We just thought we’d give everyone an update on this as we know it’s a concern for many of you going forward. INZ hosted a webinar on Friday for accredited employers to explain the process around AEWV applications and the job check process. Rather disappointingly, during the webinar INZ confirmed that they will be going ahead with their policy change around partner work visas in December.
While INZ initially announced this in May 2022, many LIA’s and other stakeholders in the industry did not believe it would eventuate. Unfortunately, INZ have once again proven us wrong and are forging ahead with the new policy.
So what is changing? Previously, partners of work visa applicants could apply for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa. The visa would be granted for the same period of time as their partner’s work visa and would have open work rights. This means you were not restricted to working for a specific company or tied to an occupation, you were free to undertake any type of legal employment, including working for yourself. Moving forward, this will no longer be the case. Unless the principal applicant is highly paid ($57.69 or more per hour) or meets the requirements of the Tier 1 Green List, their partners will no longer be eligible to apply for an open work visa.
So does this mean I can no longer bring my partner with me to New Zealand if I’m not a high earner or on the Tier 1 Green List? Not at all, it just means the process is a little more complicated from December 2022. In real terms, partners now have two options available to them, they can either apply for a Partner Visitor Visa, or apply for a AEWV in their own right. IF applying for a Partner Visitor visa, this will still be granted for the same period as the main applicant’s visa, but the partner will no longer be able to work or undertake self employment. If applying for an AEWV, partners will have to qualify for this in their own right and the application would have to be based on a suitable job offer from an accredited employer.
Just to clarify, between now and December 2022, partners are still able to apply for Partner of a Worker Work Visa, this change only comes into effect in December 2022. If you are currently considering immigrating to NZ with a partner and/or family, we suggest getting in contact with us sooner rather than later to plan your way forward.
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