The New Zealand government is making changes to provide open work rights to more partners of migrant workers, allowing them to work for any employer. This will help families stay together, and attract and retain the workers New Zealand needs to fill gaps in sectors facing skill and labour shortages.
Starting December 2, open work rights will be granted to partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders in higher-skilled roles earning at least 80% of the median wage.
The same rights will also be available for partners of AEWV holders working in lower-skilled roles who are on a pathway to residence. The changes make it easier for family members of visa holders to work in New Zealand.
Higher-skilled roles are defined as those at levels one to three of the Australia New Zealand System of Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), while lower-skilled roles are defined as those at levels four and five of ANZSCO.
People who already hold work visas for specific employment can apply for a variation of their visa conditions.
Furthermore, open work rights will be available to partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 role:
Current holders of partner work visas with specific employment conditions can apply to vary their visa conditions to switch to open work rights if their partner meets any of the above situations.
If you meet the above criteria, you will be able to apply for a variation of conditions or a new work visa from 2 December 2024.
ANZSCO grades occupations according to skill level. ANZSCO skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled.
These types of work visa do not require an offer of employment at the application stage, but are only available to specific applicants applying under the following categories:
