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BE5.1 English language requirements (08/05/2017)

  1. Principal applicants who lodge applications under the Employees of Relocating Businesses category meet the minimum standards of English for that category if:
    1. they provide acceptable English language test results, as set out at BE5.1.1 (no more than 2 years old at the time the application is lodged); or
    2. they provide evidence that they have an English-speaking background (see BF2.1) which is accepted by a business immigration specialist as meeting the minimum standard of English; or
    3. they provide other evidence which satisfies a business immigration specialist that, taking account of that evidence and all the circumstances of the application, the person meets the minimum standard of English (see BF2.5).
  2. In any case under (a) (ii) or (iii), a business immigration specialist may require an applicant to provide an English language test result in terms of paragraph (a)(i). In such cases, the English language test result will be used to determine whether the applicant meets the minimum standard of English.

Note:
~ Full consideration must be given to all evidence of English language ability provided before a decision to request an English language test result under BE5.1(b) is made. If an English language test result is requested, the reason(s) behind the decision must be clearly documented and conveyed to the applicant.
~ The tests recognised by Immigration New Zealand as set out at BE5.1.1 provide an assessment of ability in English, including performance in listening, reading, writing and speaking.

BE5.1.1 Acceptable English language test results

The following English language test results are acceptable:

Test

Minimum score required

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) - General or Academic Module

Overall score of 4.0 or more

Test of English as a Foreign Language Internet-based Test (TOEFL iBT)

Overall score of 31 or more

Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic)

Overall score of 29 or more

Cambridge English: First (FCE)

or

Cambridge English: First (FCE) for Schools

Overall score of 142 or more

Occupational English Test (OET)

Grade D or higher in all four skills (Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking)*

* A score of Grade D or higher in all four skills is required for the OET as there is no overall grade for this test.

Effective: 08/05/2017

PREVIOUS IMMIGRATION INSTRUCTIONS

BE5.1 English language requirements (21/05/2018)

BE5.1 English language requirements (21/11/2016)

BE5.1 English language requirements (25/07/2011)

BE5.1 English language requirements (29/11/2010)

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