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NEW ZEALAND – Changes to Partner Work Rights
June 16, 2023
Immigration New Zealand announced on 31 May 2023 substantive changes to the visa conditions for the partners of Essential Skills and Accredited Employer Work Visa holders applying for new Partner of Worker Work Visas. Previously, the partners of these visa holders had broad latitude in seeking their own employment in New Zealand.
However, Immigration New Zealand is now requiring these individuals to, in most cases, obtain jobs where they earn at least the median hourly wage in New Zealand, which is currently quoted as NZ$29.66/hr. Exceptions to the wage requirement are: 1) if their partner earns at least twice the median wage, or 2) they are working in a role on the green list.
Other restrictions put in place state that partners seeking new visas:
- Can only work for an accredited employer
- Cannot be self-employed
- And cannot work below the media New Zealand wage in roles covered by capped sector agreements.
The visa change affects most partners of workers who hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or an Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV). The changes, however, do not affect current work visa conditions or people who apply before 31 May 2023. There are no changes to visa conditions for partners of New Zealanders or partners of those holding other work visas (such as a Post Study Work Visa).
