PTE for a New Zealand work visa: the new AEWV English rule and the score you need

The 30-second answer

On 1 June 2026, New Zealand extended the AEWV English-language requirement to skill level 3 occupations, which Immigration New Zealand says is the largest single group of AEWV applicants. If you are affected, the easiest way to clear it is an approved English test, and PTE Academic is on the accepted list: you need an overall score of 29 (the same level as IELTS 4.0). You can also meet the requirement through your citizenship or an English-medium degree, with no test.

Get one thing right first: for New Zealand you take PTE Academic, not PTE Core. PTE Core is Pearson's test for Canadian immigration. If you are weighing the two, see PTE Core vs PTE Academic.

What changed on 1 June 2026

Until now the AEWV English requirement applied only to lower-skilled roles (ANZSCO and NOL skill level 4 and 5). From 1 June 2026 it also applies to skill level 3 occupations. Because skill level 3 is the biggest band of AEWV applicants, this reaches a large share of people coming to work in New Zealand.

The bar itself is modest: applicants need to be able to “speak and understand English” for everyday work and life, not academic English. It is not a high level, but it is now a gate you have to clear, so it is worth securing rather than leaving to chance. (Source: Immigration New Zealand.)

Who is affected, and who is exempt

It applies to skill level 3 AEWV applicants from 1 June 2026. Immigration New Zealand lists these exemptions:

• Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa AEWV applications.
• Job Change applications.
• People on a current AEWV that expires on or before 1 December 2026, applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3.
• Anyone who already provided English-language evidence in an earlier AEWV application.

If none of those fit you and your role is skill level 3, plan to show evidence (a test or a qualifying history) with your application.

Which English tests count, and the scores

Any of these approved tests meets the AEWV requirement at the minimum shown:

You can also meet the requirement without a test if you are a citizen of Canada, Ireland, the UK or the USA who has spent at least five years working or studying in those countries (or Australia or New Zealand), or if you hold a degree taught in English (a New Zealand level 7 bachelor's with two years of study, or a level 8+ postgraduate qualification with one year) from an eligible country.

Source: Immigration New Zealand's AEWV English language requirements page. Requirements can change, so confirm the current minimum there before you book.

What a PTE Academic 29 actually means

On PTE's 10 to 90 scale, a 29 is a modest, very achievable bar (roughly CEFR A2 to B1, basic everyday English). Most people who can hold a conversation at work will clear it. Two honest caveats, though:

• It is the minimum. Confirm the current figure on Immigration New Zealand before you book, and do not cut it fine on test day.
• If you might later study, change visa category, or migrate to Australia, the UK or elsewhere, those routes want a much higher score. It is often smarter to aim well above 29 in one sitting so the result is reusable.

The quickest way to know where you stand is to sit one full, scored mock and read the per-skill breakdown.

How to prepare (free)

PTE Academic is computer-based and covers Speaking, Writing, Reading and Listening. To clear 29, the highest-value, easiest-scoring tasks are the ones that reward clear, steady delivery: Read Aloud, Repeat Sentence and Write from Dictation. Get comfortable speaking smoothly into the microphone and typing back what you hear, and most of the bar is covered.

Our free AI-scored PTE Academic mock tests grade your speaking and writing with real AI and email a per-skill breakdown, so you can confirm you are clear of 29 (and see how much headroom you have) before test day. Check the bands on our PTE score chart first. We are independent and not affiliated with Pearson or Immigration New Zealand; always confirm current visa requirements on the official pages linked above. Our methodology and sourcing are in our editorial standards.