Changes to partner visa eligibility for AEWV holders in skill level 4 and 5 roles
Starting from 26/06/2024, most AEWV holders with an ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 will no longer be eligible to support their partners and dependent children for visa applications. However, those who meet one of the following requirements are still eligible for this ability:
- Earn at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category (currently $47.41 per hour), or
- Work in a role that is on the Green List and meet the role’s requirements, or
- Work in a role that is on the transport or care workforce sector agreement and meet the role’s requirements for residence, or
- Have already supported a visa for your family before 26/06/2024.
There are further instructions from INZ for each of the above scenarios. For instance, if you have already supported the visas before 26/06/2024, including if:
- Your family members already had visas based on their relationship to you, or
- They had those visa applications in progress based on their relationship to you and those visas were approved after 26/06/2024, or
- Your role is ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 and you earn less than NZD$47.41 an hour, or
- Your AEWV application had not been approved yet.
You must earn at least:
- NZD$43,322.76 per year, to support Dependent Child Visas
- NZD$29.66 per hour, to support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa with Conditions
If you earn less than NZD$29.66 per hour, you can support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa.
If you earn at least twice the median wage (currently NZD$59.32 per hour) or your job is on the Green List and you meet the requirements for that position, you can support an Open Work Visa for your partner.
Example: You had an Essential Skills Work Visa as a Cook (ANZSCO skill level 4) and currently earn NZD$29.66 per hour. You have supported visas for your partner and child since September 2022. You will apply for an AEWV on 01/08/2024. You can continue to support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa for your partner and a Dependent Child Student Visa for your child.