English language test results for an Active Investor Plus Visa
Find out how you can meet our English language requirements for Active Investor Plus Visa applications made before 1 April 2025.
When you apply
You must show that you can speak and understand English when you apply for the Active Investor Plus Visa.
There are no English language requirements for the
Note
Changes were made to the Active Investor Plus Visa on 1 April 2025, making investing in New Zealand more attractive. As part of these changes, the requirement to speak and understand English was removed. The information on this page applies only to people who applied for an Active Investor Plus Visa before 1 April 2025, and who did not transition their application to the new visa.
Investor category update provides attractive investment options
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
- through other evidence of your English language ability
- by taking an English language test.
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
Providing other evidence of your English language ability
You can show us you are a competent user of English because of where you live, your family life, work background and studies. Evidence you meet our minimum standard of English can include:
- the country or countries you live in or used to live in, and how long you were there for
- whether you or your family speak English or any other languages
- whether English language was needed in your current and past work, and at what level
- getting qualifications that needed skill in English language.
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:
- 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 English language test results
If you choose to take an English language test, there is a minimum score you must achieve.
| Test | Principal applicant | Partner or dependent child |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall score of 5 or more | Not required |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 35 or more | Not required |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 36 or more | Not required |
| B2 First | Overall score of 154 or more | Not required |
| B2 First for Schools | Overall score of 154 or more | Not required |
| OET | Grade C or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. | Not required |
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.