Partner Of NZ Work Visa: Rules For Partners Of AEWV Holders

In December 2022, there was a change that affected partners of NZ work visa holders – specifically, partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders. This change meant that most partners of NZ work visa holders needed to apply for a work visa in their own right. It’s very likely that this discouraged some migrants from coming to New Zealand – but the good news is that this will change from 31 May 2023.

What are the implications for partners of NZ work visa holders?

Here’s how this affects AEWV holders and their partners:

• If the AEWV holder’s occupation is on the Green List: Partners are automatically eligible for a work visa, and do not need to make a separate application. The partner will receive open work rights, i.e. they can work for any employer (they don’t need to be accredited), and in any role.
• If the AEWV holder earns twice the median wage: Partners are automatically eligible for a work visa, and do not need to make a separate application. The partner will receive open work rights, i.e. they can work for any employer (they don’t need to be accredited), and in any role. The median wage is currently NZ$29.66 and is reviewed annually.
• AEWV holders paid at or above the median wage: Partners will now be given their own work visa, but the work must be for an accredited employer (in any role), and be paid at least the median wage – or the applicable threshold if the role is covered by a sector agreement. This ruling is new – partners were previously not given an automatic work visa – and comes into effect from 31 May 2023. Note that this change doesn’t affect current work visas; it will only be applied to new AEWV applications.
• Work visa holders paid under the median wage: You are only able to support a visitor visa for your partner. Or else your partner can apply for their own Accredited Employer Work Visa.
• Partners who don’t wish to work: Can apply to come to NZ on a visitor visa.