English language test results for a Parent Resident Visa

Find out how you and your partner can meet our English language requirements if you are applying for a Parent Resident Visa.

When you apply

When you apply for a Parent Resident Visa, you must show that you and your can speak and understand English.

Parent Resident Visa

Alert

If you have any dependent children, you can not apply for this visa.

How to meet our English language requirements

Principal applicant

If you are the person making the application (the principal applicant), there are 3 ways you can show us that you speak and understand English:

  • through your English-speaking background
  • by taking an English language test
  • by paying for lessons in New Zealand.

Partner

There are 3 ways your partner can show us they speak and understand English:

  • through their English-speaking background
  • by taking an English language test
  • by paying for lessons in New Zealand.

Using your background to show English proficiency

You can meet our English language requirements by proving you have an English-speaking background that is at the level needed for your visa.

Your English-speaking background can be shown by your:

  • education and qualifications
  • use of English in your work, family and everyday life.

Meeting English language requirements

English language tests

You can also meet the English language requirement by taking a test.

You will need to sit the test in person at a test centre, and your 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. You can choose which test to take.

Approved English language tests

We accept the following English language tests:

Your English language test results

If you choose to take an English language test, there is a minimum score you need to achieve.

Table 1: Test and minimum score required for Parent Resident Visa
Test Principal applicant Partner
IELTS
  • Overall score of 5 or more, or
  • 4 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Overall score of 5 or more, or
  • 4 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
TOEFL iBT
  • Overall score of 35 or more, or
  • at least 2 of the following scores:
    • 2 or more — listening
    • 2 or more — reading
    • 11 or more — writing
    • 11 or more — speaking.
  • Overall score of 35 or more, or
  • at least 2 of the following scores:
    • 2 or more — listening
    • 2 or more — reading
    • 11 or more — writing
    • 11 or more — speaking.
PTE Academic
  • Overall score of 36 or more, or
  • 29 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Overall score of 36 or more, or
  • 29 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
B2 First
  • Overall score of 154 or more, or
  • 142 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Overall score of 154 or more, or
  • 142 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
B2 First for Schools
  • Overall score of 154 or more, or
  • 142 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Overall score of 154 or more, or
  • 142 or more in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
OET
  • Grade D or higher in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking, or
  • Grade C or higher in all 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking.
  • Grade D or higher in at least 2 of the 4 skills — listening, reading, writing and speaking, or
  • Grade C 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

For the principal applicant and your partner

If you and your partner do not get the minimum test score we require, you can buy English language lessons for yourselves instead.

You choose the lesson option when you apply and pay for the lessons if we approve your visa. This lets you improve your English after you come to New Zealand.

Learning English for families of resident visa applicants

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