New rules for New Zealand visa from June 1: English language requirements tightened for low-level workers

Applying for New Zealand work visa? Improve your English

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.