From 2nd December 2024, the New Zealand government will expand open work rights to more partners of migrant workers. These changes aim to strengthen family ties and help fill critical gaps in the workforce.
Key Changes:
- Eligibility for Open Work Rights: Partners of migrants holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) can receive open work rights if the visa holder is working in a high-skilled or lower-skilled role that is on a pathway to residence.
- Income Requirements:
- Migrants in ANZSCO Level 1-3 roles (high-skilled) must earn at least NZD $25.29 per hour (80% of the median wage for skilled residence visas).
- Partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 an hour if they were already supporting a partner for a work visa on 26 June 2024
- Migrants in ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles on the Green List earning at least $31.61 per hour
- Migrants in ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles in the Transport or Care Sector Agreements earning at least $25.29 per hour (or the wage specified in the sector agreement, whichever is higher).
- Alternatively, migrants in ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles can qualify if they earn at least 1.5 times the median wage (NZD $47.41 per hour).
- Essential Skills Visa Holders: Partners of workers earning at least $25.29 per hour under the Essential Skills Work Visa will also be eligible for open work rights.
Applying for Open Work Rights
Current holders of Partner of a Worker Work Visa, tied to a specific employer, can apply to vary their visa conditions from 2nd December 2024, if their partner meets the new criteria. This allows them to work for any employer in New Zealand.
These changes are designed to attract and retain skilled workers, supporting sectors experiencing skill shortages. For further details and eligibility requirements, visit the Immigration New Zealand website.
If you want to find out how this impacts you, get in touch today.
Read more about the changes on the NZ Government Beehive website.