New Zealand · Visa and migration

IELTS score for the New Zealand Skilled Migrant Category

Principal applicants for the Skilled Migrant Category resident visa who rely on IELTS need an overall score of 6.5 or more, on either General Training or Academic.

Set by Immigration New Zealand. Checked against the official source on 23 October 2026.

Scores required

Test: IELTS Academic or General Training

Overall
6.5

Scores are minimums: the score in each skill must be at least the figure shown, as well as the overall band.

What else to know

  • This is an overall score only; no minimum is set for each component.
  • The test must be taken in person at a test centre; at-home tests are not accepted.
  • Results must be no more than 2 years old when you apply, or 5 years if you apply with a valid New Zealand occupational registration.
  • Partners and dependent children aged 16 and over need IELTS 5.0 overall, or can pre-purchase English tuition instead.
  • Other accepted tests include TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic, Cambridge B2 First and OET.

Recent and announced changes

Amendment Circular 2026-16 restated the English requirements for skilled residence from 24 August 2026 and kept IELTS at 6.5 overall for principal applicants.

Official sources

Figures confirmed by hand on 23 October 2026; sources last checked automatically on 23 October 2026. Requirements change: the official source always decides.

Preparing for this score

This route uses IELTS General Training scores. Each skill counts separately, so one weak skill can hold back the whole application: find it early.

See how close you are to the score you need

Take a timed mock test and get estimated band scores for each skill, with the errors that are costing you marks.

Try a mock test

Other requirements in New Zealand

This page summarises a published requirement. It is not immigration or legal advice, and we cannot advise on individual cases: for that, use the official body or a regulated adviser. IELTS is a registered trademark. IELTS Prep Studio is not affiliated with or endorsed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, or Cambridge Assessment English.