Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that the minimum English language requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will be extended to a wider group of occupations. From 1 June 2026, the requirement will apply to ANZSCO and National Occupation List (NOL) skill level 3 occupations.
At present, the requirement applies only to people applying for an AEWV at ANZSCO or NOL skill level 4 or 5. Those applicants must show that they can speak and understand English, which they can do through their English ability gained from citizenship, working or studying, or by sitting an English language test. From 1 June 2026, applicants at skill level 3 will also need to meet this requirement.
According to INZ, extending the English language requirement supports better integration, helps migrants understand their rights and obligations, and helps surface concerns about non-compliant employers.
Who is not affected
INZ says some applications will remain outside the new requirement. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications are not required to meet the minimum standard of English, and the requirement does not apply to Job Change applications.
People already on an AEWV that expires on or before 1 December 2026, and who want to apply for a new AEWV, will not have to meet the new requirements.
Transitional arrangements for people who already have an AEWV
INZ says no one with a current AEWV will be affected retrospectively while their visa is valid. To support fairness and continuity, the following targeted transitional arrangements will apply.
- People with an AEWV whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 will be exempt from the new English language requirement when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3.
- People on an AEWV who have already provided evidence that they can speak and understand English as part of a previous AEWV application will also be exempt.
For migrants, INZ says the change does not affect existing visas, employment, or current lengths of stay. The transitional arrangements are intended to ensure that people already contributing to New Zealand’s workforce are treated fairly and given enough warning to arrange and sit a test and obtain the report before their visas expire. INZ notes that the change also sets clear expectations for future applicants, and that not all individuals will be covered by an exemption.
For employers, INZ says the change provides greater consistency and clarity across skill levels and allows forward planning when recruiting into skill level 3 roles from 1 June 2026.
INZ adds that migrants who apply for an AEWV at skill level 3 from 1 June onwards will need to meet the new English language requirements, even if their employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026.
