New Zealand has introduced new immigration rules that restrict some foreign workers from sponsoring their dependents for work, visitor, or student visas. These regulations, starting from June 26, aim to streamline visa processes while ensuring that visa sponsors meet specific criteria aligned with New Zealand’s economic and immigration priorities. This article explores the changes to the New Zealand work visa regulations, highlighting their impact on foreign workers and their families.

Changes to Accredited Employer Work Visa Sponsorship

New Zealand work visa regulations have undergone significant changes, particularly affecting those holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5. Under the new rules, these workers, without a pathway to residency, can no longer sponsor their partners and dependent children for work, visitor, or student visas. This adjustment aligns with broader revisions to the AEWV scheme earlier this year, returning conditions to those similar to the previous Essential Skills Work Visa.

Exceptions to the New Rules

Despite these changes, partners and dependent children can still apply for their own visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or international student visas, provided they meet the respective criteria. Additionally, individuals already holding visas as partners or dependent children are unaffected by this change. AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles with established pathways to residency, including the Green List and sector agreements offering residency avenues, are also exempt. Moreover, those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category remain unaffected.

Assessing Applications Under Previous Regulations

The New Zealand work visa regulations ensure continuity for applications currently in progress. Applications for partner or dependent child visas will be assessed under the regulations in place at the time of application. This provision guarantees that individuals affected by the rule changes are not disadvantaged if their applications were already underway before June 26.

Income Requirements for New Zealand Work Visa Sponsorship

To sponsor a Partner of a Worker Work Visa for your partner, you must earn at least NZD$29.66 per hour. For a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa for your dependent children, you must earn at least NZD$43,322.76 annually. If your earnings are below NZD$29.66 per hour, you can support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa instead.

Pathways for Affected Workers Under New Zealand Work Visa Regulations

The government has clarified the circumstances under which foreign workers can still sponsor their dependents under the New Zealand work visa regulations. If you supported your family’s visa application before June 26, you can still sponsor a visa for your partner or dependent child under certain conditions:

• If they already held a visa based on their relationship with you.
• If their work, visitor, or student visa application was in progress before June 26, 2024, and it was approved afterward.
• If your occupation is classified under ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5 and you earn less than NZD$47.41 per hour.
• If your AEWV application was pending approval.

Impact on Foreign Workers and Families

These changes to the New Zealand work visa regulations aim to streamline visa processes and align residency pathways with the country’s economic priorities. By ensuring that visa sponsors meet specific criteria, New Zealand can better manage its immigration system and support its economic goals. However, the new rules also place additional burdens on foreign workers and their families, particularly those in lower-skilled roles without a clear pathway to residency.

Conclusion

The revised New Zealand work visa regulations mark a significant shift in the country’s immigration policy. By restricting sponsorship options for certain foreign workers, the government aims to better align visa processes with economic and immigration priorities. While these changes provide a clearer pathway for high-skilled workers and those with established residency routes, they also introduce new challenges for many foreign workers and their families. It is crucial for affected individuals to understand the new rules and explore alternative visa options to ensure their continued stay and work in New Zealand.