English requirements for Green List PR

You are working towards PR in New Zealand, and the Green List may be your pathway.

But one question often comes up. Do you need IELTS, or can you skip it?

The answer depends on your background and your situation.

This guide breaks it down clearly, so you know exactly what applies to you.

Both Green List pathways require you to meet an English standard.

These include:

• Straight to Residence

• Work to Residence

You must show that you can speak and understand English, because you will live and work in New Zealand long-term. Skilled residence visas require a higher level of English than most temporary visas, and Immigration New Zealand checks this carefully during your application.

If you apply under any of the two Green List pathways, you and your family may need to meet English proficiency requirements.

This includes:

• You, as the principal applicant

• Your partner

• Your dependent children aged 16 or older

The rules are the same for both Straight to Residence and Work to Residence pathways, so once you understand this section, you can apply it to either option.

For the principal applicant

You have two ways to show your English ability:

• Through your citizenship, work, or study background

• By taking an approved English test

For partners and dependent children aged 16 or older

They have one extra option available, so they can:

• Show English ability through citizenship, work, or study

• Take an approved English test

• Pay for English language lessons in New Zealand

You may not need to take a test if your background already shows strong English ability. However, you must meet specific conditions and provide clear evidence.

Citizenship with work or study experience

You may not need a test if:

• You are a citizen of the UK, USA, Canada, or Ireland

• You have worked or studied for at least 5 years in one of those countries, or in Australia or New Zealand

Bachelor’s degree from an approved country

You may qualify if:

• Your qualification is comparable to a New Zealand Level 7 bachelor’s degree

• You lived and studied for at least 2 years in:
  Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK, or the USA

Postgraduate qualification (Level 8 or higher)

You may qualify if:

• Your qualification is Level 8 or higher

• You lived and studied for at least 1 year in the same approved countries

You will need to provide your qualification certificate and academic transcript, and in some cases, Immigration New Zealand may ask for an International Qualification Assessment (IQA).

If you cannot prove your English through your background, then you must take an approved test.

Your test must:

• Be taken in person at a test centre

• Meet the required minimum score

• Be less than 2 years old when you apply

Approved English language tests

Immigration New Zealand accepts several tests, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

These include:

• IELTS (Academic or General Training)

• IELTS One Skill Retake (OSR)

• TOEFL iBT

• PTE Academic

• Cambridge B2 First

• OET (for healthcare professionals)

Minimum IELTS score for Green List residence

If you choose IELTS, you must meet the required score for skilled residence.

These scores apply to both Straight to Residence and Work to Residence pathways.

Your result must be less than 2 years old when you apply.

Your partner and children aged 16 or older must also meet the English requirement, but they have more flexibility than the main applicant.

They can:

• Show English ability through their background

• Take an approved English test

• Pay for English language lessons in New Zealand

Paying for English lessons

If your partner or children do not meet the test score, you can choose to pay for English lessons instead. This option is selected during your visa application, and the lessons are taken after they arrive in New Zealand.

In some cases, the cost of lessons may be reduced depending on their test results.

What happens during assessment

Even if you qualify through your background, Immigration New Zealand may still ask for more proof if your documents are not clear.

If that happens, you or your family members may need to take an English test and submit the results.

This is why it is important to prepare your documents carefully from the start.

Meeting the English requirement early can make your Green List PR journey much smoother, and it helps you avoid delays later in the process.

IDP can help you understand whether you need IELTS, choose the right test, and prepare with confidence.

We can also guide you through your full Green List pathway, so you know the next best steps for your situation and migration goals.

Do both Green List pathways require proof of English ability?

Yes. Both Straight to Residence and Work to Residence require you to meet English requirements.

What IELTS score do I need for Green List PR?

You need an overall score of 6.5 as the principal applicant, while your partner or children aged 16 and above need an overall score of 5.

Can I use IELTS Academic or General?

Yes. Immigration New Zealand accepts both formats for visa applications.

How long is IELTS valid?

Your IELTS result must be less than 2 years old at the time you apply.

Can I skip IELTS?

Yes, if you meet the citizenship, study, or work conditions. However, Immigration New Zealand may still ask for additional proof if needed.

What if my family does not meet the score?

You can choose to pay for English lessons for them, but this option is not available for the main applicant.