As of May 31, 2019, the new Partner of a Worker Work Visa requirements in New Zealand are in effect
Partner visa requirements for persons travelling with an Accredited Employer Work Visa or Essential Skills Work Visa holder in New Zealand have changed.
New Zealand partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) holders may be subject to different work requirements from May 31, 2023, if they apply for a new Partner of a Worker Work Visa.
These adjustments foster a higher-productivity, higher-wage economy by rebalancing the immigration system. However, the partner's work visa will remain the same.
The new rules will not affect workers with valid visas as of May 31, 2023. These terms are only applicable to applications submitted in the future. Partners of people on other work visas, like Post Study Work Visas, have no visa adjustments.
Several categories of Work visa holders need help to sponsor others for this visa. From May 31, 2023, New Zealand immigration's website will include eligible categories and accredited employers.
Definition of "Partner of Worker Work Visa"
Applicants who want to accompany or visit their partner who has a Work Visa or is applying for one frequently apply for it. Your spouse or partner can also find employment in New Zealand with this visa. The partner's work visa determines the length of stay.
If granted this visa, the traveller will be able to do the following:
Partner up with him or her
Find a Job in New Zealand
Learn for as long as three months
There is no requirement for a job offer or a labour certification from an employer for a spouse or partner to qualify for this visa.
Partners don't need to file for a VOC to switch jobs when this is done.
Partners are not required to put in any set amount of time every week.
Visas typically take 49 days to process, costing 700 New Zealand dollars (about Rs 36,330).
Spouses and dependents of migrant worker’s working conditions
Those who apply for and receive a Partner of a Worker Work Visa on or after May 31, 2023, may be subject to the following additional requirements:
Only Accredited Employers are allowed to hire them.
Capped sector agreements prevent them from working in such fields.
If working in a position not covered by a sector agreement, they must be paid at least the median pay when they acquire their visa or receive a job offer, whichever is later.
They must receive the corresponding salary threshold in uncapped sector agreements. No standby.
Green List and highly compensated employee-partners are exempt.
Some partners of AEWV or ESWV holders will be able to work in any occupation for any company in New Zealand without a median pay threshold. Companions in this regard include:
people from other countries who are paid at least double the average wage, or
Foreign nationals occupying jobs on the Green List
Migrants who didn't match these conditions when they got their visa but did after a pay raise or being added to the Green List are exceptions. Partner of a Worker Work Visa or Variation of Conditions applications require eligibility proof.
Few AEWV and ESWV holders cannot sponsor partners for work visas.
Those with an AEWV paid less than the median pay because of a sector agreement cannot sponsor their spouse or partner for a work visa. Also ineligible to sponsor a partner work visa are ESWV holders earning less than the median pay (or lower-skilled if the visa application was made before July 27, 2020).
They may be able to sponsor their spouse for a work visa if they receive a raise that brings their salary up to at least the national average.
Unless they wish to extend their work visa based on their higher wage, they do not need to file for a new work visa to sponsor their spouse or partner. This is because spouse visas are often issued for the same duration as their supporting spouse's work visa.
Spouses and children of temporary workers might research different visa options to see if they meet the application criteria. A Visitor Visa can be obtained for a partner who does not wish to work.
Who does not qualify for family visas?
If you have one of the following visas, you cannot sponsor your spouse or kid for a work, visiting, or student visa:
Working visa for fishing crew
Holiday work permits
Short-term visas are available through the Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) and Supplementary Seasonal Employer (SSE) programs.
Work visa for the Silver Fern
Domestic workers for a diplomat
