What IELTS score does a child need for the NZ Dependent Child Resident Visa?

A child aged 16 or older can show English proficiency through citizenship, work, study and background; take a test; or you can pay for English lessons in New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand accepts seven tests: IELTS General or Academic, IELTS One Skill Retake, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, B2 First, B2 First for Schools and OET. You must sit the test in person at a test centre, at-home tests are not accepted, and the result must be no more than 2 years old when you apply. A discount on the lessons is available depending on test scores.

Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the INZ Dependent Child Resident English page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.

INZ says the requirement applies only if the child was eligible to be included in the parent's original residence application. There are no English requirements for children younger than 16.

For the parent's own requirement on skilled residence visas, see IELTS for the NZ Skilled Migrant Category.