New Zealand is a popular destination for skilled professionals, and many Indian applicants are increasingly choosing it to build their careers and secure a better future. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is one of the most common pathways for skilled migrants, offering the chance to work in New Zealand’s key industries facing critical skill shortages.
One key consideration for migrant workers is the ability to bring their families along and provide employment opportunities for their spouses or partners. In a bid to make New Zealand more attractive to skilled workers and to support family reunification, the government has announced significant changes to the work rights of partners of AEWV holders. These updates are set to provide more flexibility and better opportunities for families to settle together and thrive economically.
In this blog, we’ll delve into the recent changes to working conditions for partners of AEWV holders, particularly focusing on Indian applicants, and explain how these changes can benefit you and your family.
What is the AEWV and why is it Important for Indian Applicants?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a work visa that allows skilled foreign workers to take up employment in New Zealand with employers who are accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ). The AEWV is a vital visa category aimed at addressing New Zealand’s ongoing labour shortages in high-demand sectors such as construction, engineering, healthcare, agriculture, and IT.
For Indian applicants, this visa opens up opportunities to work and live in New Zealand, gaining valuable international experience in a country known for its high quality of life. The visa is granted based on a job offer from an accredited employer in New Zealand, and it requires applicants to meet certain health, character, and qualification standards.
Who Are the ‘Partners’ of AEWV Holders?
Under New Zealand’s immigration system, the term “partner” refers to a spouse, de facto partner, or civil union partner of an AEWV holder. For Indian applicants, this typically means that your spouse or de facto partner can join you in New Zealand if they meet the relevant visa criteria.
Having the ability for both partners to work in New Zealand can significantly improve the financial and social well-being of families, as both can contribute to the household income and engage with the community.
Recent Changes to Working Conditions for Partners of AEWV Holders
More partners of AEWV holders will be able to utilize open work rights as a result of significant adjustments the New Zealand government is implementing starting on December 2, 2024. These changes aim to help families stay together, support the retention of skilled workers, and address critical labour shortages in the country.
Here’s a breakdown of the key changes:
Open Work Rights for Partners of AEWV Holders
The most notable change is that partners of AEWV holders will now be eligible for open work visas under specific conditions. Previously, partners could only work in certain jobs or sectors, but with the new provisions, they will have the flexibility to work for any employer in New Zealand. Eligibility Criteria for Open Work Rights:
Partners of AEWV Holders in ANZSCO Level 1-3 Roles
If the AEWV holder works in an ANZSCO Level 1-3 role (which includes highly skilled roles like doctors, engineers, and IT professionals) and earns at least NZD 25.29 per hour, their partner will be able to obtain an open work visa.
Partners of AEWV Holders Supporting a Work Visa for their partner on 26 June 2024
If the AEWV holder was already supporting their partner’s work visa on 26 June 2024 and has been earning at least NZD 25.29 per hour, their partner will also qualify for open work rights from 2 December 2024.
Open Work Rights for Partners of AEWV Holders in ANZSCO Level 4-5 Roles
Open work rights will be granted to AEWV holders’ partners working in ANZSCO Level 4-5 occupations (lower skill levels) under the following conditions:
- The AEWV holder must earn at least NZD 47.41 per hour, or
- The AEWV holder must earn at least NZD 31.61 per hour in a role listed on the Green List, or
- The AEWV holder must earn at least NZD 25.29 per hour in a role that falls under New Zealand’s Transport or Care Sector Agreements (or the higher wage specified in those sector agreements).
How Do These Changes Benefit Indian Applicants?
These changes offer several significant advantages for Indian applicants and their families:
- Financial Benefits for Families: With both partners now able to work, Indian families moving to New Zealand can rely on two incomes, providing greater financial stability. This is especially important for managing the cost of living, housing, education, and healthcare in New Zealand.
- Flexibility in Job Search: The open work rights mean that partners are no longer restricted to working in specific roles or industries. This opens up a wide range of job opportunities across multiple sectors, allowing partners to pursue careers that align with their skills and qualifications.
- Better Career Prospects: For Indian professionals, this flexibility means that partners can gain work experience in New Zealand, improve their skills, and potentially progress in their careers. Whether in healthcare, engineering, IT, or education, there are diverse sectors offering excellent opportunities.
- Enhanced Family Integration: The ability for both partners to work full-time supports smoother integration into New Zealand society. Working and earning an income helps families build connections, contribute to the local economy, and establish a sense of belonging.
How Indian Applicants Can Benefit from These Changes
- Increased Earning Potential: The ability of both partners to work provides increased earning potential, helping families to achieve their financial goals and plan for the future.
- More Employment Opportunities: Indian applicants whose partners qualify for open work rights will have more opportunities to diversify their careers in New Zealand. Whether it’s in high-demand sectors like IT or healthcare or growing industries such as construction or tourism, the open work visa allows for greater mobility in the job market.
- Access to High-Quality Living: Having both partners employed means higher household income, which contributes to a better lifestyle. Indian families can access better housing, healthcare, and education, all of which are central to New Zealand’s appeal as a migration destination.
The new changes to the work rights of partners of AEWV holders represent a major improvement for families seeking to settle in New Zealand. For Indian applicants, these updates provide enhanced opportunities for both partners to work, pursue careers, and contribute economically. With a more flexible and supportive work environment, families can thrive in New Zealand and enjoy the many benefits this beautiful country has to offer.
If you meet the criteria, the upcoming changes could make your New Zealand migration journey even more rewarding. Be sure to check with immigration authorities or a licensed immigration advisor to ensure you understand the full scope of the changes and how they apply to your situation.
FAQs
Can my partner apply for open work rights if I earn below NZD 25.29 per hour?
No, you must meet the earning threshold of NZD 25.29 per hour to be eligible to support an open work visa for your partner.
What if my partner already holds a work visa with restrictions?
Current holders of restricted partner work visas can apply to vary their visa conditions if their AEWV Holder partner meets the new criteria.
West Highlander Immigration
If you are an AEWV New Zealand holder and you want to apply for a work visa for your partner, you can contact Ms. Parwinder Kaur at West Highlander Immigration with over 19 years of experience, for any further assistance.