Getting to work in New Zealand just got a lot more easier. Immigration New Zealand announced that from November 21, one can submit a Test Of English as a Foreign language internet-based Test (TOEFl iBT) score to prove your English-language proficiency for the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC).
The TOEFl test, created by Educational Testing Service (ETS), is the most widely available English language assessment worldwide.
ETS applauds the decision to recognise TOEFl scores for immigration. The test is already recognised as an English-language measure for admissions to all New Zealand universities.
The New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA) also accepts TOEFl iBT tests as evidence of English proficiency for international students applying for Private Training Establishments (PTEs) and Institutes of Technology (ITPs).
The scores are also accepted at all Australian universities, and since 2014, scores have been accepted for post-study work, skilled migration and business visas.
“With the TOEFl test’s existing global reach, highly skilled migrants can now look at New Zealand as a destination for employment opportunities,” David Payne, vice-president and COO of Global Education at ETS, said.
“These changes will help bring the best and the brightest not just for work, but will also make New Zealand a more attractive destination for international students,” he added
To qualify for a New Zealand skilled migration visa, you must obtain a total score of 79 or greater from a TOEFl test completed within the last two years of the date you submit your application.
For registration information and tools to help prepare for the test, visit https://www.ets.org/toefl/.
For more information regarding the use of TOEFl scores for New Zealand skilled migration visas, visit the Immigration New Zealand website https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/new-zealand-residence-programme-changes/nzrp-smc.
To date, more than 30 million students have taken the test. More information regarding the TOEFl test, including registration, study tips and sample questions, is available on the TOEFl Go Anywhere website at www.toeflgoanywhere.org.