From 1 June 2026, people applying for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) in an occupation at ANZSCO or NOL (National Occupation List) Skill Level 3 must meet a minimum English language requirement.
AEWV applicants in ANZSCO or NOL Skill Level 4 or 5 occupations already need to show they can speak and understand English. They can do this through citizenship of an English-speaking country, work or study experience in English, or an English language test.
01. AEWV English requirement extended
From 1 June 2026, the minimum English language requirement will be extended to AEWV applicants in ANZSCO and NOL Skill Level 3 occupations.
02. Why the English requirement is being extended
The change is intended to help migrants settle into the community, understand their rights and obligations, and raise concerns or make complaints if they encounter a non-compliant employer.
03. Visas and applications not affected
The following visas and applications do not need to meet this minimum English language requirement:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa;
- Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV;
- Job Change applications (changing employer or job).
04. Transitional arrangements for current AEWV holders
The new policy will not be applied retrospectively to current AEWV holders during the term of their current visa.
05. Who is exempt
A. Some current AEWV holders
People who currently hold an AEWV that expires on or before 1 December 2026 are exempt from the new English requirement when they apply for a new Skill Level 3 AEWV.
B. People who have already provided evidence of English
Applicants who have already provided evidence of their English language ability in a previous AEWV application are also exempt.
Not every AEWV holder is exempt; whether the exemption applies still depends on the transitional conditions above.
06. What will not change
The change does not affect applicants' existing visas, current jobs or the time they are currently allowed to stay.
07. Why there are transitional arrangements
The transitional arrangements are intended to treat people who have already contributed to New Zealand's labour market fairly, and to give applicants enough time to book an English test and receive their results. They also give future applicants clearer expectations about the policy.
Note that the transitional arrangements do not mean every applicant will be exempt.
08. What it means for employers
The change makes the requirements more consistent and clearer across skill levels. Employers recruiting for Skill Level 3 roles on or after 1 June 2026 will need to plan for the new English requirement in advance.
09. A note on Job Check tokens
Even if the employer obtained a Job Check token before 1 June 2026, an applicant who applies for a Skill Level 3 AEWV on or after 1 June 2026 must still meet the new English language requirement.
A note from Leader
If you plan to apply for a Skill Level 3 AEWV on or after 1 June 2026, check your occupation's skill level and the English requirement early. Employers should also allow enough preparation time in their recruitment and application plans.
If you have questions about how your current AEWV, the transitional arrangements, evidence of English or a Job Check token apply to you, we recommend checking them against your own visa and application timing.