New Zealand has always been a popular destination for individuals looking to start a new chapter of their lives. With its breathtaking landscapes, world-class healthcare system, and high quality of life, it’s no surprise that many people from all around the globe want to call this beautiful country home. One of the most sought-after ways to immigrate to New Zealand is through the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). But what if you’re married to someone who already holds this visa, particularly if they are a registered nurse? What visa options are available for you as a spouse of an AEWV holder?
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know about the visa options available to spouses of AEWV holders, with a particular focus on those whose partners are working in New Zealand as registered nurses.
What is the AEWV and Why is it Important for New Zealand Spouse Visa Applications?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a work visa designed for foreign nationals who wish to work for accredited employers in New Zealand. This visa is typically issued for a period of up to 5 years, depending on the job and employment contract.
To be eligible for an AEWV, the applicant must meet several criteria, such as having a job offer from an employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The job must also meet skill and wage requirements as specified by INZ.
In 2023, the AEWV system was streamlined and simplified, making it easier for skilled workers to secure employment in New Zealand. However, what many people don’t know is that this visa not only allows workers to live and work in New Zealand but also opens the door for their spouses and dependents to join them under certain conditions.
If your spouse is a registered nurse and holds an AEWV, you’re in luck. Nursing is listed as a Green List role, which provides significant benefits in terms of residency pathways and spousal visa options.
Nursing on the New Zealand Green List: What Does This Mean for You?
One of the key advantages of being married to a registered nurse holding an AEWV is that the nursing profession is part of New Zealand’s Green List. Workers in Green List roles are eligible for faster residency processes, and their spouses can benefit from this streamlined process.
Since registered nurses are on the Green List, if your spouse is working in New Zealand as a nurse, they may be eligible for a Straight to Residence visa. This means that, instead of applying for a work visa and then transitioning to residency, your spouse can apply for residency immediately, providing a clear and faster pathway for both them and their family members, including you as a spouse.
If you’re married to a registered nurse working on an AEWV, you can take advantage of the Green List benefits, which include eligibility for a Partner Visa that could lead to permanent residency down the line.
Visa Options for Spouses of AEWV Holders in New Zealand
As the spouse of someone holding an AEWV, you may be eligible for different types of visas depending on your situation and the kind of relationship you share with your partner.
Partner of a Worker Work Visa
The Partner of a Worker Work Visa is the most common visa for spouses of AEWV holders. This visa allows you to live and work in New Zealand while accompanying your partner. If you are granted this visa, you will have full work rights, which means you can find employment in New Zealand just like your AEWV-holding spouse.
To be eligible for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, you need to prove that you are legally married or in a de facto relationship with the AEWV holder. You will also need to submit documentation to show the authenticity of your relationship.
Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
If you don’t intend to work while in New Zealand, you can apply for a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. This visa allows you to live in New Zealand as a visitor, but it does not grant you work rights.
This visa might be suitable if you’re planning to stay in New Zealand but do not need to work immediately. However, keep in mind that if you later decide to work, you would need to apply for a different visa that allows you to work.
Straight to Residence Visa for AEWV Holders
One of the most exciting benefits of being married to a registered nurse is that nursing is listed as a Green List occupation. As mentioned earlier, this allows your spouse to apply for a Straight to Residence Visa. This route fast-tracks the path to permanent residency for the AEWV holder.
While the Straight to Residence Visa is for the AEWV holder, this path can benefit you as their spouse. If your spouse applies for and receives their residence, you will likely be able to join them as a dependent under the same application. This means you could also be on a fast track to New Zealand residency.
Eligibility for New Zealand Spouse Visa
Before applying for a spouse visa, it is important to check if you meet the eligibility criteria set by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The primary requirements include the nature of your relationship with the AEWV holder and the ability to provide proof of that relationship.
Relationship Requirements
You must be either:
- Legally married to the AEWV holder, or
- In a de facto relationship (meaning you have been living together for a specified period of time).
