New Minimum English Requirements for Skill Level 3 AEWV Roles from June 2026

From 1 June 2026, minimum English language requirements (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent) will extend to skill level 3 roles under New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), aligning them with skill levels 4 and 5. This change aims to ensure workers have basic English for effective communication, understanding their rights, and community engagement, especially as many mid-skilled workers seek residence pathways requiring higher English proficiency within five years. Transitional arrangements exempt current AEWV holders with visas expiring on or before 1 December 2026, and certain visa categories like Global Workforce Seasonal Visa are not affected by this new requirement.