Immigration New Zealand Announces Changes to Partnership Work Visa Policy
The New Zealand government is introducing key changes to support migrant families and address critical skill and labor shortages across the country. As of 2 December 2024, more partners of migrant workers will be granted open work rights, enabling them to work for any employer. This move is designed to help families stay together and make it easier for New Zealand to attract and retain skilled talent.
These changes particularly benefit sectors facing labor shortages, and they offer a significant advantage for employers looking to fill gaps with skilled workers. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the new policy and how it may affect you or your partner if you’re a migrant worker in New Zealand.
Who Will Be Eligible for Open Work Rights?
From 2 December 2024, open work rights will be extended to a wider range of partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders and Essential Skills work visa holders. Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies under this updated policy:
1. Partners of AEWV Holders in ANZSCO Level 1-3 Occupations
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- Partners of workers in ANZSCO Level 1-3 occupations (which are classified as highly skilled roles) will be eligible for open work rights if the visa holder earns at least NZD $25.29 per hour (80% of the standard median wage).
2. Partners of AEWV Holders Supporting a Visa Prior to June 2024
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- Partners of AEWV holders who were already supporting a partner for a work visa on 26 June 2024 will also be eligible, provided the AEWV holder is earning at least NZD $25.29 per hour.
3. Partners of Essential Skills Work Visa Holders
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- Partners of those holding an Essential Skills Work Visa will be eligible for open work rights, provided the visa holder is earning NZD $25.29 per hour or more.
Eligibility for Partners of AEWV Holders in ANZSCO Level 4-5 Occupations
For those working in ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles, which are considered less skilled positions, partners can also gain open work rights if certain conditions are met. These conditions are slightly more stringent, as the government is focusing on roles that are in high demand or considered critical to the economy:
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- Earning NZD $47.41 per hour (150% of the median wage), or
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- Earning NZD $31.61 per hour in a role that’s on the Green List and fulfilling all Green List requirements for that role, or
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- Earning NZD $25.29 per hour in a role within the Transport or Care Sector Agreements, or earning the wage specified in the sector agreement, whichever is higher.
What Is ANZSCO?
The Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) is a system used to classify occupations according to skill levels. These skill levels range from Level 1 to Level 5, with Level 1 being the most skilled and Level 5 being less skilled. Understanding where your occupation fits into this system is key to determining eligibility for the open work rights for your partner.
What Does This Mean for Current Visa Holders?
If you’re currently holding a partner work visa that has specific employment conditions attached, you may be able to apply for a variation of conditions on your visa. This would allow you to switch to open work rights, giving you the flexibility to work for any employer, provided your partner meets the income and role requirements outlined above.
When and How Can You Apply?
Applications for the variation of conditions or a new work visa will open on 2 December 2024. If you or your partner meet the criteria, it’s important to begin preparing your application now to ensure a smooth transition when the policy takes effect.
Key Benefits of These Changes
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- Support for Families: These changes are designed to help migrant families stay together, making it easier for partners to find work in New Zealand, regardless of their skill level or the industry their partner works in.
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- Boost to New Zealand’s Workforce: Opening up work rights to more partners of skilled workers helps fill critical gaps in the labor market. This is especially important in sectors like health, construction, and IT, where there’s high demand for skilled workers.
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- Greater Flexibility for Migrant Workers: Migrants will have the ability to bring their partners with them without the concern of restrictive work conditions, which could otherwise limit their career opportunities.
How This Impacts New Zealand Employers
Employers can now more easily retain skilled workers, knowing that their partners will have the flexibility to work in New Zealand. This makes the country a more attractive destination for international talent, contributing to the growth of businesses across multiple industries.
If you or your partner are looking to make the most of this new opportunity, it’s important to stay informed and prepared for the upcoming changes. Feel free to reach out to our team for assistance with your visa application or to discuss how these updates could impact your situation.
This new policy represents a positive shift for families and workers alike, enhancing New Zealand’s position as a destination for skilled migrants. Make sure you’re ready by 2 December 2024 to take full advantage of these changes!
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration advice. We do not take responsibility for the accuracy or completeness of the information presented. Immigration policies and regulations are subject to change, and individual circumstances may vary. For specific immigration advice tailored to your situation, please contact us at info@ezyimmigration.com.
