New Zealand: Changes to Partner Visa Conditions  

Key Points 

• New Zealand introduced new conditions for partner visas to be granted to family members of certain work permission types  

Overview  

The government of New Zealand introduced changes to the conditions for granting a partner visa to family members of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders and Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) holders. As a result, beginning 31 May 2023, partners of these work visa holders may be required to: 

• Only work for an Accredited Employer. 
• Not work in roles covered by capped sector agreements. 
• If working in a role not covered by a sector agreement, the applicant must be paid at least the median wage in effect at the time they receive their visa or when they receive a job offer, whichever is later. This is currently NZD $29.66. 
• If working in a role covered by an uncapped sector agreement, the applicant must be paid at least the relevant wage threshold in place. They will not be subject to a stand-down period. 

For further information on the conditions that partners of AEWV or ESWV holders must meet, check here.  

What are the Changes?  

The New Zealand government introduced new conditions for granting partner visa applications. According to the government’s announcement, these changes are intended to rebalance the country’s immigration system to support a higher-productivity, higher-wage economy. 

Looking Ahead  

Continue to check the government of New Zealand’s website and Envoy’s website for the latest updates and information.