Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Who needs what
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)
| Visa | Principal applicant | Partner or child 16+ |
|---|---|---|
| Religious Worker Resident | IELTS 5 overall | IELTS 5 overall |
| Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident | Not required | IELTS 5 overall |
| Talent (Arts, Culture, Sports) Resident | Not required | IELTS 5 overall |
| Long Term Skill Shortage List Resident | Not required | IELTS 5 overall |
Equivalent scores and alternatives
The same level in other tests is TOEFL iBT 35, PTE Academic 36, B2 First or B2 First for Schools 154, or OET grade C in all 4 skills.
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Alternatives to a test
A Religious Worker principal can use an English-speaking background or a test. Partners and children 16 or older can use an English-speaking background, a test, or paid English lessons in New Zealand. Children under 16 have no requirement.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the INZ residence from work 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
I hold a Talent visa. Do I need IELTS for residence?+
Not as the principal applicant for the Talent (Accredited Employer) Resident Visa, INZ says. Your partner and children 16+ do.
What if my partner fails the test?+
You can pay for English lessons for them in New Zealand instead.
Is Work to Residence covered here?+
No. INZ groups Work to Residence with the skilled residence visas, which have a different English page.
Can my partner use IELTS General Training?+
Yes. INZ lists the IELTS General or Academic module.
Keep reading
Related
- IELTS for the NZ Skilled Migrant Category
- IELTS for the NZ AEWV
- 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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