Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic), a leading online language proficiency test, will be an approved proof of English language proficiency for all visa categories with an English language requirement from Monday 21 November this year, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) announced today.
This means for the first time all visa applicants to New Zealand will have a choice of Government-approved English language testing options. PTE Academic is already accepted by 100 per cent of New Zealand universities and widely used by student visa applicants.
Vinne Schifferstein, Director Language Testing for Pearson, said: “Pearson is proud to achieve INZ recognition.
“PTE Academic is a secure English language test that enables test-takers to access their scores quickly.
“We are also approved by the Australian Department of Immigration and Border Protection for all visa tiers, so the New Zealand Government’s approval further consolidates PTE Academic as the fast growing secure test for visa applications.”
David Barnett, Managing Director of Pearson Australia and New Zealand said: “For many years applicants from non-English speaking countries, such as India, China, the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore were limited in their choice of tests to prove their English language proficiency.
“While our test is academically challenging it is based on the real life English migrants need. The test provides a seamless user experience, from booking, testing, through to receiving results making the process less stressful for applicants and organisations processing a test taker’s application.
“Pearson looks forward to assisting the New Zealand government with recruiting skilled migrants to their workforce.
“The computer-based test uses cutting edge technology to ensure score reliability, and integrity of the testing process. It also offers the fastest score reporting in the market, with test takers receiving their results typically within five business days.”
For more information, visit www.pearsonpte.com or https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/new-zealand-residence-programme-changes
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The students face deportation after it was found they obtained fraudulent visas from education agents in India.
A Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment spokesperson told 1 NEWS a confidential meeting took place between an MBIE representative and Alistair McClymont, who is representing the group.
The MBIE spokesperson said of the nine student who made appeals for ministerial intervention in their case - which was refused on February 1 - two have already left New Zealand.
Six of the seven remaining students have also completed the qualification course they came to New Zealand to study.
Mr McClymont yesterday said his clients are hopeful something good would come from the meeting, and that their "future's gone if they get on a plane".
Immigration New Zealand has said it is standing by its deportation orders.

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