PTE, IELTS, and the NZ Visa Pathway
Straight-talking articles on English testing for New Zealand applications. Written by Auckland tutors, updated for 2026.
AEWV English Requirements 2026
Exact IELTS and PTE scores for the Accredited Employer Work Visa, by ANZSCO skill level, Green List notes, and who's exempt.
Read the guidePTE 58 vs PTE 79 for New Zealand
PTE 58 passes every NZ residence visa (SMC, STR, WtR, AEWV, Care Workforce, Transport Sector). 79 is only for some occupational registrations and universities. Higher scores don't earn more points.
Read the comparisonNZ Visa English Test Exemptions 2026
Who can skip IELTS and PTE for an NZ visa: passport countries, schooling and tertiary routes, and the evidence Immigration NZ actually accepts.
Read the guidePTE ↔ IELTS Score Equivalents for NZ
Full conversion chart, section-by-section equivalents, CEFR levels, and the NZ visa threshold each score unlocks.
See the chartNZ Partnership Visa English Requirements
English thresholds for partners, dependent children, and sponsors, plus the four ways to meet them without sitting a test.
Read the guidePTE vs IELTS for New Zealand Visa
Comparing both tests for NZ visa applications. Score equivalents, timelines, costs, and which to choose based on your situation.
Read the comparisonPTE 79: What It Means, How to Get It
The magic number for NZ Skilled Migrant. What the score measures, which sections trip candidates, and realistic timelines.
Read the guideIELTS Requirements for NZ Skilled Migrant 2026
Exact band thresholds under the 6-point SMC, Academic vs General, section minimums, and the common mistakes that fail applications on English grounds.
Read the guide2-Week vs 4-Week PTE Crash Course in Auckland
How long a PTE crash course really takes depends on your score gap, not a fixed formula. When a 10-session intensive is enough, and when you need 20.
Read the guideGreen List English Score Strategy 2026
Straight to Residence and Work to Residence both need IELTS 6.5 or PTE 58, not 79. But your professional council may ask for more. Plan both requirements.
Read the guideYour IELTS or PTE Score Expired Before You Lodged
Scores last two years from the test date, and INZ needs them current at assessment. A no-panic, step-by-step plan for what to do next.
Read the guide