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.
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Applications currently in progress for partner or dependent child visas will be assessed