To prove your relationship is genuine, you will need to provide several forms of documentation, including:
- Your marriage certificate (or civil union document),
- Proof of cohabitation, such as joint bank accounts, utility bills in both names or a shared lease agreement,
- Photographs and other documentation from family gatherings, holidays, and events,
- Statements from friends and family affirming the authenticity of your relationship.
Health and Character Requirements
In addition to the relationship proof, you will also need to meet health and character requirements. This means you must:
- Undergo a medical examination by a New Zealand-authorized doctor to ensure you are in good health and do not pose any undue risk to New Zealand’s healthcare system,
- Submit a police certificate from your home country or any country you have lived in for more than 12 months in the past 10 years to prove you do not have a criminal history.
These requirements help ensure that you are a good fit for New Zealand society and will not cause harm to its public health or safety.
New Zealand Green List and Residency Pathway: What Does This Mean for You?
As mentioned earlier, the Green List provides a unique advantage for spouses of AEWV holders, especially those in healthcare roles like nursing. Since nursing is on the Green List, your spouse’s job provides a faster track to permanent residency through the Straight to Residence pathway.
For spouses of AEWV holders in Green List roles, this can mean an expedited journey to residency. While the AEWV holder is applying for their residency, you may also be able to apply as their dependent, which allows you to join them in New Zealand and eventually pursue your path to residency.
It is important to note that this pathway is not automatically granted. Your spouse needs to meet all the requirements for residency, and you will need to provide the required documents to demonstrate your eligibility.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Spouse Visa: The Process
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, the next step is the application process. Here’s a breakdown of the steps involved in applying for a Partner of a Worker Visa.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
The first step is to complete the online or paper-based application form for your visa. The form will ask for your personal details, details about your relationship with the AEWV holder, and any information about your partner’s employment.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents
Once the application form is completed, you will need to submit several supporting documents to demonstrate your eligibility. These can include:
- Your marriage certificate or evidence of your de facto relationship,
- Proof of identity such as your passport and any required identification documents,
- Police certificates from any countries where you have lived for more than 12 months in the past 10 years,
- Medical examination results,
- Financial documents, such as evidence of your partner’s employment or income, especially if you’re applying for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa.
Step 3: Pay Visa Fees
The visa fees will vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. Once you submit your application and documents, you will be prompted to pay the applicable visa fees.
Step 4: Wait for Processing
Visa processing times can take anywhere from 3 to 6 months, depending on the type of visa and your particular circumstances. During this time, the immigration authorities may request additional information or documents. It’s important to be patient and ensure that all requested documents are submitted in a timely manner.
Step 5: Receive the Decision
If successful, you will be granted a visa to live and work in New Zealand (if you applied for a work visa) or live as a visitor (if you applied for a visitor visa).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for a spouse visa if my partner is still in the process of getting their AEWV?
Yes, as long as your partner has a confirmed job offer from an accredited employer, you can apply for a spouse visa. Ensure that you submit the correct documents to prove your relationship and your partner’s employment status.
What happens if my AEWV holder loses their job?
If your partner loses their job, your visa status may be affected. You should ensure that your partner maintains their employment in an accredited role to continue supporting your visa.
Can I work while on a spouse visa?
If you apply for the Partner of a Worker Work Visa, you will be able to work in New Zealand. However, if you receive the Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, work rights may not be automatically granted.
The opportunity to join your spouse in New Zealand as the partner of an AEWV holder brings with it a range of exciting possibilities. With nursing being on the Green List, spouses of registered nurses have access to streamlined visa options that make the process easier and quicker. Whether you opt for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa or a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, it’s essential to ensure that you meet all the eligibility requirements and provide the necessary documentation.
West Highlander Immigration
By following the steps outlined above and understanding the visa options available to you, you can navigate the immigration process more effectively and start your new life with your partner in New Zealand. If you feel like you need more guidance, you can contact Ms. Parwinder Kaur, a Licensed Immigration Advisor with over 19 years of experience at West Highlander Immigration.