New Zealand will stop accepting at-home Occupational English Test (OET) results for immigration applications from July 13, 2026. Anyone taking the test on or after that date must complete every part of the exam at an authorised, supervised test centre.

The new rule takes effect from midnight on July 12, 2026, New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), and applies only to applicants using OET to meet New Zealand’s English language requirements.

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What Is the OET?

The Occupational English Test (OET) is an English language proficiency exam designed specifically for healthcare professionals. Unlike general English tests, it measures language skills through real workplace scenarios in medicine, nursing, dentistry, pharmacy, physiotherapy, and several other health professions.

Many doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare workers choose OET when applying for jobs and residence in countries such as New Zealand, Australia, and the UK.

Who Must Take the Test?

The new rule applies only to healthcare professionals who use OET to meet New Zealand’s English language requirements for work visas, residence pathways, or other immigration categories.

Applicants who submit IELTS or PTE Academic scores can continue using those tests under the existing rules.

What Is Changing?

From July 13, 2026:

• OET must be completed entirely at an authorised supervised test centre.
• At-home or remotely proctored OET results taken on or after this date will no longer be accepted for New Zealand immigration.

Immigration New Zealand introduced the change to protect the integrity of its English language testing process and ensure every OET result accurately reflects an applicant’s own language skills.

This mirrors a wider trend across immigration systems, where authorities are placing greater emphasis on secure, in-person identity verification for high-stakes language testing.

Existing OET Scores Will Still Be Accepted

There is no need to panic if you’ve already taken the test.

Applicants who completed an at-home OET, or who finish it by July 12, 2026, can continue using those results for New Zealand immigration applications under the current rules.

Immigration New Zealand says it is working with OET to help candidates adjust to the new requirement and reduce disruption during the transition.

What This Means for Applicants

For foreign healthcare professionals, including Indians planning a move to New Zealand, the change means adding a supervised test centre appointment to the immigration timeline. Candidates should book their OET well in advance, particularly in cities where test slots fill quickly.

The policy does not change New Zealand’s acceptance of other approved English language tests, giving applicants flexibility if they prefer an alternative exam.

Take

We see this as a practical step to strengthen the credibility of English language testing. If you’re planning to work in New Zealand’s healthcare sector, simply schedule your OET at a supervised centre and plan ahead.

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