From midnight on July 12, 2026, NZST, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) will only accept in-person tests for applications where the Occupational English Test (OET) is used as the English language test. This change means that all parts of the English test must be completed in person at a supervised testing facility.
OET is an English language test commonly used by applicants working in the health sector.
Those who have already completed an at-home OET, or who will complete the test by Sunday July 12, 2026, can still use those results for their application.
Those who take the test on or after July 13, 2026, must go to a test center.
Erickson Insights and Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.