speak and understand English:
- by proving their English language proficiency is at the level needed for the visa
- by taking an English language test
- by paying for lessons in New Zealand.
There are no English language requirements for children younger than 16.
- Canada
- Ireland
- United Kingdom
- United States.
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States.
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- New Zealand
- United Kingdom
- United States.
- education and qualifications
- use of English in their work, family and everyday life.
Using your child's citizenship, work and study to show English proficiency
Your child's citizenship, work or study experience may satisfy the English language requirements where at least one of the following situations apply, and evidence can be provided:
Citizenship
Your child is a citizen of one of the countries listed below. They must have spent at least 5 years working or studying in one of these countries, or in Australia or New Zealand.
Bachelor's degree
Your child has a qualification that is comparable with a New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree gained in one of the countries listed below. They would need to have lived in one of these countries while studying for the qualification for at least 2 years.
Postgraduate qualification
Your child has a qualification that is comparable with a New Zealand postgraduate qualification at level 8 or above gained in one of the countries listed below. They would need to have lived in one of these countries while studying the qualification for at least 1 year.
How to provide evidence
We can confirm your child's citizenship by viewing their passport details. They do not need to provide any more evidence of their citizenship or where they have lived, unless we ask for it.
For evidence of their qualifications and where they studied, we need a copy of their qualification certificate and academic transcript.
They may need to get an International Qualification Assessment (IQA) to show that their qualifications can be used in New Zealand:
Using your child's background to show English proficiency
Your child can meet our English language requirements by proving they have an English-speaking background that is at the level needed for your visa.
Your child's English-speaking background can be shown by their:
English language tests
Your child can meet the English language requirement by taking a test.
They will need to sit the test in person at a test centre, and their result must be no more than 2 years old at the time you apply. Tests taken remotely outside of a test centre, such as 'at home' tests are not acceptable. They can choose which test to take.
Approved English language tests
We accept the following English language tests:
- General or Academic module — International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- One Skill Retake (OSR) — International English Language Testing System (IELTS)
- Test of English as a Foreign Language internet-Based Test (TOEFL iBT)
- Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)
- B2 First — Cambridge English (B2 First)
- B2 First for Schools — Cambridge English (B2 First for Schools)
- Occupational English Test (OET) — designed for health care professionals
Your child's English language test results
If your child chooses to take an English language test, there is a minimum score they need to achieve.
Children of skilled residence visa holders
For children applying for a dependent child resident visa who were eligible to be included in their parent's previous application for:
- Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
- Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa
- Straight to Residence Visa
- Transport Work to Residence Visa
- Work to Residence Visa.
English language requirements for skilled residence visas
| Test | Dependent child |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall score of 5 or more |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 35 or more |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 36 or more |
| B2 First | Overall score of 154 or more |
| B2 First for Schools | Overall score of 154 or more |
| OET | Grade C or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. |
Children of business visa holders
For children applying for a dependent child resident visa who were eligible to be included in their parent's previous application for:
- Entrepreneur Resident Visa
- Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa.
English language test results for entrepreneurs and employees relocating to New Zealand
| Test | Dependent child |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall score of 4 or more |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 31 or more |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 29 or more |
| B2 First | Overall score of 142 or more |
| B2 First for Schools | Overall score of 142 or more |
| OET | Grade D or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. |
About the Occupational English Test
The Occupational English Test (OET) is a paper or computer-based test. You need to reach the required score in all 4 skills because there is no overall grade for this test.
Paying for English language lessons
If your dependent child aged 16 or older does not get the minimum test score we require, you can buy English language lessons for them instead.
You choose the lesson option when you apply and pay for the lessons if we approve your visa. This lets your dependent child improve their English after they come to New Zealand.
A discount is available for the lessons, dependent on the test scores.