New Zealand has implemented new immigration rules restricting certain foreign workers from sponsoring their dependents for work, visitor, or student visas. These changes aim to streamline visa processes and align them with New Zealand’s economic and immigration priorities.
Effective June 26, 2024, individuals holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5, who do not have a pathway to residency, will no longer be able to sponsor their partners and dependent children for work, visitor, or student visas.
Key Changes to Visa Sponsorship
- Affected Visa Holders: AEWV holders at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 without a residency pathway can no longer sponsor their dependents.
- Unaffected Groups:
- Current visa holders (partners or dependent children) are not impacted by these changes.
- AEWV holders in roles with established pathways to residency (such as those on the Green List or under sector agreements) remain unaffected.
- Those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category are also exempt.
Partners and dependent children can still apply for their own visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or international student visas, if they meet the necessary criteria.
Transition Provisions
Applications already in progress for partner or dependent child visas will be assessed under the regulations that were in place at the time of application, ensuring continuity for affected individuals.
If you supported your family’s visa application before June 26, 2024, you can still sponsor a visa for your partner or dependent child under the following conditions:
- Current Visa Holders: They already held a visa based on their relationship with you.
- Pending Applications: Their work, visitor, or student visa application was in progress before June 26, 2024, and was approved afterward.
- ANZSCO Levels 4 or 5 Earnings: Your occupation is classified under ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5, and you earn less than NZD$47.41 per hour.
- Pending AEWV Applications: Your AEWV application was pending approval.
Sponsorship Criteria
To sponsor a Partner of a Worker Work Visa for your partner, you must earn at least NZD$29.66 per hour. For a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa for your dependent children, you must earn at least NZD$43,322.76 annually. If your earnings are below NZD$29.66 per hour, you can support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa instead.
Additionally, you can sponsor a work visa with open conditions if you earn at least NZD$59.32 per hour or if your job is listed on the Green List and you meet the role’s specific requirements.
Conclusion
These adjustments aim to streamline visa processes and align residency pathways with New Zealand’s economic priorities. For detailed information on these changes, including eligibility criteria and application processes, please consult the official New Zealand immigration website.
By understanding these new regulations, foreign workers can better navigate their visa options and plan accordingly for their families’ immigration needs.
