Dreaming of a future in New Zealand? You could be taking in breathtaking vistas, soaking in a diverse culture and living amongst a diverse community. It's undeniably a top destination for international students and employees. Taking your IELTS test can be the key to exploring more options and broaden your ambitions!
Find out IELTS score requirements based on your desired visa type and see what has changed for 2025 in New Zealand’s visa system regarding updated fee structures, eligibility criteria, study and post-study work rights.
Here's a snapshot of what's changing:
Increase in work hours allowed for student visa holders: Change from 20 to 25 hours a week during study semesters starting November 2025
Moving international student visa applications to enhanced Immigration Online: Student visa applications filed from 18 August 2025 will be managed on a new and upgraded system with reduced waiting times
Increase in visa application fees: Most visa categories have increased fees starting October 1, 2024, including the International Visitor Levy (IVL), student visa and post-study work visa
Post-study work rights are being adjusted: Requirements for post-study work visas are changing, particularly for those graduating with Postgraduate Diplomas and Master's degrees
Work rights for partners of students are expanding: Partners of students in certain occupations are now eligible for open work rights
Support for families of Accredited Employer Work Visa holders: Adjustments to work visa support for partners and children of those holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa in specific skill levels
These changes reflect New Zealand's ongoing efforts to manage immigration effectively, support key sectors, and ensure a sustainable future for the country.
Meet New Zealand visa requirements with IELTS
While New Zealand’s immigration policy landscape is continually changing, there’s little reason to falter and suspend your plans.
Proving your English language skills is now just as important if you’re looking to study or work abroad in New Zealand. IELTS is recognised by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) as evidence of your English language abilities for visa applications, as well as for admission across all New Zealand universities.
A strong IELTS result can help to raise your visa profile, by demonstrating an accepted level of English proficiency. Strong English skills are also vital for thriving in your chosen field and support your integration into New Zealand’s community.
Depending on the visa type, different IELTS scores may be required.
New Zealand visa type | Minimum IELTS requirements |
Fee Paying Student Visa | Must show you have been offered a place at a NZ education provider. All universities require a minimum IELTS Academic score of 6.0 for undergraduate enrollment. |
Post-Study Work Visa | Proof of English proficiency not required after completion of an eligible qualification in NZ. |
All skilled residence visas | IELTS General Training or Academic Overall score of 6.5 or more Applicable visas include: Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visa, Straight to Residence Visa, Work to Residence Visa |
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) - for a job at ANZSCO level 4 or 5 | IELTS General Training or Academic Overall score of 4.0 or more |
Residence from work visas | Principal applicants for residence from work visas generally do not require proof of English proficiency. |
China Working Holiday Visa | IELTS General Training or Academic Overall score of 5.5 or more Applicable only to citizens of the People’s Republic of China |
Working Holiday Visa (the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and Vietnam) | IELTS General Training or Academic Overall score of 4.5 or more Applicable only to citizens of the Philippines, Thailand, Turkey and Vietna |
Key work and student visas changes to know
Let's examine the specific visa changes in detail and how they may affect incoming international students and employees.
1. Longer permitted work hours for eligible students
From 3 November 2025, INZ will increase part-time working hours allowed for student visa holders up to 25 hours a week during the semester, up from the current 20-hour limit. Full-time work with no time restrictions is already permitted during scheduled school breaks.
This latest rule is in line with the New Zealand Government’s International Education Going for Growth Plan, with clear targets set to double its international education market growth and increase international student enrolments by 2034.
2. Upgraded international student visa application process
If you're applying for a New Zealand student visa as an offshore applicant from 18 August 2025, you will be submitting a new application form on the enhanced Immigration Online system.
The new system is part of Immigration New Zealand’s goal of delivering a simpler, faster and more user-friendly visa application process with reduced waiting times and clear communication on application status.
All international applicants are advised to apply at least three months ahead of your intended travel date.
3. International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) fee increase
If you're planning a trip to New Zealand, you should be aware of the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL). This levy helps fund conservation projects and tourism infrastructure, ensuring that New Zealand remains a stunning and sustainable destination for everyone.
Most international visitors have to pay the IVL, including those applying for:
Visitor visas
NZeTAs
Student visas
Working Holiday and Work Exchange schemes
Student and Trainee Work visas
Specific Purpose Work visas
However, there are some exceptions, such as those applying for partner or dependent visas as well as those travelling from visa-waiver countries.
