New Zealand: New Work Conditions for Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa Holders Forthcoming

Starting May 31, 2023, partners of new Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders will be subject to new work conditions tied to their partners’ work visas. Partners of AEWV who apply for a new work visa, if approved, must work for an accredited employer, and be paid at least the median wage. As an exception, partners who work under an un-capped sector agreement can be paid less than the median wage but must be paid the wage threshold for their role. Partners with existing visas will not be affected by the new conditions. AEWV holders who are earning twice the median wage or in a Green List role will continue to be able to sponsor their partners for open work rights which are not subject to the new conditions.