New Zealand is tightening English language requirements for mid-skilled work visa applicants, aiming to improve workers' rights awareness and integration starting next month.
New Zealand will extend its AEWV English language requirement (IELTS 4.0) to ANZSCO skill level 3 roles starting June 2026, previously applied only to levels 4 and 5. Companies sponsoring mid-skilled international hires for NZ roles must now factor the language threshold into candidate screening, ahead of two new residency pathways opening in August.
The changes will come into effect next month
May 25, 2026
01:16 pm
What's the storyNew Zealand is tightening its English language requirements for mid-skilled jobs under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) program.
The changes, coming into effect next month, will apply to ANZSCO and National Occupation List skill level 3 roles. Currently, these requirements are applicable only to skill levels 4 and 5.
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