Starting 31 May 2023, New Zealand will implement certain changes to the work visa conditions of the partners of those holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or an Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV). With the objective of ‘rebalancing’ the immigration system, the NZ government hopes to support a higher productivity and higher-wage economy.
As per reports, the partners on current work visas will not be affected by the changes that are being implemented. The changes will only take effect on new applications received after May 31, 2023. Further, no changes will be applied to the visa conditions for partners of those holding different work visas like the Post-Study work visa. In fact, some work visa holders may not even be eligible to support applications for the visa.
The list of eligible categories along with the list of accredited employers will be published on the official immigration website of New Zealand from May 31. As the name suggests, a Partner of a Worker Work Visa is a category of visa permitting the partner of anyone holding an NZ work visa to work in the country. According to the rules, the length of stay for this type of visa is the same as that of the partner’s work visa.
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Partners of those with a work visa will not only be able to join their partner and work in the country, but they will also have the opportunity to study in the country for up to 3 months. Additionally, the partners would not be required to have a job offer in hand when applying for the visa. Partners will also be able to change their employers without having to apply for a Variation of Conditions. They will also not be restricted by the minimum number of hours they need to work.
Reports highlighted that the fee for the New Zealand Partner of a Worker Work visa has been set at NZD 700, with an average processing time of 49 days. Reports also highlighted the new conditions that the Partner of a Worker Visa holders may need to adhere, if they have applied after May 31, 2023, as outlined below:
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Will only be able to work for an Accredited Employer
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Will be restricted to roles not covered by capped sector agreements
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For those working in a role not covered by a sector agreement, their salary should be equivalent to the median wage in effect at the time of receiving their visas or job, whichever is received at the latest.
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For those working a in role covered by an uncapped sector agreement, their salaries should be equivalent to the wage threshold in place. These candidates will also not be subject to a stand-down period.
However, there are certain exceptions for partners of highly-paid and Green list workers, which include being eligible for a work visa, which will further allow them to work in any role or occupation for any employer in the country. Further, they will also not be subject to the median wage threshold. Partners of workers in the following categories will be able to enjoy these benefits.
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Migrants paid at least twice the median wage; or
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Migrants employed in a role on the Green List
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The exception also includes those who initially did not meet the requirements, however, now meet the criteria through pay increase or having their roles included in the Green List. However, applicants will need to provide proof of evidence through a Variations of Conditions request.
Reports also highlighted that AEWV holders not covered by a sector agreement and paid below the median wage will not be eligible to support a partner work visa. The ESWV holders with a lower than median wage will also not be eligible for the partner work visa.
Source: Money Control
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