English Language Requirements Now Apply to AEWV Skill Level 3 Roles
- May 25
- 4 min read
A significant rule change takes effect on 1 June 2026 - here's what NZ employers and AEWV applicants need to know before the deadline.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced that from 1 June 2026, minimum English language requirements will be extended to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications at ANZSCO and National Occupation List (NOL) skill level 3. This builds on existing requirements already in place for skill level 4 and 5 roles, and it affects both employers recruiting for these positions and migrants planning to apply.
If you are an accredited employer currently recruiting or planning to recruit at skill level 3, or if you are an overseas worker hoping to apply for an AEWV in a skill level 3 role, you need to understand what this change means - and act ahead of the deadline.
What Is Changing?
Currently, English language requirements for the AEWV only apply to skill level 4 and 5 roles - roles that are generally considered by INZ as lower-skilled and more labour-intensive. These applicants must demonstrate a minimum standard of English by proving one of the following:
They are a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the USA - and have spent at least 5 years in work or education in one or more of those countries, or in Australia or New Zealand
They hold a qualification comparable to a NZ level 7 bachelor's degree gained in Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, the UK, or the USA - from at least 2 academic years of study in those countries
They hold a qualification comparable to a NZ level 8 or above gained in Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, the UK, or the USA - from at least 1 academic year of study in those countries
They have sat a recognised English language test and met the minimum score requirement
From 1 June 2026, this same requirement will apply to skill level 3 AEWV applicants. Skill level 3 occupations are typically trades, technical, and supervisory roles - think electricians, chefs, barbers/hairdressers, motor mechanics, and similar positions.
What This Means for NZ Employers
If you are an accredited employer or thinking of becoming one - and you hire or plan to hire overseas workers into skill level 3 roles, here is what you need to know:
Any new AEWV application lodged from 1 June 2026 for a skill level 3 role must meet English language requirements - regardless of when your Job Check token was issued.
This means even if INZ issued you a Job Check approval before 1 June 2026, your candidate will still need to meet the English language requirement when they submit their visa application on or after 1 June 2026.
When recruiting for skill level 3 positions, build English evidence into your pre-screening process. Ask candidates early whether they are exempt by citizenship/passport or whether they have a current English test result.
IELTS, TOEIC, and other recognised tests can take several weeks to sit and obtain results for - factor this into your hiring timelines.
This change provides clearer, more consistent hiring criteria across skill levels, which ultimately benefits your recruitment planning.
What This Means for AEWV Applicants
If you are currently on an AEWV or planning to apply for one in a skill level 3 role, here is what this change means for you:
If you are already on an AEWV
Your current visa will not be affected while it remains valid. INZ has confirmed no one will be impacted retrospectively.
Transitional arrangements - you may be exempt if:
Your current AEWV expires on or before 1 December 2026 - when you apply for a further AEWV at skill level 3, the new English requirement will not apply to you.
You have previously provided evidence of English ability as part of an earlier AEWV application - that evidence will carry across and you will not need to provide it again.
If you are applying for an AEWV from 1 June 2026 onwards
You will need to demonstrate English at the required standard. The ways you can do this are:
You are a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the UK, or the USA - and have spent at least 5 years in work or education in one or more of those countries, or in Australia or New Zealand
You hold a qualification comparable to a NZ level 7 bachelor's degree gained in Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, the UK, or the USA - from at least 2 academic years of study in those countries
You hold a qualification comparable to a NZ level 8 or above gained in Australia, Canada, Ireland, NZ, the UK, or the USA - from at least 1 academic year of study in those countries
You sit and pass a recognised English language test: IELTS General or Academic (minimum overall score of 4.0), TOEFL iBT (31+), PTE Academic (29+), Cambridge B2 First (142+), or OET (Grade D or higher in all four skills)
Our Advice
At Team Migration, we work with employers and individuals across a wide range of AEWV situations. Here is the practical guidance we are giving our clients right now:
For employers:
Audit any current job check applications or active recruitment processes for skill level 3 roles and identify any candidates who may not yet have English evidence.
Update your pre-screening questionnaires and job ad wording to reflect the new requirement.
If you are lodging a Job Check now for a skill level 3 role, do not assume the candidate has until their application date - plan for the June 1 deadline.
Contact us if you are unsure whether a role falls at skill level 3, or if you need help navigating the transitional arrangements.
For applicants:
Check whether you already meet the English requirement through citizenship or a qualifying degree - you may not need to sit a test at all.
If you do need to sit a test, book it as soon as possible. Popular test centres can have waiting times, and results processing adds further time.
If you are on a current AEWV and unsure whether the transitional arrangements apply to your situation, speak with a licensed immigration adviser before your visa expires.
