Written byFizza Butool ZaidiIELTS teacher for 10+ years, PTE for 5Updated 30 October 2026
Minimum scores for level 3 independent professionals
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 | Minimum |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Meeting it without a test
You meet it as a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the UK or the US with at least 5 years working or studying in one of those countries or in Australia or New Zealand; with a qualification comparable to a NZ level 7 bachelor's degree from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK or the US, studied there for at least 2 years; or with a level 8 or above qualification studied there for at least 1 year. You must provide evidence when you apply.
Rules change, sometimes at short notice. Confirm the current requirement on the INZ Specific Purpose Work Visa 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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Who does not need English
INZ says there are no English language requirements if you apply as an independent professional for a job at ANZSCO skill level 1 or 2, or apply for a Specific Purpose Work Visa for any other purpose or event.
Check your job's ANZSCO skill level before you book a test.
Frequently asked questions
Does every Specific Purpose Work Visa need English?+
No. Only independent professionals in ANZSCO skill level 3 roles.
Is the score the same as for an AEWV?+
Yes. Both use IELTS 4 overall and the same equivalents for the roles they cover.
What evidence proves my work in a country?+
INZ asks for copies of employment agreements or tax records; for study, your academic transcript.
Can I use an at-home test?+
No. You must sit the test in person at a test centre.
Keep reading
Related
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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