31/05/2023
Conditions changing for new partnership-based work visas
Changes to Partner of Worker Work Visas from May 31, 2023: Must work for accredited employer. Paid at least median wage ($29.66/hour currently). Exceptions for some partners of highly-paid or Green List workers.
The visa conditions for new Partner of Worker Work Visas are changing this month. Many people who apply for these visas from 31 May 2023 will need to work for an Accredited Employer and be paid at least the median wage.The changes are part of the Government’s work to rebalance the immigration system toward a higher-productivity, higher-wage economy. Employers are being encouraged to use New Zealand labour first and reduce their reliance on migrants for lower-skilled, lower paid roles.
News - May 31, 2023
Changes to the Partner of a Worker Work Visa 31 May mean some partnership-based visa holders can only work for employers who are accredited under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.You will not need to complete the AEWV ‘job check’ or use an existing job token to hire someone on a partnership work visa and work can be full time or part time (less than 30 hours per week). Workers must be paid at least the median wage, currently $29.66 per hour (or relevant sector agreement rate).
Work conditions for partners of migrant workers
Most people who successfully apply for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa on or after 31 May 2023 can only work for an Accredited Employer, like yourself.
You do not need to complete a job check to hire someone on a Partner of Worker Work Visa.
In addition, they may have visa conditions that mean:
They cannot work in roles covered by capped Sector Agreements.
If working in a role not covered by a Sector Agreement, they must be paid at least the median wage in effect at the time they receive their visa or receive a job offer, whichever is later. This is currently NZD $29.66.
If working in a role covered by an uncapped Sector Agreement, they must be paid at least the relevant wage threshold. They will not be subject to a stand down period.
Sector Agreements: Median wage exemptions and capped sectors
This includes many partners of temporary workers who hold an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) or an Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV), with some exceptions listed below.
Partners apply for their work visa directly. They do not need a job offer to apply.If you currently employ someone on a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, the employment arrangement will need to meet their visa conditions when any new visa takes effect.From 31 May, people will be able to check on the INZ website if an employer is accredited.
The changes do not affect current work visa conditions or people who apply before 31 May. There are no changes to visa conditions for partners of New Zealanders or partners of those holding other work visas (such as a Post Study Work Visa).
Work conditions for partners of migrant workers
Some partners of AEWV or ESWV holders will continue to be eligible for a work visa allowing them to work for any employer in New Zealand, with no median wage threshold. This includes partners of:Migrants who are paid at least twice the median wage, orMigrants who are working in a role on the Green List.
Green List Roles
Work conditions for partners of migrant workers
AEWV holders who are covered by a Sector Agreement and paid below the median wage are not eligible to support a partner. ESWV holders paid below the median wage (or lower-skilled if the visa application was made before 27 July 2020) are also not eligible to support a partner.
If they receive a pay rise making them earn at least the median wage, they may be able to support their partner for a work visa.Partners of temporary workers can explore other visas to see if they are eligible to apply in their own right.
Partners who do not want to work can apply for a Visitor Visa.
