Since 31 March 2008 migrants who pre-purchase English language tuition from Immigration New Zealand as part of their residence application have up to

The TEC and the Department of Labour announce changes to the English for Migrants fund
Since 31 March 2008 migrants who pre-purchase English language tuition from Immigration New Zealand as part of their residence application have up to five years to use their funds.
The policy change will assist migrants to settle and integrate into New Zealand more successfully by allowing them more time to meet other settlement needs. Previously migrants had up to three and a half years to use their funds.

“Migrants often have a range of settlement needs to attend to such as helping their children to adjust to school or looking for employment,” says Tertiary Education Commission Service Centre Group Manager, Esther Calley.

“Extending the entitlement period gives them more time to attend to their other settlement needs and still make use of the English language tuition they have pre-purchased.”

The five-year entitlement period will also apply to migrants who pre-purchased their English language tuition in the last three years if they have not already used their funds.

The Department of Labour (Immigration New Zealand) currently requires certain migrants to pre-purchase English language tuition as part of their residence requirement. The objective of the English for Migrants Programme is to ensure that migrants have sufficient English language skills to integrate into New Zealand society and labour market.

The Tertiary Education Commission administers pre-purchased English language funds on behalf of the Department of Labour, as part of its English for Migrants programme.

More information on accessing pre-purchased English language tuition, including frequently asked questions, can be found on the English for Migrants page.

For enquiries relating to English for Migrants funds, please contact the Tertiary Education Commission Service Centre on 0800 601 301 or email: servicecentre@tec.govt.nz.

Questions and answers
1. Why has the funds entitlement been extended to five years?

This policy change assists migrants to settle and integrate into New Zealand more successfully by allowing them more time to attend to other settlement needs and to choose a language provider that better suits their needs.

2. When is the change effective from?

This policy change takes effect from 31 March 2008.

3. Who does this policy change affect?

All migrants who pre-purchased English language tuition in New Zealand on or after 31 March 2005 or who pre-purchased their tuition overseas on or after 31 September 2004, provided they still have funds in their account with the TEC.

4. Can migrants apply for an extension over and above the five-year funds entitlement?

No, five years is the maximum entitlement period. All funds that have not been used after five years will be returned to Immigration New Zealand.

5. Will the change to a five-year funds entitlement affect the level of funds migrants have in their accounts with the TEC or how they can spend their money?

No, the policy change will not affect the funds held in a migrants account with the TEC. Migrants are free to use their funds provided it is for English courses with approved providers and within the five-year timeframe.

6. Are migrants required to pay more money to Immigration New Zealand?

No. Migrants are not required to pay more money to Immigration New Zealand.

7. Are migrants required to fill in another application form?

No. The change to a five-year funds entitlement will be automatically updated by TEC.