Understanding the New English Language Requirements for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) Effective April 7, 2024

Part 2: English Language Requirements

English for ANZSCO Levels 4 and 5

New policy, new requirements and for now, it appears that demonstrating English proficiency is essential for ensuring effective communication in the workplace, enhancing safety, and improving integration—key for succeeding in New Zealand's competitive job market.

Understanding Skill Levels and Their Impact on Visa Applications

Skill levels, as defined by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), are critical for understanding job requirements. For applicants in levels 4 and 5, showing your English capability is now a crucial part of the visa application process, whereas roles under levels 1 to 3 do not have this requirement. Our previous post explains this in more detail.

How Can You Demonstrate English Proficiency For the AEWV?

There are several ways you can prove your English language ability, depending on your background:

I) Citizenship and Educational Experience

1. Based on Citizenship and Work/Study Experience:

• Eligible Countries: Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand.
• Requirement: At least 5 years of work or study in any of these countries qualifies you without needing further language tests.

2. Based on Higher Education:

• Qualification: Comparable to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree.
• Eligible Countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States.
• Requirement: At least 2 years of study in these countries for your degree allows you to meet the English requirement.

3. Based on Postgraduate Education:

• Qualification: Comparable to a New Zealand postgraduate qualification at level 8 or above.
• Eligible Countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States.
• Requirement: Studying for at least 1 year in these countries for your postgraduate qualification meets the requirement.

II) Standardized English Tests

For those who need to take a test, here are your options:

• IELTS (General or Academic): Minimum overall band of 4; available both online and on paper.
• TOEFL iBT: Minimum total score of 31; conducted online.
• PTE Academic: Minimum score of 29; computer-based.
• Cambridge English (B2 First): Minimum score of 142; paper-based.

Ensure that your test results are recent (within the last two years) to comply with the application requirements.

Why Understanding These Requirements Matters

By comprehensively understanding and meeting these English proficiency standards, you are not only adhering to mandatory requirements but also setting yourself up for a better chance of obtaining an AEWV.

For further guidance or to commence your application, visit VisaPlex or contact i. [email protected] We are here to assist you in navigating these regulatory changes effectively and with confidence.

Explore VisaPlex Services

As a token of appreciation for reading this newsletter, below is a comprehensive checklist designed to help applicants for New Zealand's Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) ensure they meet the English language requirements. This checklist can be used as a handy guide to prepare for your visa application effectively.

English Language Checklist for the AEWV

Basic Eligibility

• Determine if your job is classified under ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5 (English language requirements apply).

Citizenship and Residency

• Check if you are a citizen of one of the following English-speaking countries: Canada, Ireland, United Kingdom, United States, Australia, New Zealand
• Verify if you have at least 5 years of work or study experience in any of the above countries.

Educational Qualifications

• Identify if you have a qualification comparable to a New Zealand level 7 bachelor's degree or higher.
• Confirm that the degree was obtained from an institution in one of the following countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Kingdom, United States.
• Ensure that you studied physically in the country of the degree institution for:At least 2 years (for bachelor’s degree).At least 1 year (for postgraduate qualifications).

Standardized English Language Tests

• Decide which English language test to take (if applicable):IELTS (General or Academic)TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge English (B2 First)
• Register for and complete the chosen English language test.
• Obtain the test result with the following minimum scores: IELTS: Overall band of 4 or higher; TOEFL iBT: Total score of 31 or higher; PTE Academic: Score of 29 or higher; Cambridge English (B2 First): Score of 142 or higher

Documentation

• Gather and prepare to submit copies of any relevant degree certificates and academic transcripts.
• Prepare to provide evidence of your test scores (ensure that the results are no older than two years at the time of application).

Application Preparation

• Compile and review all documents to ensure they meet the requirements and are ready for submission.
• Double-check that all personal information is consistent across documents.

Application Review

• Consider having an immigration expert or a representative from VisaPlex review your application and documents to ensure everything is in order before submitting.

Final Steps

• Submit your AEWV application along with all required English language evidence.
• Keep copies of all submitted documents for your records.

By following this checklist, you can enhance your confidence in meeting the English language requirements for the AEWV and increase your chances of a successful application. For personalized advice or further assistance, feel free to contact VisaPlex— [email protected]

What's Next?

In the next installment of our series on the 2024 changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), we will discuss the new regulations about visa length and the duration of stay permitted in New Zealand for certain job categories.

Specifically, we will focus on the impact of these changes for positions at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5.

Anticipate learning about the reduced maximum visa length, now set at just two years for jobs paying at or above the required AEWV wage rate, with the possibility of applying for an additional year given a new Job Check is approved. We will also explore the adjustments to the total time you can remain in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs—capped at three years.

This upcoming post is crucial for anyone looking to understand the full scope of how these legislative adjustments could affect their future work and residency plans in New Zealand. Stay tuned for essential insights that could help you strategically plan your journey under the new AEWV rules.

Ava Sanchez Neal

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