G6.1 Principal applicants (01/04/2001)

1. Principal applicants in the General Skills category must meet a minimum standard of English to ensure their English language ability is sufficient to assist them to successfully settle in New Zealand.
2. Applications in the General Skills category must be declined if the principal applicant has not met the minimum standard of English, unless (c) applies.
3. Principal applicants in the General Skills category who do not meet the minimum standard of English may instead pre-purchase ESOL tuition if, at the date their residence application is lodged, they:
   1. have been working lawfully in New Zealand for the 12 months before the date the residence application is lodged, and
   2. submit evidence of that, and
   3. meet all other requirements for approval under the General Skills category.

G6.1.1 Spouses or partners and dependent children

Spouses or partners and dependent children aged 16 and older, who are included in General Skills category applications, may either:

1. show that they meet a minimum standard of English to ensure their English language ability is sufficient to assist them to successfully settle in New Zealand, or
2. pre-purchase ESOL training.

Effective 01/04/2001