What's changing?
From 1 October 2024, the IVL increased from NZD$35 to NZD$100. This change helps cover the costs of processing visas and reflects the benefits you get from using New Zealand's immigration services.
IVL is a separate fee from your visa application and is non-refundable, even if your visa isn't approved.
4. Other visa fee increases
For international visitors not from a visa waiver country, a visitor visa is required for study up to 3 months or total stay period up to 6 or 9 months. Visitor visa fee has increased to NZ$341, up from NZ$211.
Other international visitors will need a NZeTA (New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority) instead of a visa, with no fee increases at NZ$17 when processed on Immigration New Zealand’s mobile app. However, tourists will also have to pay the revised IVL fee of NZ$100 during NZeTA application.
If you're planning to study in New Zealand, there’s a revision to student visa fees, increased from NZ$375 to NZ$750.
Should you decide to stay on after completing undergraduate studies, expect to pay NZ$1,670 for the post-study work visa application fee, up from NZ$700.
What can you do?
When you’re considering studying in the top universities in New Zealand, make sure your visa application is complete and accurate. INZ is seeing more student visa applications being declined because applicants don't meet full eligibility requirements.
Providing your IELTS results can show them you're serious about studying and have the language skills to succeed. Additionally, students are also highly encouraged to write a cover letter or a Statement of Purpose to expedite their visa processing and demonstrate their genuine intentions to study in New Zealand.
Find out about the minimum scores for universities in New Zealand and how you can apply for a student visa.
5. New eligibility rules for Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV)
The Post-Study Work Visa (PSWV) offers international students an opportunity to gain valuable local work experience in New Zealand after completing their studies, and opens up residence visa pathways. The criteria has also been expanded for PSWV-eligible qualifications.
What are the new rules?
12-month application window: You now have a 12-month window to apply for a PSWV after you complete your higher-level qualification. Do make sure you plan your application early.
30 weeks of full-time study: To be eligible for a 3-year PSWV, you'll need to have completed a qualification of degree level 7 and above, and studied full-time for at least 30 weeks in New Zealand, which is considered a substantial educational duration.
For aspiring teachers at the secondary school level, you can qualify for a PSWV without needing a Bachelor's degree specialising in Science, Mathematics, Technology, or Pacific Languages.
Plus, if you graduated with a teaching diploma and meet the Teaching Council's requirements, you are eligible for a PSWV to work in primary and intermediate schools.
6. Work Rights Available for Partners of Students
New Zealand has made it easier for partners of students to get work visas. This applies to students enrolled in a Level 7 or 8 Bachelor's degree related to an occupation on New Zealand's Green List. The Green List highlights occupations in high demand, like nursing, teaching, and medicine.
These would include degrees such as:
Bachelor of Dental Surgery
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery
Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Psychology
If your degree is related to a high-demand occupation on the Green List, your partner might be able to get an open work visa, allowing them to work in any field while you study.
7. Updates to Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
If you have an AEWV for a job at ANZSCO levels 4 or 5 without a pathway to residency, you can no longer support work, visitor, or student visa applications for your partner and children. This means they'll need to qualify for their visas independently.
However, it doesn't mean your family can't join you in New Zealand. They can still apply for visas in their own right, such as:
Accredited Employer Work Visa: If they have a job offer from an accredited employer.
International Student Visa: If they plan to study in New Zealand.
Other visa categories: They might be eligible for other visas based on their individual circumstances.
Important note: These changes don't affect those who already have visas as a partner or dependent child or AEWV holders in ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 with a pathway to residency (like those on the Green List or earning above the median wage threshold).
IELTS: your key to success
A strong IELTS score remains a vital asset to your New Zealand journey. It can strengthen your visa application, enhance your status as a prospective international student or globally ready employee, and reflects your commitment to integrating into New Zealand society. Aim for a higher IELTS score to maximise your chances of visa success.
IELTS can also benefit your family's visa applications. Even if your partner doesn't need an IELTS score for an open work visa, strong English skills will significantly improve their job prospects.
Stay informed and plan ahead
Immigration policies are always evolving, so it's essential to stay informed by checking with INZ for the latest updates.
Careful long-term planning is key to a successful move to New Zealand. Factor in the changes which may affect you, explore your study or work visa options and ensure you meet all the requirements while applying early for your visas.
Ready to take the next step? Book your IELTS test with IDP and kickstart your journey to New Zealand!