Yes, IELTS is compulsory for New Zealand immigration as the country requires a certain standard of English language. The minimum score in IELTS proves that a foreign national can survive in the country. IELTS is evidence of English proficiency to apply for different New Zealand visas, such as the Skilled Migrant, Business, and Residence from Work categories.
IELTS requirements based on different types of New Zealand visas
Below are the details of the different types of New Zealand immigration visas IELTS requirements:
New Zealand Work visa
The New Zealand work visa allows foreign nationals to work or to migrate to the country with a job offer from a New Zealand employer. The overall band score of 6.5 in the IELTS General or IELTS Academic module is required for all the work visa categories.
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New Zealand Business Categories
The required IELTS score for this category depends on the stream of Business Categories that an applicant will choose:
- Employee of a Relocating Business Category: An overall score of 5 in the IELTS Academic or IELTS General.
- Entrepreneur Residence and Entrepreneur Work Visa categories: An overall band score of 4 in the IELTS General or IELTS Academic module.
- Investor (Investor 2 Category): An overall band score of minimum 3 score in the IELTS General or IELTS Academic module.
New Zealand Work visa residency
Once an applicant has resided in the country for two years on a work residency visa, they may be eligible for residence status under the work category. The applicant must obtain an overall band score of at least 5 in the IELTS Academic or IELTS General to be eligible.
New Zealand study permit
To study in New Zealand, a student must obtain a Fee-Paying Student Visa and submit proof of an offer or confirmation of enrolment from an approved institution.
An eligibility criteria for studying in New Zealand is to prove your English language proficiency for your student visa application. An overall IELTS band score of a minimum of 6.0 is essential for entry to most New Zealand universities and courses.
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Parent Residency visa
If an applicant wants to bring their parent or child to New Zealand, whether they are staying in New Zealand through a work visa or a New Zealand citizen they can bring them through a Parent Residency visa. Their parents can apply to live in New Zealand permanently.
Parents must have proof of their English language test results, such as an IELTS Academic test or IELTS General Training, and get a minimum overall band score of 5.0. They should score four or more in four out of two skills. It is important to note that your test results must be no more than two years old at the time of your application.
*Note: Partners and children over 16 years included in the application must also meet a minimum standard of English, with an overall score of minimum 4.
Eligibility Criteria to apply for IELTS Exam
Candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria to apply for IELTS exam:
- Must be at least 16 years old
- IELTS test can be applied for regardless of your grade 12 percentage
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