It has changed the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa, which will drastically affect the visa applications of partners and dependent children. The change will add consistency and clarity to visa applicants and visa holders as part of broader changes brought in earlier within the AEWV regime. This blog examines the details of these changes, how they affect AEWV holders, and the new opportunities for the spouses of students pursuing higher qualifications in New Zealand.
AEWV Rule Changes
The New Zealand Government has made some critical changes to the AEWV rules as of June 26, 2024, mainly affecting those in ANZSCO occupation levels 4 and 5, for which there is no residence pathway. The critical points are as follows:
Restriction on supporting visa applications: AEWV holders of ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 are not in a position to support work, visitor, or student visa applications for their partners and dependent children. This effectively implies that these family members have to apply independently for a visa to join their AEWV-holder relatives in New Zealand.
Visa Support Based on Job and Earnings: The type of visa that can be supported for families by an AEWV holder depends on the Green List status of their job, their earnings, and their level of skill under ANZSCO. Higher-rated skills, as well as Green List occupations, generally provide more visa support options.
Grandfathering of existing applications: If, before June 26, 2024, the AEWV holder has already sponsored their family member’s visa, then the new occupation would not be required to meet the new ANZSCO skill level requirements. This protection ensures that those already undertaking planning are not disadvantaged due to the introduction of the change.
Pathway for Dependents of Student Visa Holders
Along with changes to AEWV, New Zealand is also introducing an updated policy for student spouses. Spouses of students studying for any of the following qualifications are now eligible to apply for a flexible-term work visa that allows flexibility in working in New Zealand. Details are as follows:
Eligible Qualifications: If the student is studying for a Level 7 or 8 qualification on the Green List—graduate certificates and diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees with honours—this will support the work visa application of their spouse under the category of Partner of a Student Work Visa.
Types of Work Visas: The work visa may be granted to the spouse, open or conditional. An open work visa simply means the spouse can work for any employer without salary requirements; otherwise, the conditional work visa may have some specified job-related criteria attached to it.
Conclusion:
These changes to New Zealand’s AEWV and student visa support rules demonstrate that the government is working to continually make immigration easier and harmonise different types of visas. The changes will, without a doubt, pose difficulties for many and, at the same time, open up new opportunities for families that want to start life in New Zealand. If you are an AEWV holder or a student with a spouse, such changes can be very important in making your way around your immigration journey.
