Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Minimum test 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. The table applies to both the principal applicant and the partner (INZ).
| Test | Minimum (principal and partner) |
|---|---|
| IELTS | Overall 5, or 4 in at least 2 of the 4 skills |
| TOEFL iBT | Overall 35, or 2 of: listening 2, reading 2, writing 11, speaking 11 |
| PTE Academic | Overall 36, or 29 in at least 2 skills |
| B2 First / for Schools | Overall 154, or 142 in at least 2 skills |
| OET | Grade D in at least 2 skills, or C in all 4 |
The English lesson option
If you or your partner do not reach the score, you can choose to pay for English lessons when you apply and pay if the visa is approved. INZ's lessons page says that for a Parent Resident Visa you only pay the lowest fee, even if you do not speak or understand English at all (INZ).
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the INZ Parent Resident English page before you book a test or apply. This guide restates the official page; it is not legal or immigration advice.
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Other ways to meet it and who can apply
Each of you can instead show an English-speaking background, which INZ says can be shown through education and qualifications and the use of English in work, family and everyday life.
INZ's alert on the same page says you cannot apply for a Parent Resident Visa if you have any dependent children.
Frequently asked questions
Is the two-skill option really enough?+
Yes. INZ accepts an IELTS overall of 5, or 4 or more in at least 2 of listening, reading, writing and speaking.
Does my partner need the same score?+
Yes. The table sets the same minimums for the partner.
Can we skip the test entirely?+
You can use an English-speaking background, or choose the paid English lesson option instead.
Is the IELTS One Skill Retake accepted?+
Yes. It is on INZ's list of approved tests.
Keep reading
Related
- Paying for English lessons instead of IELTS (NZ)
- TOEFL for New Zealand visas
- Australian parent visas and English
- 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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