# New Zealand Work Visa English Rule for Indians: IELTS 4.0 from 2026 > Since 1 June 2026 the AEWV English minimum of IELTS 4.0 also covers skill level 3 jobs. Here is who needs a test, what evidence counts and who is exempt. _Published: 2026-11-01 · Reading time: 5 min · Words: 1121_ ## TL;DR From 1 June 2026, New Zealand's AEWV English minimum of IELTS 4.0 or equivalent applies to skill level 3 jobs as well as skill level 4 and 5 jobs. Skill level 1 and 2 jobs stay exempt, earlier accepted English evidence still counts, and Job Change, Global Workforce Seasonal and Peak Seasonal AEWV applications are not covered by the change. ## Key takeaways - The AEWV English minimum is IELTS 4.0 or equivalent; from 1 June 2026 it covers skill level 3 jobs too. - Skill level 1 and 2 jobs are exempt from the AEWV English requirement. - A test result must be no more than 2 years old; citizenship or study evidence can also count. - Current AEWV holders whose visa expires after 1 December 2026 need English evidence for a further skill level 3 AEWV; earlier accepted evidence still counts. - Job Change, Global Workforce Seasonal and Peak Seasonal AEWV applications are not covered by the June 2026 change. **From 1 June 2026, Indians applying for a New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa in a skill level 3, 4 or 5 job need English at IELTS 4.0 or equivalent, according to the New Zealand Government. The rule previously covered only skill level 4 and 5 roles. Skill level 1 and 2 jobs remain exempt from the English requirement.** ## Article The change was announced on 25 May 2026 and applies to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) applications made on or after 1 June 2026. The answers below are based on the official sources, checked on 2026-10-15. Note that Immigration New Zealand's website was returning errors in mid-October 2026, so some INZ details were read from archived copies of the official pages; confirm them on the live INZ site before you lodge. ### What exactly changed on 1 June 2026? Before June 2026, the minimum English requirement for the AEWV applied to jobs at ANZSCO/NOL skill level 4 and 5. From 1 June 2026, the same minimum, IELTS 4.0 or equivalent, also applies to skill level 3 roles. The New Zealand Government announced the extension on 25 May 2026. It covers new applications made on or after 1 June 2026. ### Which AEWV jobs need English evidence now? Your job's skill level decides whether you need to prove English. The employer's job check identifies the role, so ask your employer which skill level your occupation sits at before you book a test. Job skill level (ANZSCO/NOL)English evidence before 1 June 2026English evidence from 1 June 2026Skill level 1 and 2Not requiredNot requiredSkill level 3Not requiredRequired: IELTS 4.0 or equivalentSkill level 4 and 5RequiredRequired: IELTS 4.0 or equivalent ### What counts as English evidence for the AEWV? INZ accepts citizenship or study evidence, or an English test result. A test result must be no more than 2 years old when you apply. The Government announcement sets the minimum at IELTS 4.0 or equivalent. The official sources we checked do not list the equivalent scores for other tests, so check the accepted tests and scores on the INZ AEWV page before you pay for one. If English evidence was already accepted for you in an earlier application, that evidence still counts, according to the Government's announcement. This matters for Indians already in New Zealand on an AEWV. ### Does the rule apply if you already hold an AEWV? Partly. Current AEWV holders whose visa expires after 1 December 2026 and who apply for a further AEWV in a skill level 3 role are covered by the new requirement. Three AEWV application types are not covered by the change: - Job Change applications. - Global Workforce Seasonal Visa applications. - Peak Seasonal Visa applications. If you are in one of these groups, the June 2026 extension does not add an English requirement to that application, but other AEWV rules still apply. ### How does the English rule fit with the rest of the AEWV? English is one requirement among several. INZ also checks that: - Your job offer comes from an AEWV-accredited employer with an approved job check, for at least 30 hours a week at the market rate or above. - You have at least 2 years of relevant work experience or an NZQCF level 4+ qualification in the same field, unless the job is on the Green List, needs registration you hold, or pays at least NZD 67.12 an hour. - You hold an International Qualification Assessment from NZQA if your overseas qualification is below a bachelor's degree. - Your experience is backed by third-party evidence such as employment certificates, payslips and tax certificates; a CV alone is not enough. - You provide police certificates if aged 17 or older and staying 24 months or longer, and a chest X-ray for stays over 6 months. The AEWV costs NZD 1,540 for an Indian applying from outside New Zealand: an NZD 480 application fee