English language test results for entrepreneurs and employees relocating to New Zealand

You must show that you can speak and understand English when you apply for the following business visas:

• Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa
• Entrepreneur Resident Visa
• Entrepreneur Work Visa.

Your and any dependent children must also meet this requirement for:

• Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa
• Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

There are no English language requirements for the partner or children of someone applying for an Entrepreneur Work Visa.

Find out more about the visas you are applying for:

Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa

Entrepreneur Resident Visa

Entrepreneur Work 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
• through other evidence of your English language ability
• by taking an English language test.

Partner and dependent children

There are 3 ways your partner, and any dependent children aged 16 or older, 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.

There are no English language requirements for children younger than 16.

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 need to achieve.

Business visas

For the principal applicant, their partner and dependent children applying for:

• Employees of Relocating Business Resident Visa
• Entrepreneur Resident Visa.

Entrepreneur Work Visa

For the principal applicant for an Entrepreneur Work Visa.

There are no English language requirements for the partner or children of someone applying for an Entrepreneur Work Visa.

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 principal applicants

Principal applicants for these visas cannot use the English lesson option as a way to meet our English language requirements.

For your partner and dependent children

If your partner and dependent children aged 16 or older do 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 partner and dependent children improve their English after they come to New Zealand.

A discount is available for the lessons, dependent on the test scores.

Learning English for families of resident visa applicants