AEWV Visa Update: New English Requirements for Skill Level 3 Roles

Planning to work in New Zealand? This latest AEWV visa update may affect how you prepare your visa application.

From 1 June 2026, Immigration New Zealand expanded English language requirements to ANZSCO and National Occupation List (NOL) Skill Level 3 occupations under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). 

That means some workers who may not have needed proof of English proficiency before may now need to show it as part of their visa application.

Here’s what this AEWV visa update means, who may be affected, and how IELTS may fit into your visa planning

The latest Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) visa update expands English language requirements to Skill Level 3 occupations from 1 June 2026.

Before this change, AEWV English requirements mainly applied to Skill Level 4 and 5 roles.

Some current AEWV holders applying for another AEWV may also be affected. Transitional exemptions may apply depending on visa timing.

What IELTS score is needed for AEWV?

You’ll need an IELTS Academic or IELTS General Training with an overall band score of 4.0 to apply for an AEWV.

"With the AEWV changes now including skill level 3 roles, we are advising clients to take a reliable test like IELTS to avoid any risk or delays."

— Reina Tang , Licensed Immigration Adviser

Can I use IELTS Academic or General Training for AEWV?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand accepts both:

• IELTS Academic

• IELTS General Training

That gives workers flexibility depending on their broader work, study, or migration plans.

This update is meant to help workers communicate more clearly at work and better understand their rights.

“English language ability supports better integration outcomes and helps migrants understand their rights and obligations in the workplace.”

- Immigration Minister, Erica Stanford, in the New Zealand government website’s press release, 25 May 2026.

This update may also matter if you are thinking about longer-term migration plans in New Zealand.

Some people who come to New Zealand for mid-skilled roles may later explore skilled residence pathways. Starting with a basic level of English may help support those plans.

If you’re applying for an AEWV under a Skill Level 3 role, this update may now apply to you.

What is a Skill Level 3 occupation?

A Skill Level 3 occupation generally refers to a role that needs a moderate level of training, technical skill, or practical experience.

Immigration New Zealand uses occupation classifications like the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) and the National Occupation List (NOL) to determine a job’s skill level.

Does this AEWV visa update apply to both jobs in the NOL and ANZSCO?

Yes. The expanded AEWV English requirement applies to both NOL and ANZSCO Skill Level 3 occupations. New Zealand is currently transitioning from ANZSCO to the newer National Occupation List (NOL) system. That's why the update mentions both occupation systems during this transition period.

Which industries are commonly linked to this update?

Government messaging and public reporting often highlight sectors such as:

• trades

• hospitality

• service-based occupations

• mid-skilled workforce roles

These are examples only. They are not a complete list of occupations.

If you’re unsure whether your role falls under Skill Level 3, you can check this list of NOL and ANZSCO occupations that need an English test for AEWV application.

Know whether you need IELTS for your role

This update will not affect everyone in the same way. Whether you need to meet the new English requirement depends on your visa type, when you apply, and whether you qualify for an exemption.

Here are the main situations to know.

You need to meet the expanded AEWV English requirement if... 

• You are applying for a new AEWV at Skill Level 3 from 1 June 2026.

This applies even if your employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026. What matters most is when you lodge your visa application. 

• You are a future AEWV applicant under an eligible Skill Level 3 role.

If you plan to apply for an AEWV later under a Skill Level 3 occupation, this update should now be part of your visa planning.

You won’t need to meet the expanded AEWV English requirement if... 

• Your AEWV expires on or before 1 December 2026.

You are exempt if you already hold an AEWV that expires on or before 1 December 2026 and later apply for another AEWV at Skill Level 3.

This transitional arrangement was made, so current workers are not suddenly affected while they are already contributing to New Zealand’s workforce. 

It also gives them fair notice to prepare for future English requirements before applying again.

• You already showed English proof in a previous AEWV application.

If you already provided accepted English evidence in an earlier AEWV application, you may not need to meet the new English requirement again.

• You are applying under a Global Workforce Seasonal Visa or Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV.

These visa pathways are excluded from the new English rule.

• You are making a Job Change application.

The expanded English requirement does not apply to Job Change applications.

If you are unsure whether this AEWV update applies to you

Check your visa type, expiry date, and whether you are applying for a new AEWV or another visa-related change.

The main thing to remember is this: new Skill Level 3 AEWV applicants from 1 June 2026 may need English proof, while some current workers and specific visa types may be exempt.

If you’re unsure how this may affect your visa plans, it may help to get advice early. IDP’s migration experts can help you better understand your situation, get clarity on AEWV requirements, and guide you through your next steps if you are exploring AEWV-related applications or a longer-term migration planning in New Zealand.

This AEWV visa update may seem small, but for some workers, it could directly affect visa timing, English proof, and application planning.

If you’re applying for a Skill Level 3 AEWV role, now is a good time to check whether English evidence may apply to you. 

IELTS is a globally recognised English test that is also accepted for all New Zealand visa applications.

At IELTS, we help you achieve your target scores the first time by providing you with a wide range of free preparation materials and a full IELTS mock test.

If you don’t meet your target scores on one part of the test, you can also take an IELTS One Skill Retake. 

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) officially accepts the IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR) across all visa categories.

Book IELTS now

What is the latest AEWV visa update in New Zealand?

From 1 June 2026, New Zealand expanded AEWV English language requirements to Skill Level 3 occupations.

Do all AEWV applicants now need IELTS?

No. This update doesn’t mean every AEWV applicant must take IELTS. Some applicants may qualify through other accepted English evidence.

What IELTS score is needed for AEWV?

An overall band score of 4.0 in IELTS Academic or General Training meets the minimum requirement for an AEWV application.

Can I use IELTS General Training for AEWV?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand accepts both IELTS General Training and IELTS Academic for this pathway.

Do current AEWV holders need to meet this AEWV visa update?

Some may, depending on visa expiry dates, future AEWV applications, and transitional rules.

Does this AEWV visa update affect permanent residency?

No. This update is specific to AEWV English requirements and should not be treated as a permanent residency policy change.