New Zealand changes visa rules for foreign workers, limits family sponsorship

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On June 26, 2024, New Zealand introduced changes to visa regulations that apply to certain groups of foreign workers and their families. These adjustments are intended to simplify the visa application process and better align it with the country’s economic goals and immigration strategies.

A significant change is the restriction on Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 who currently lack a direct pathway to residency by sponsoring their partners and dependent children to obtain work, visitor or student visas in New Zealand. This change is to better align the AEWV program with the previous Essential Skills Work Visa program.

It is important to note that partners and dependent children will still be able to apply for visas on their own, such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa or Student Visas for International Students, provided they meet the necessary requirements. In addition, the new rules do not apply to those who currently hold visas as partners or dependents, or to ANZSCO Level 4 and 5 AEWV holders with established residency pathways, including those on the Green List and under sectoral agreements.

The New Zealand Government has assured that any ongoing Partner or Dependent Child visa applications will be assessed in accordance with the current rules at the time of submission, providing stability for those affected.

If you applied for a visa for your family before 26 June 2024, there may still be opportunities to sponsor visas for your partner or dependent children under certain conditions. This includes if they have previously been granted a visa based on their relationship with you, or if their application for a work, visitor or student visa was in progress before the new rules came into force and was subsequently approved.

For AEWV holders at ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 earning less than NZD$47.41 per hour, visa sponsorship options for a partner or dependent children remain. To sponsor a work visa for a partner, you must demonstrate earnings of at least NZD USD 29.66 per hour. To sponsor an Employee Child Visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa for your children, you must demonstrate an annual income of at least NZD USD 43,322.76.

You may be eligible for Partner of a Worker visitor visa support if you earn less than $29.66 NZD per hour. Additionally, if your earnings reach at least $59.32 NZD per hour or your role is on the Green List and you meet certain job requirements, you may also be eligible for sponsorship for an open-ended work visa. These changes are part of a comprehensive New Zealand government strategy to improve the visa application process and align it with the country’s economic and immigration goals.