As of June 26, 2024, significant changes have been made to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme in New Zealand. These updates impact the ability of AEWV holders in roles classified under Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5 to support visa applications for their partners and dependent children. Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding these new regulations and how they affect you.
What Has Changed?
From June 26, 2024, AEWV holders in ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 roles without a pathway to residency are no longer able to support work, visitor, or student visa applications for their partners and dependent children. However, these family members can still apply for visas independently, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or an international student visa, provided they meet the requirements.
Exceptions to the Rule
The new rule does not affect:
Those who already hold visas as a partner or dependent child.
AEWV holders working in ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles with a pathway to residency (e.g., roles on the Green List, sector agreements with residence pathways).
Those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category.
Applications for partners or dependent children that were submitted before June 26, 2024. These will be assessed based on the criteria in place at the time of application.
Bringing Family to New Zealand on an AEWV
If you hold an AEWV, you can support visas for your family members under certain conditions. Here’s how you can support different types of visas:
Work Visa for Your Partner:
Open Work Visa: Allows your partner to work for any employer without pay requirements.
Work Visa with Conditions: Your partner must adhere to specific employment rules or terms.
Visitor or Student Visas:
You can support a visitor visa for your partner or children.
You can support a student visa for your children.
Conditions Based on Your Employment and Earnings
Green List Jobs
If your role is on the Green List and you meet the requirements, you can support:
Partner of a Worker Work Visa (open work conditions)
Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
Dependent Child Student Visa
Child of Worker Visitor Visa
High Earning Jobs
If you earn at least NZD$59.32 an hour (twice the median wage as of February 2023):
Partner of a Worker Work Visa (open work conditions)
Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
Dependent Child Student Visa
Child of Worker Visitor Visa
If your hourly wage is between NZD$29.66 and NZD$59.31:
Partner of a Worker Work Visa (with work conditions)
Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
Dependent Child Student Visa
Child of Worker Visitor Visa
If you earn less than NZD$29.66 an hour, you may still support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. To support a visa for your dependent child, you must earn at least NZD$43,322.76 per year.
ANZSCO Level 4 or 5 Roles
Generally, AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles cannot support family visas unless:
They earn at least NZD$47.41 an hour.
Their role is on the Green List and they meet the role requirements.
They work in a role covered by the transport or care workforce sector agreement and meet residence requirements.
They have already supported a visa for their family before June 26, 2024.
Income and Role Changes
If your income increases or your job is added to the Green List, you may be able to support a visa for your partner or dependent child. Your partner can also apply to change their work conditions to an open work visa under certain circumstances.
Check Your Eligibility
To check if you can support a visa for your partner or dependent children, use the tool provided by Immigration New Zealand: Check Eligibility.
Stay informed and ensure you meet all requirements to support your family's visa applications effectively. These changes aim to align with broader adjustments to the AEWV scheme and reflect similar settings under the previous Essential Skills Work Visa.
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