New Zealand Ends At-Home English Test for Immigration

New Zealand has just made a significant change to its immigration policy by no longer accepting the at-home Occupational English Test (OET) for immigration purposes. As of 13 July, all applicants who require proof of English language skills for visa or residency purposes will be required to sit the OET at an approved testing centre in person. The change is part of the ongoing development of the integrity and reliability of English language assessments in the country and upholding the standards for skilled migrants, especially health professionals looking to work in New Zealand.

New Zealand Ends Acceptance of At-Home OET for Immigration

New Zealand's immigration department has announced that at-home OET results will no longer be accepted for immigration applications received from July 13.

This is because the OET is now to be taken at an approved physical testing centre if it is to be used to meet English language requirements. This change will apply to scores from remotely proctored at-home tests taken at any time before the application after the policy change, and will not be accepted for immigration purposes.

The change will help New Zealand's immigration requirements to become more consistent, authentic and fair in language assessments.

Also Read: HR Vacancies in New Zealand for Indian Professionals

What Is the Occupational English Test (OET)?

Occupational English Test (OET) is an internationally recognised English language test, created specifically for healthcare workers. OET is different from general English proficiency tests in that it assesses communication skills in real-life clinical and medical contexts.

People who work in healthcare often sit for the OET exam, such as:

• Doctors

• Nurses

• Dentists

• Pharmacists

• Physiotherapists

• Occupational therapists

• Radiographers

• Veterinarians

• Optometrists

• Speech pathologists

The examination assesses candidates in four key language skills:

• Listening

• Reading

• Writing

• Speaking

OET is a profession-specific exam, so many health care professionals choose it over general English language exams when they are looking to work abroad or to move to Australia.

When Does the New Rule Take Effect?

The new policy will take effect on July 13.

Starting from this date:

• New Zealand immigration language requirements will no longer be met with at-home OET test scores.

• Scores from in-person testing centers only will be accepted.

• Applicants intending to submit an immigration application after July 13 should make sure that their English test meets the new requirements.

Those who are currently applying for immigration are encouraged to check their test timetables and not expect to be able to take tests remotely.

Why Has New Zealand Introduced This Change?

While no details have been provided by immigration authorities regarding specific incidents which resulted in this decision, governments around the world have been looking at remote examination systems after concerns about:

• Identity verification

• Examination security

• Online proctoring limitations

• Consistency in assessment standards

• Fraud prevention

The requirement for in-person examinations by immigration officials means that immigration officials can be more confident that the results of the English language tests accurately reflect each candidate's language ability.

The change also helps to ensure that New Zealand's immigration system is transparent and trustworthy.

Also Read: New Zealand Implements Changes to The Employment Visa Program to Manage Net Migration

Impact on Healthcare Professionals

The policy changes will mainly impact international healthcare professionals who wish to move to New Zealand.

Before the pandemic and during the pandemic, many overseas-qualified doctors, nurses, pharmacists, dentists and allied health professionals have chosen to take OET from home for convenience.

With the new rules:

• Candidates need to find an approved OET testing centre.

• Further travelling may be needed.

• Availability for appointments may be restricted.

• Candidates are urged to plan well ahead so that there is no delay in immigration timelines.

In-person testing will help to enhance the credibility of English language testing for immigration decisions, even though there are added logistical challenges.

Which English Language Tests Does New Zealand Accept?

There are several recognised English language tests that New Zealand accepts for immigration purposes, which must satisfy Immigration New Zealand's requirements. These are tests to evaluate the applicant's communication skills in English and are recognised for a range of visas.

The following is a list of some of the tests that are widely accepted in the English language:

• Occupational English Test (OET) – From July 13th, only in-person test results will be accepted.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic)

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT)

• Cambridge English qualifications (where appropriate).

Applicants are advised to always check the most up-to-date list of acceptable English language tests and minimum scores required before booking an examination as requirements will differ by visa category.

Why Was the At-Home OET Introduced?

The at-home OET was launched during the COVID-19 pandemic when lockdowns, travel restrictions and the lack of testing centres made it difficult to sit the test in person. It enabled health care practitioners to proceed with their registration, employment and immigration without delay throughout the world.

The online format had several benefits:

• More options for candidates.

• Reduced travel expenses.

• More rapid testing.

• Continued access in the time of public health restrictions.

But, with the return of testing centres to a normal schedule, many governments and regulatory authorities started to wonder if remotely proctored exams offered the same security and reliability as in-person testing centres.

How Will This Affect Immigration Applicants?

The new policy will affect candidates who were aiming for the at-home OET. The change does not change the requirement for English language proficiency, but modifies the way in which the applicant may demonstrate the proficiency.

The following should be taken into account:

• Reserve a booked, in-person OET test as soon as possible to get a preferred date in advance.

• Ensure that they have access to the authorisation of testing facilities in their country or region.

• Give extra time for travel, test scheduling, and test results processing.

• Make sure that the test report sent with your immigration application comes from an authorized test center.

If these conditions aren't met, your immigration application may be delayed or denied because you don't provide enough proof of your English language skills.

What Does This Mean for Healthcare Recruitment?

New Zealand is still experiencing a shortage of skilled health workers such as doctors, nurses, allied health workers and more. The process for removing the at-home OET acceptance does not decrease opportunities for qualified professionals to migrate; it just adds another process.

Instead, the new policy reiterates the country's commitment to upholding high standards throughout the immigration process. The employers and licensing authorities will have greater confidence in the authenticity of language test results submitted by candidates from overseas.

Healthcare professionals who want to move should just follow the in-person requirement as part of their migration planning.

Also Read: New Zealand Tightens PCC Rules for Indian Visas

Tips for Applicants Planning to Move to New Zealand

If you have an immigration application to prepare following July 13, here are some practical steps to consider:

• Ensure that your visa type calls for English language proficiency.

• Take an accepted English language test from Immigration New Zealand.

• Please register only for an authorised in-person OET exam.

• Have original test reports and supporting documentation available.

• Start the immigration process in advance to prevent any delay.

Despite the change in testing requirements, applicants can smoothly move to the new system if they plan accordingly.

Conclusion

The halting of acceptance of at-home Occupational English Test results from July 13 is another measure to enhance the integrity of New Zealand's immigration system. The change will eliminate a handy testing method for many health care providers, but it will add to the confidence in the authenticity and uniformity of English language testing for immigration purposes. Those intending to migrate should adjust their preparation dates to make sure they take the necessary in-person tests (which must be approved by Immigration New Zealand) at an appropriate time, and ensure they meet all current Immigration New Zealand language requirements. Being well-informed and proactive will contribute to reducing delays and ensuring a smoother immigration experience.

Contact TerraTern for more information.