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IELTS Requirements for New Zealand Visas & Skilled Migrant Category

Oceania · NZD

New Zealand's Skilled Migrant Category operates as a points-based ballot. IELTS scores above 6.5 qualify as "Skilled English", which adds points to your Expression of Interest and strengthens your visa application.

160+ points

Skilled Migrant ballot threshold (indicative)

+10 to +20 points

English bonus for Skilled/Good level

Up to 3 years

Post-Study Work Visa duration

~30,000

Indian students in NZ

IELTS Requirements by Visa Type

Skilled Migrant Category Resident Visahigh

Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

6.5Overall

6.5L

6.5R

6.5W

6.5S

Skilled English = 6.5 per component

"Skilled English" (6.5 in each component) adds points to your Expression of Interest.
"Good English" is the minimum to lodge an EOI - specific to each occupation.
"Excellent English" (7.5 per component) earns additional points.
IELTS General Training or Academic accepted.
Results valid for 2 years from the test date.

Processing time: 12-18 months

Student Visamedium

INZ + institutions

5Overall

Foundation level minimum; degree programmes require 6.0+

Foundation/certificate programmes: 5.0 overall.
Bachelor degrees: 6.0-6.5 overall.
Postgraduate programmes: 6.5-7.0 overall.
Post-study work visa (up to 3 years) available after completing a degree-level programme.

Processing time: 3-6 weeks

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For Indian Applicants

New Zealand is valued for its quality of life and relatively accessible skilled migrant pathway. Indian IT, engineering, and healthcare professionals are among the top occupation groups invited through the Skilled Migrant Category.

Other Countries

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