29/05/2026
📢 Important Update for Employers & Migrants – AEWV English Language Requirements Expanding
Immigration New Zealand has announced that, effective 1 June 2026, English language requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) will extend to ANZSCO and NOL skill level 3 occupations.
🔹 What's changing?
Until now, English language requirements have applied only to AEWV applicants in skill levels 4 and 5 roles. From 1 June 2026, skill level 3 applicants will need to demonstrate they can speak and understand English, whether through citizenship, prior work/study in English, or a recognized English language test.
🔹 Why does this matter?
The extension is designed to support better integration for migrants, help them understand their rights and obligations, and empower them to raise concerns about non-compliant employers.
🔹 Key things to know:
✅ Transitional arrangements are in place, and existing AEWV holders are not affected retrospectively as long as their visa is valid.
✅ Those with an AEWV expiring on or before 1 December 2026 are exempt from the new requirement when applying for a further AEWV at skill level 3.
✅ Applicants who already provided their English language evidence in a previous AEWV application are also exempt.
✅ Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, Peak Seasonal Visa, and Job Change applications are excluded from this requirement.
✅ Migrants applying for a skill level 3 AEWV from 1 June 2026 onwards must meet the new requirements, even if their employer's job check token was issued before that date.
🔹 For Employers
This change brings greater consistency across skill levels and allows you to plan when recruiting into skill level 3 roles. Now is a good time to review your upcoming recruitment pipelines and communicate this change to any prospective hires.
👩💼 Need guidance on how these changes may affect your visa options or recruitment plans?
Talk to Premudhi Tennakoon, Licensed Immigration Adviser (New Zealand) and the team at Pinnacle Immigration Advisers today.
📞 WhatsApp: +64 27 264 8100
📧 [email protected]
🌐 www.pinnacleimmigrationadvisers.co.nz
🔵 Stay Informed. Plan Ahead.