English Language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3

From 1 June 2026, Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) minimum English language requirements will apply to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations.

Currently, people applying for an AEWV at ANZSCO or NOL (National Occupation List) skill level 4 or 5 must show they can speak and understand English. 

They can meet this requirement through their English ability from citizenship, working and studying or by taking an English language test.

From 1 June 2026 people applying for an AEWV at ANZSCO or NOL skill 3 will also need to meet this requirement.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications are not required to meet the minimum standard of English, and the requirement does not apply to Job Change applications. 

People already on an AEWV that expires on or before 1 December 2026 who want to apply for a new AEWV will not have to meet the new requirements.

Transitional arrangements for people who already have an AEWV

No one with a current AEWV will be affected retrospectively while their visa is valid. 

To ensure fairness and continuity, the following targeted transitional arrangements will apply: 

• People with an AEWV whose visas expire on or before 1 December 2026 will be exempt from the new English language requirement when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3. 
• People on an AEWV who have already provided evidence that they can speak and understand English as part of a previous AEWV application will also be exempt. 

For migrants, the change does not affect existing visas, employment, or current lengths of stay. 

The transitional arrangements are designed to ensure people already contributing to New Zealand’s workforce are treated fairly and given enough warning to arrange and sit a test and obtain the report before their visas expire. 

It also sets clear expectations for future applicants, noting that not all individuals will be covered by an exemption. 

For employers, the change provides greater consistency and clarity across skill levels and allows forward planning when recruiting into skill level 3 roles from 1 June 2026. 

Migrants who apply for an AEWV at skill level 3 from 1 June onwards will need to meet the new English language requirements, even if their employer received a job check token before 1 June 2026.