Bringing family into New Zealand
Steve Baker • July 17, 2024
Bringing family if you have an AEWV with ANZSCO Level or 5 role.
If you supported your family to apply for a visa before 26 June 2024, you can continue to support a visa for your partner or dependent child if they applied for their visa before 26 June 2024.
This applies if:
- they already had a visa based on their relationship to you.
- they had a work, visitor or student visa application in progress based on their relationship to you and their visa was approved after 26 June 2024.
- your role is ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 and you earn less than NZD$47.41 an hour ( 1.5 x non paused median wage - $31.61).
- your AEWV application had not been approved yet.
You must earn at least:
- NZD$29.66 an hour to support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa with conditions for your partner.
- NZD$43,322.76 a year to support a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa for your dependent children.
If you earn less than NZD$29.66 an hour, you can support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa.
You can support a work visa with open conditions, if you earned at least NZD$59.32 an hour OR your job was on the Green List and you meet the role's requirements.
If you require additional support, please don’t hesitate to contact me for obligation free advice.
Steve Baker
General Manager
Licensed Immigration Advisor 201801044
P: 03 353 0680
M:
027 212 5483
From 24 August 2026, the SMC offers three ways to qualify. None replaces the others, and you only need to meet the requirements of the one pathway you apply to.
The new available routes: Skilled Work Experience pathway & Trades and Technician pathways.
In September 2025, the NZ Government announced changes to help New Zealand employers attract and retain skilled workers and support long-term economic growth.
While the citizenship process is faster than it has been in recent years, it is still important to get it right the first time.
The change will be most felt in industries that rely heavily on Level 3 mid skilled roles, creating immediate pressure on labour and project delivery.
English Language requirements extended to AEWV skill level 3
Find out more infomation through the provided link
New residence pathways are scheduled to take effect late August 2026. These pathways are in addition to the current system and require key elements to be met.
Immigration New Zealand is announcing further detail on changes to the Skilled Migrant Category (SMC) ahead of these changes taking effect from late August 2026.
This scheme has already secured at least $3.39 billion in committed investment, according to Immigration NZ.
