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AEWV English requirements expanded for skill level 3 roles

AEWV English requirements expanded for skill level 3 roles

Author: Anita Alletson – Immigration Manager

English requirements expanded to skill level 3 roles 

Immigration New Zealand has confirmed an important change to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. Minimum English language requirements are set to expand to skill level 3 occupations from 1 June 2026. 

The update means applicants for AEWV roles classified as ANZSCO or National Occupation List (NOL) skill level 3 will now need to demonstrate English language ability as part of their visa application. Previously, this requirement only applied to skill level 4 and 5 occupations. 

The minimum standard is intended to demonstrate basic everyday English for common workplace and day-to-day situations rather than advanced proficiency. Applicants may satisfy the requirement through recognised English language testing, citizenship from an English-speaking country, or evidence of eligible work or study completed in English. 

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What the new AEWV English requirements mean 

From 1 June 2026, all new AEWV applications lodged for skill level 3 occupations will be assessed against the English language requirement, regardless of when the employer obtained their job check approval or token. 

The Government has stated that the change is designed to support better settlement outcomes, improve understanding of workplace rights and obligations, and assist migrants in identifying and raising concerns relating to non-compliant employers. 

For employers, the update introduces greater consistency across AEWV skill levels and may require additional workforce planning considerations when recruiting overseas workers into skill level 3 positions.

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AEWV English language exemptions and transitional arrangements 

The changes will not apply to current visa holders while their existing AEWV remains valid. Targeted transitional arrangements have also been introduced for certain applicants already contributing to New Zealand’s workforce. 

Exemptions will apply to: 

  • AEWV holders with visas expiring on or before 1 December 2026 who apply for a further AEWV in a skill level 3 role before their current visa expires  
  • Migrants who have already demonstrated English language ability as part of a previous AEWV application  

 

The Government has confirmed that affected migrants who may qualify for an exemption are being contacted directly with guidance regarding the application process

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AEWV applications and roles not affected 

The English language requirement will not apply to: 

 

All other AEWV eligibility requirements and settings remain unchanged.

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What New Zealand employers should consider now 

Employers relying on overseas recruitment for skill level 3 occupations may wish to review future workforce planning strategies ahead of the 1 June 2026 implementation date. 

Businesses should consider: 

  • Whether future candidates are likely to meet the English language threshold  
  • Recruitment timeframes if English testing is required  
  • Communicating the upcoming changes clearly to prospective workers  
  • Identifying current AEWV workers who may fall within transitional arrangements  

 

As the changes apply based on the visa application date rather than the job check approval date, employers and migrants should avoid assuming earlier approvals will exempt future applications from the new requirements.

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What this means for future AEWV applications 

The extension of English language requirements represents another refinement of the AEWV framework as New Zealand continues balancing workforce needs, migrant protection measures, and long-term settlement outcomes. 

While the changes introduce an additional requirement for many future applicants, the Government has attempted to limit disruption for existing workers through targeted exemptions and transitional arrangements. 

Employers and migrants considering future AEWV applications should review upcoming recruitment and visa timelines carefully to understand how the new settings may affect their plans. 

 

For tailored guidance on AEWV eligibility, workforce planning, or upcoming immigration changes in New Zealand, contact Absolute Immigration NZ or email our team of immigration experts at aisupport@absoluteimmigration.com.

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