New Zealand continues to be one of the top destinations for skilled workers seeking opportunities abroad. The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) allows foreign nationals to work in New Zealand for specific accredited employers, offering access to a wide range of industries such as healthcare, technology, construction, and more. However, for many AEWV holders, the next logical step is bringing their spouse or partner to join them in New Zealand. If you’re in a committed relationship with someone holding an AEWV, this blog will serve as your comprehensive guide to understanding the Spouse Visa requirements in 2025 and the application process.
What is the AEWV and Its Importance for Spouse Visa Applications?
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is a work visa that allows foreign nationals to work for an accredited employer in New Zealand. This visa is generally issued for up to five years, depending on the job and the nature of the employment contract. AEWV holders must have a job offer from a New Zealand employer accredited by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), and their role must meet certain skill and wage requirements.
If you are married to or in a de facto relationship with someone who holds an AEWV, you may be eligible for a Spouse Visa to join your partner in New Zealand. The spouse visa allows you to live, work, and study in New Zealand during the duration of your visa. However, it is essential to meet all the requirements to be granted this visa.
Eligibility for a Spouse Visa of AEWV Holders
Before beginning the application process for a Spouse Visa, it’s essential to determine if you meet the eligibility criteria. These criteria generally include the nature of your relationship, the eligbility of your partner (the AEWV holder), and personal documentation to prove the authenticity of your relationship.
Relationship Requirements
To qualify for a Spouse Visa under the AEWV holder’s sponsorship, the applicant must be:
- Legally married to the AEWV holder, or
- In a de facto relationship (common-law or informal partnership), which requires the couple to have been living together for a significant period of time.
To prove the authenticity of your relationship, you must provide various forms of supporting documentation, such as:
- A Marriage certificate or proof of civil union.
- Evidence of cohabitation, such as shared lease agreements, utility bills, or joint bank accounts.
- Photographs and other records from family gatherings, holidays, or events together, indicating that your relationship is ongoing and genuine.
Age Requirements
Both the AEWV holder and their spouse must meet the minimum age requirement for visa eligibility. Typically, both individuals must be at least 18 years old. Applicants under the age of 18 will not be eligible to apply for a Spouse Visa.
Key Requirements for Spouse Visa Application in 2025
Once eligibility is confirmed, applicants must ensure they meet all the necessary requirements before applying for the Spouse Visa. The following sections cover the main components of the application process.
Proof of Relationship
New Zealand’s immigration authorities will want to be sure that the relationship is genuine and not just for immigration purposes. To support this, applicants need to provide substantial evidence of their partnership.
Some of the documents that can demonstrate the authenticity of the relationship include:
- Marriage Certificate or proof of a civil union.
- Evidence of cohabitation, such as rental agreements in both names, shared household responsibilities (e.g., bills), and other official records indicating you live together.
- Photographs from various periods and locations, showcasing significant events in the relationship, such as vacations, family gatherings, or other milestones.
- Personal statements or affidavits from friends, family members, or other credible sources confirming the relationship’s legitimacy.
- Joint financial documents like bank accounts, insurance policies, or investments that show shared financial responsibilities.
The more evidence you can provide, the better your chances are of a successful application.
Health and Character Requirements
Applicants for a Spouse Visa are required to meet New Zealand’s health and character standards.
- Health Requirements: You will need to undergo a medical examination by an authorized doctor. The purpose is to ensure that you do not have any medical conditions that could impose excessive costs on New Zealand’s healthcare system or impact public health. If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you may be asked to provide additional medical reports.
- Character Requirements: All visa applicants must provide a police certificate from their home country (or any other country in which they have lived for more than 12 months in the last 10 years). This is to ensure the applicant has no criminal history. If you have any criminal convictions, you may still be able to apply, but additional documentation and explanation will be required.
AEWV Holder’s Eligibility
One of the main aspects of the Spouse Visa application is the eligibility criteria of the AEWV holder. To sponsor a spouse visa, the AEWV holder must meet certain requirements to be able to support their spouse in New Zealand.
There are two types of spouse visas that AEWV holder can support:
- Partner of a Worker Work Visa
- Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
If the AEWV holder meets any of the following criteria, they can support the visa for their spouse:
- earns at least NZD 25.29 per hour (which is 80% of New Zealand’s median wage) and is on ANZSCO skill level 1,2 or 3
- AEWV holders earning NZD 47.41 per hour (1.5 times the median wage)
- Working in a job that is on the Green List
It’s important to note that AEWV holders in roles that fall under certain Transport or Care Workforce visa categories may have additional considerations when sponsoring a spouse. These specific sectors may have different wage and job requirements to meet.
Work Rights for the Spouse
If the spouse is granted a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, they are permitted to work in New Zealand. However, if the spouse is granted a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, they may not automatically have the right to work. If work rights are important for the spouse, it’s crucial to ensure that the appropriate visa category is selected.
Process for Applying for a Spouse Visa as an AEWV Holder
The process for applying for a Spouse Visa can be done online or via a paper application. The steps involved are as follows:
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
First, the applicant (spouse) must complete the online or paper-based application form. This form will ask for personal information, details about the AEWV holder’s job, and specifics about the relationship.
Step 2: Submit Supporting Documents
Along with the application form, applicants will need to submit several supporting documents to verify their identity, relationship, and financial eligibility. These documents can include:
- Marriage certificate or evidence of a de facto relationship.
- Proof of identity (passport and other official documents).
- Police certificates and medical reports.
- Financial evidence of the AEWV holder’s income.
Step 3: Pay the Visa Fees
The exact fee depends on the application type and method used (online or paper).
Step 4: Wait for Processing
After submission, the application will be reviewed by New Zealand immigration authorities. Processing times can vary, but typically, it may take 3 to 6 months for the visa to be processed. Applicants will be notified if additional information is required during this time.
Step 5: Receive the Decision
If successful, the spouse will be granted a visa to join their AEWV-holder partner in New Zealand.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The spouse visa application process can be intricate, and it is essential to avoid common mistakes that may delay or derail the process.
- Incomplete Documentation: Ensure all required documents are submitted, including relationship proof, financial records, and health and character checks.
- Lack of Relationship Proof: Be thorough in providing evidence of the relationship’s legitimacy. This may include a combination of formal documents, photographs, and personal statements.
- Ignoring Health or Character Requirements: Health and police checks are crucial to the success of your visa application. Ensure you meet all these requirements before submitting your application.
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 and also meets the requirements to sponsor you, you can apply for a Spouse Visa. However, ensure that all necessary documents from the AEWV holder are included.
What if my AEWV holder loses their job?
If your partner loses their job, it may affect your visa status. Ensure that your AEWV holder maintains employment in their accredited role to continue supporting your visa.
Can I work while on a Spouse Visa?
If you receive a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, you will be able to work in New Zealand. If your visa is a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, work rights may not automatically be granted.
By ensuring that your relationship is well-documented, your partner’s financial standing is sufficient, and you fulfil all health and character criteria, you increase your chances of success.
West Highlander Immigration
New Zealand offers great opportunities for families to reunite, and the Spouse Visa for AEWV holders is an essential pathway for families to stay together in this beautiful country. Always ensure that you stay updated with the latest immigration policies and seek professional advice from Ms. Parwinder Kaur, an LIA at West Highlander Immigration when needed to ensure a smooth and successful application.