JAKARTA - Immigration New Zealand said on June 29 that applicants using the Occupational English Test for immigration applications must take all parts of the test in person from midnight July 12 New Zealand Standard Time.
The rule applies only where OET is used as the English-language test for an immigration application. INZ said the test is commonly used by applicants working in the health sector.
At-home OET results will still be accepted if the test has already been completed, or if it is completed by Sunday, July 12. From July 13, applicants using OET must sit the test at a supervised test centre.
The agency added that supervised testing would help keep the process fair, protect the immigration system and “make sure results reflect each person’s own skills and ability.”
OET is a paper or computer-based English test designed for healthcare professionals. INZ lists it among approved English tests for skilled residence visas and Accredited Employer Work Visas where English evidence is required.
The required grade depends on the visa category. For AEWV applicants in ANZSCO or National Occupation List skill level 3 to 5 roles, INZ lists OET Grade D or higher in listening, reading, writing and speaking as the minimum result.
For skilled residence visas, INZ lists OET Grade C+ or higher in all four skills for the principal applicant. Partners and dependent children using OET need Grade C or higher in all four skills.
The OET update follows a wider English-language change for migrant workers. From June 1, AEWV minimum English requirements were extended to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations, after already applying to skill level 4 and 5 roles.
INZ’s English-language guidance says test results must be no more than two years old when the applicant applies. It also says tests taken remotely outside a test centre, including “at home” tests, are not acceptable.
