Immigration New Zealand have just announced a significant change for Accredited Employer Work Visa applicants, applying to work in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 role.
As of June 26, 2024, there are some changes to how AEWV holders can support visa applications for their partners and dependent children.
Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:
- Affected AEWV holders: This change applies specifically to AEWV holders working in roles classified under ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 without a pathway to residency in New Zealand.
- Impact on Partner and Dependent Visas: These AEWV holders can no longer directly sponsor work, student, or visitor visas for their partners and children.
- Options for Partners and Children: Partners and dependent children can still apply for their own visas for New Zealand. They can explore options like the Accredited Employer Work Visa itself or international student visas, provided they meet the specific requirements for those categories.
Who is Not Affected?
- Existing Visa Holders: This change does not affect partners and dependent children who already hold valid visas as part of an AEWV holder’s application.
- Applications in Progress: Partner and dependent child visa applications submitted before June 26, 2024 will still be processed based on the original requirements.
- AEWV Holders with Residency Pathways: The change also doesn’t apply to AEWV holders in ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 who have a clear pathway to residency. This includes roles (paying at least the median wage of $29.66 per hour) on the Green List or with sector agreements offering a residency option, and those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category (which currently means earning at least NZ$47.41 per hour)
- Higher Skilled Roles (ANZSCO 1-3): AEWV holders working in higher skilled roles (ANZSCO levels 1, 2, and 3) are not impacted by this change.
The Immigration New Zealand website has a handy tool to check if you are able to support partners and children.
Why the Change?
The New Zealand government has implemented this update to align with broader adjustments made to the AEWV scheme earlier this year. It brings the system closer to how the previous Essential Skills Work Visa operated regarding family sponsorship.
Moving Forward:
If you’re an AEWV holder (or applicant) in an ANZSCO level 4 or 5 role without a residency pathway and planning to bring your family to New Zealand, it’s important to explore the individual visa options available for your partner and children.
Find out more about the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
