New Zealand tightens rules for foreign workers looking to sponsor dependants

New Zealand has announced new immigration rules that won't let some foreign workers sponsor their dependents for work, visitor, or student visas. These regulations aim to streamline visa processes while ensuring that visa sponsors meet specific criteria aligned with New Zealand's economic and immigration priorities.

Starting June 26, changes to visa regulations in New Zealand mean that individuals holding an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) at ANZSCO levels 4 and 5, without a pathway to residency, can no longer sponsor their partners and dependent children for work, visitor, or student visas.

This adjustment aligns with broader revisions to the AEWV scheme earlier this year, returning conditions to those similar to the previous Essential Skills Work Visa. However, partners and dependent children can still apply for their own visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or international student visas, provided they meet the respective criteria.


The government clarified that individuals already holding visas as partners or dependent children are unaffected by this change, as are AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles with established pathways to residency, including the Green List and sector agreements offering residency avenues. Additionally, those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category remain unaffected.

Applications currently in progress for partner or dependent child visas will be assessed under the regulations in place at the time of application, ensuring continuity for affected individuals.

This adjustment aims to streamline visa processes and align residency pathways with economic priorities in New Zealand.

If you supported your family's visa application before June 26, you can still sponsor a visa for your partner or dependent child under certain conditions:

• If they already held a visa based on their relationship with you,
• If their work, visitor, or student visa application was in progress before June 26, 2024, and it was approved afterward,
• If your occupation is classified under ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5 and you earn less than NZD$47.41 per hour,
• If your AEWV application was pending approval.

To sponsor a Partner of a Worker Work Visa for your partner, you must earn at least NZD$29.66 per hour. For a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa for your dependent children, you must earn at least NZD$43,322.76 annually.

If your earnings are below NZD$29.66 per hour, you can support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa instead.

Furthermore, you could sponsor a work visa with open conditions if you earn at least NZD$59.32 per hour or if your job is listed on the Green List and you meet the role's specific requirements.