The New Zealand Government has confirmed that from 1 June 2026, minimum English language requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa will be extended to applicants working in ANZSCO and National Occupation List skill level 3 occupations.
The change expands rules that currently apply only to skill level 4 and 5 roles. From the implementation date, a wider group of migrant workers applying for an AEWV will need to demonstrate an acceptable standard of English before a visa can be granted.
What changes from 1 June 2026
From 1 June 2026, migrants applying for an AEWV in a skill level 3 occupation must show they can speak and understand English to the required standard.
The stated aims of the change are to:
- Support better settlement and integration outcomes for migrants
- Help workers understand employment rights and workplace obligations
- Improve workplace communication and safety
- Increase confidence in reporting exploitation or non-compliant employers
- Create more consistency across lower and mid-skilled visa categories
The requirement applies regardless of when the employer received Job Check approval. This means a new AEWV application for a skill level 3 role lodged after 1 June 2026 must meet the English language requirement, even if recruitment began before the policy takes effect.
How applicants may meet the English requirement
Applicants may be able to satisfy the English language requirement through one of several pathways.
Citizens of approved English-speaking countries may automatically meet the requirement without further evidence.
Applicants may also be able to rely on qualifications completed in English or evidence of work experience in an English-speaking environment.
Another pathway is achieving the required score in an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or another recognised assessment accepted by Immigration New Zealand.
Further guidance on accepted evidence and minimum test scores is expected closer to implementation.
Exemptions
The new English language requirement will not apply to:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa applications
- Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications
- AEWV Job Change applications
Current AEWV holders will not be retrospectively affected while their existing visas remain valid.
Transitional arrangements
The Government has introduced transitional measures for some current visa holders.
The following applicants will be exempt from the new English language requirement:
- AEWV holders whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 and who apply for another AEWV at skill level 3
- Migrants who have already provided evidence of English language ability in a previous AEWV application
Immigration authorities have clarified that AEWV holders whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 may qualify for the exemption when applying for a new AEWV in a skill level 3 occupation, regardless of whether their current visa is for a skill level 3, 4, or 5 role.
The exemption may apply where:
- A migrant currently employed in a skill level 3 role applies for another AEWV in a skill level 3 occupation within the transitional timeframe
- A migrant currently employed in a skill level 4 or 5 role applies for a new AEWV in a skill level 3 occupation before the exemption period ends
The transitional arrangements are intended to give workers time to prepare for future applications, including arranging and completing an English language test if required.
What employers should prepare for
Employers recruiting for skill level 3 occupations may need to adjust recruitment and workforce planning before the new rules take effect.
Practical issues include:
- Factoring English language requirements into recruitment planning
- Allowing additional time for overseas candidates to obtain English test results
- Reviewing workforce plans for skill level 3 positions
- Making sure migrant workers understand visa requirements before lodging applications
Recruitment timelines may be affected, particularly in industries with ongoing labour shortages.
An approved Job Check before 1 June 2026 will not exempt future applicants from meeting the English language requirement.
What migrants should consider
Migrants considering a skill level 3 AEWV application after June 2026 should prepare early by checking whether they already meet an exemption pathway, whether previous study or work experience may qualify, and whether they need to arrange an approved English language test.
Further policy details and operational guidance are expected from Immigration New Zealand before the implementation date.
Official information is available from the New Zealand Government Beehive website and Immigration New Zealand.
Source article: migrationassociates.com
