English language test results for residence from work
Find out how you and your family can meet our English language requirements if you are applying for a residence from work visa.
When you apply
If you are applying for the Religious Worker Resident Visa, you must show that you, your
Religious Worker Resident Visa
If you are applying for any of the visas listed below, you do not need to show that you can speak and understand English, but your partner and dependent children do:
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa
- Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident Visa.
Find out more about the visa you are applying for:
Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa
Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa
Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident Visa
How to meet our English language requirements
Principal applicant
If you are the person making the application (the principal applicant) for a Religious Worker Resident Visa, there are 2 ways you can show us that you speak and understand English:
- through your English-speaking background
- 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 when you are applying for any of the visas listed on this page:
- 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
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.
Religious Worker Resident Visa
For the principal applicant for a Religious Worker Resident Visa, their partner and dependent children.
| Test | Principal applicant | Partner or dependent child |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall score of 5 or more | Overall score of 5 or more |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall score of 35 or more | Overall score of 35 or more |
| PTE Academic | Overall score of 36 or more | Overall score of 36 or more |
| B2 First | Overall score of 154 or more | Overall score of 154 or more |
| B2 First for Schools | Overall score of 154 or more | Overall score of 154 or more |
| OET | Grade C or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. | Grade C or higher in all 4 skills: listening, reading, writing and speaking. |
Other residence from work visas
For the partner and dependent children of someone applying for:
- Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident Visa
- Religious Worker Resident Visa
- Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa
- Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident Visa.
The principal applicant does not need to prove that they can speak and understand English for this visa.
| Test | Principal applicant | Partner or dependent child |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS | Not required | Overall score of 5 or more |
| TOEFL iBT | Not required | Overall score of 35 or more |
| PTE Academic | Not required | Overall score of 36 or more |
| B2 First | Not required | Overall score of 154 or more |
| B2 First for Schools | Not required | Overall score of 154 or more |
| OET | Not required | 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 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.