plus an NZD 1,060 immigration levy. INZ's headline timeframe is 80% of applications decided within 5.5 weeks, with Green List roles prioritised. ### Will the new India-specific work visas have the same English rule? The official sources do not say yet. The New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement enters into force on 20 October 2026. New Zealand's commitments include the equivalent of 1,667 three-year temporary employment entry visas a year (no more than 5,000 at any time), split into 1,467 places for 13 skilled Green List occupations and 200 for iconic Indian occupations such as yoga, music, chefs and ayurvedic practitioners. Regulations from 20 October 2026 exempt the new India Iconic Work visa and India Skilled Work visa from the NZD 100 visitor levy. INZ had not published opening dates or criteria, including any English requirement, for these visas in the sources checked. Until it does, plan around the AEWV rule. ### Which English-evidence mistakes cost Indian applicants time? - Assuming a skill level 3 job is exempt. That was true only for applications made before 1 June 2026. - Using an old test report. A result more than 2 years old does not meet the rule. - Booking a test before checking the skill level. Skill level 1 and 2 jobs do not need it at all. - Paying an agent who promises to 'manage' the English requirement. INZ warns that job offer scams are common in India and South Asia, and it declines applications where money was offered for a job offer. For fees, centres and other New Zealand routes, see our New Zealand visa page for Indian citizens. The rule change itself is set out in the New Zealand Government announcement of 25 May 2026. Yatra For Fun's India office in Gurugram helps with the travel side of a visa file: flight reservations, hotel bookings, itineraries and cover letters, in packages from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation up to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter together. Message us on WhatsApp at +91 95230 91018 or use the contact form. ### Frequently asked questions #### Is IELTS mandatory for every New Zealand work visa? No. The AEWV English requirement applies only to jobs at skill level 3 to 5, and skill level 1 and 2 jobs are exempt. English evidence can also be citizenship or study evidence rather than a test result. #### How old can my English test result be for an AEWV? The test result must be no more than 2 years old. English evidence already accepted in an earlier application still counts, according to the New Zealand Government. #### Do Indian students moving to a Post-Study Work Visa need IELTS 4.0? The June 2026 change applies to the Accredited Employer Work Visa. The Post-Study Work Visa has its own requirements, such as an eligible New Zealand qualification and at least NZD 5,000 for living expenses; check INZ's Post-Study Work Visa page for its conditions. #### Does the English rule change the AEWV fee or processing time? No change to the fee was announced with the rule. The AEWV costs NZD 1,540 for an Indian applying from outside New Zealand, and INZ's headline timeframe is 80% of applications decided within 5.5 weeks. ## FAQ ### Is IELTS mandatory for every New Zealand work visa? No. The AEWV English requirement applies only to jobs at skill level 3 to 5, and skill level 1 and 2 jobs are exempt. English evidence can also be citizenship or study evidence rather than a test result. ### How old can my English test result be for an AEWV? The test result must be no more than 2 years old. English evidence already accepted in an earlier application still counts, according to the New Zealand Government. ### Do Indian students moving to a Post-Study Work Visa need IELTS 4.0? The June 2026 change applies to the Accredited Employer Work Visa. The Post-Study Work Visa has its own requirements, such as an eligible New Zealand qualification and at least NZD 5,000 for living expenses; check INZ's Post-Study Work Visa page for its conditions. ### Does the English rule change the AEWV fee or processing time? No change to the fee was announced with the rule. The AEWV costs NZD 1,540 for an Indian applying from outside New Zealand, and INZ's headline timeframe is 80% of applications decided within 5.5 weeks. ## Sources 1. [English language requirement extended to AEWV skill level 3 roles (25 May 2026)](https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/english-language-requirement-extended-aewv-skill-level-3-roles) — New Zealand Government (Beehive) 2. [Immigration New Zealand - Accredited Employer Work Visa](https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/accredited-employer-work-visa/) — Immigration New Zealand 3. [NZ-India FTA key outcomes (temporary employment entry visas, working holiday scheme)](https://www.mfat.govt.nz/en/trade/free-trade-agreements/free-trade-agreements-concluded-but-not-in-force/new-zealand-india-free-trade-agreement/key-outcomes) — Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, New Zealand