New Zealand Extends English Test to Skill Level 3 Work Visas
The changes will also let Growth category investors direct up to 20% of their funds to philanthropic gifts, officials said.
- On Monday, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford announced New Zealand will extend English language requirements to ANZSCO skill level 3 roles and allow philanthropic gifts for Active Investor Plus Visa Growth applicants starting June 1.
- Stanford emphasized that requiring a "minimum of basic, everyday English" ensures workers understand their rights and engage effectively in the community, particularly for mid-skilled roles with aspirations for residence.
- The required baseline is IELTS 4.0 or equivalent, demonstrating basic English proficiency; applying this to level 3 roles aligns them with existing requirements for skill levels 4 and 5.
- Active Investor Plus Visa Growth applicants may allocate up to 20 percent of their $5 million minimum investment to philanthropic gifts, capped at $1 million, starting June 1.
- While Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications remain exempt from English requirements, workers have up to five years to meet higher standards for residence pathways launching in August.
15 Articles
15 Articles
New Zealand to ease golden visa investment criteria to allow philanthropy
Demand for New Zealand's golden visa — which offers residency in exchange for investments — has been strong since the government revamped the rules in April 2025.
New Zealand tightens English language rules, expands investor visa options
Investor migrants can allocate up to 20% of their investment up to NZ$1 million to philanthropic gifts, with the rest in higher-growth assets. (EPA Images pic) WELLINGTON: New Zealand will tighten English language rules for mid-skilled work visa applicants while expanding philanthropy options for investor migrants, immigration minister Erica Stanford said on Monday. The changes, effective from June 1, cover the Accredited Employer Work Visa and …
New Zealand tightens English standards, widens philanthropy options for visas
New Zealand will tighten English language rules for mid-skilled work visa applicants while expanding philanthropy options for investor migrants, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said on Monday.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium













