English Language Requirement Extended to AEWV Skill Level 3 Roles from 1 June 2026
The New Zealand Government has confirmed that from 1 June 2026, minimum English language requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will be extended to applicants working in ANZSCO and National Occupation List (NOL) skill level 3 occupations.
This marks a significant change to the AEWV framework, as English language requirements currently apply only to applicants in skill level 4 and 5 roles. The extension means a wider group of migrant workers will now need to demonstrate an acceptable standard of English before being granted a visa.
What Is Changing?
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 Government says the change is intended to:
Support better settlement and integration outcomes for migrants
Help workers understand their employment rights and workplace obligations
Improve communication and workplace safety
Increase confidence in reporting exploitation or non-compliant employers
Create greater consistency across lower and mid-skilled visa categories
The requirement will apply regardless of when the employer received their Job Check approval. This means applicants lodging a new AEWV application for a skill level 3 role after 1 June 2026 must meet the English language requirement, even if recruitment began before the policy takes effect.
How Applicants Can Meet the English Language Requirement
Applicants may satisfy the English language requirement through one of the following pathways:
Citizenship from an Approved English-Speaking Country
Applicants who are citizens of approved English-speaking countries may automatically meet the requirement without further evidence.
Previous Study or Work Conducted in English
Applicants may be able to rely on qualifications completed in English or evidence of work experience in an English-speaking environment.
Approved English Language Tests
Applicants can also meet the requirement by achieving the required score in an approved English language test, such as IELTS, TOEFL, or other recognised assessments accepted by Immigration New Zealand.
Further guidance on accepted evidence and minimum test scores is expected to be released closer to implementation.
Exemptions to the New Requirement
Several visa categories and application types will remain exempt from the new English language rules.
The requirement will not apply to:
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa applications
Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications
AEWV Job Change applications
Importantly, current AEWV holders will not be retrospectively affected while their existing visas remain valid.
Transitional Arrangements for Current Visa Holders
To reduce disruption for migrants and employers already relying on the AEWV system, the Government has introduced transitional measures.
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
Additional clarification has also been provided regarding how the transitional exemptions will apply to existing AEWV holders moving between different skill levels.
Immigration authorities have confirmed that migrants holding an AEWV expiring on or before 1 December 2026 may still qualify for the English language 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.
This recognises that some workers may have gained additional qualifications, experience, or progressed into different occupations since their first AEWV was granted.
The exemption will apply in situations 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 Government has also acknowledged that many migrants working in skill level 4 and 5 occupations may already have demonstrated English language ability as part of earlier AEWV applications, reducing the need for duplicate assessment requirements.
These transitional arrangements are intended to provide workers with sufficient time to prepare for future applications, including organising and completing an English language test if required.
What This Means for Employers
Employers recruiting for skill level 3 occupations should begin preparing now for the upcoming changes.
Businesses may need to:
Factor English language requirements into future recruitment planning
Allow additional time for overseas candidates to obtain English test results
Review workforce planning for skill level 3 positions
Ensure migrant workers understand visa requirements before application lodgement
The changes may also affect recruitment timelines, particularly in industries experiencing ongoing labour shortages.
Employers should note that holding an approved Job Check before 1 June 2026 does not exempt future applicants from meeting the English language requirement.
Preparing for the Changes
Migrants considering applying for a skill level 3 AEWV after June 2026 should start preparing early by:
Reviewing whether they already meet an exemption pathway
Checking whether previous study or work experience qualifies
Arranging an approved English language test if needed
Seeking immigration advice where necessary
Early preparation may help avoid delays once the new rules come into effect.
Final Thoughts
The extension of English language requirements to skill level 3 AEWV roles represents another significant shift in New Zealand’s immigration settings. While the Government views the change as a way to improve integration and worker protections, employers and migrants alike will need to plan ahead to ensure future applications remain compliant. Further policy details and operational guidance are expected from Immigration New Zealand before the implementation date.
For official information, visit the New Zealand Government Beehive website or Immigration New Zealand.