Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Minimum scores
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. (INZ)
| Test | Principal, partner or dependent child |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall 4 or more |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 31 or more |
| PTE Academic | Overall 29 or more |
| B2 First / for Schools | Overall 142 or more |
| OET | Grade D or higher in all 4 skills |
Ways to meet it
Principal applicant: an English-speaking background; other evidence such as where you have lived, family language, English use at work and qualifications that needed English; or a test.
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Partners and children
Your partner and children aged 16 or older can use an English-speaking background, a test, or paid English lessons in New Zealand, with a discount on lessons depending on test scores. Children under 16 have no requirement.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the INZ entrepreneur English page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can the principal applicant pay for lessons instead?+
No. INZ says principal applicants for these visas cannot use the English lesson option.
Does my partner need the same score?+
Yes, IELTS 4 overall, or they can use an English-speaking background or paid lessons.
Is this the same as the Active Investor Plus rule?+
No. INZ removed the English requirement for the Active Investor Plus Visa from 1 April 2025.
Is an at-home test accepted?+
No. You must sit it in person at a test centre.
Keep reading
Related
- NZ Active Investor Plus visa and English
- NZ Dependent Child Resident Visa English
- Paying for English lessons instead of IELTS (NZ)
- All 3112 guides
Guide updated on 30 October 2026. Individual prices and policies may have earlier observation dates. Confirm current details on the linked official pages before you book or apply.
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