New Zealand Visa Update: Immigration NZ to End At-Home OET Results from 13 July 2026

Immigration New Zealand will stop accepting at-home Occupational English Test (OET) results for immigration applications from 13 July 2026. From that date, applicants using OET to meet English language requirements for a New Zealand visa will need to complete the full test in person at a supervised testing centre.

The change applies from midnight on 12 July 2026, New Zealand Standard Time. This means applicants who take OET on or after 13 July 2026 will no longer be able to complete any part of the test online from home if they want to use those results for a New Zealand immigration application.

What has changed

Immigration New Zealand has confirmed that it will only accept OET results from tests completed entirely at supervised testing facilities. OET is commonly used by applicants working in the health sector, including people who need to show English language ability as part of their immigration pathway.

At-home OET results will not be accepted for New Zealand immigration applications if the test is taken on or after 13 July 2026. Applicants will need to sit the test at an authorised test centre where the testing process is supervised.

Immigration New Zealand says the change is intended to keep the testing process fair, protect the integrity of the immigration system, and make sure results reflect each person’s own English language skills and ability.

Importantly, this update does not cancel all at-home OET results. Applicants who have already completed an at-home OET, or who complete the test by 12 July 2026, can continue to use those results for their immigration applications, provided they otherwise meet the relevant visa requirements and the result remains valid for the visa category being applied for.

The update is specific to applicants using OET for New Zealand immigration purposes. The source material states that it does not change the acceptance of other approved English language tests.

What this means for migrants

For migrants planning to move to New Zealand, this change mainly affects timing and test planning. If you are using OET for a New Zealand visa application, and your test will be taken on or after 13 July 2026, you should plan for an in-person test centre appointment rather than an at-home option.

This may be especially relevant for healthcare professionals who are preparing immigration applications and relying on OET as evidence of English language ability. Depending on where you live, test centre availability, travel time, and booking dates may need to be considered earlier than expected.

Applicants who already hold an at-home OET result taken before the deadline should not assume there is a problem solely because it was completed at home. According to the update, existing at-home results completed by 12 July 2026 can still be used for immigration applications. However, applicants should still check that the result meets the score, timing, and evidence requirements for their specific visa pathway.

For people preparing a New Zealand visa application, English language evidence is only one part of the process. Other requirements may include qualifications, registration, employment details, health and character checks, and visa-specific criteria. The suitability of OET, or any English test, depends on the visa category and the applicant’s circumstances.

What to do next

If you are planning to use OET for a New Zealand immigration application, first check your intended test date. If your test is before or on 12 July 2026, the at-home result may still be usable under the transition described by Immigration New Zealand. If your test is on or after 13 July 2026, you should prepare to complete the test in person at a supervised testing facility.

You may also want to review your wider application timeline. If you need English results before lodging an application, allow enough time for booking, sitting the test, receiving results, and dealing with any unexpected delays.

If you are unsure how this affects your New Zealand visa plans, consider getting personalised guidance before making decisions about test bookings or application timing. You can get matched with a licensed immigration adviser who can help you understand which requirements may apply to your situation.

This update is a reminder that English test rules can change, and applicants should rely on current requirements when preparing immigration applications. Keeping records of test dates, test format, score reports, and application deadlines can help avoid confusion later.

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