The Government is ensuring New Zealand attracts and retains the workers and skills it needs by returning open work rights to partners of high-skilled migrants.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford says. 

“We are committed to growing the economy and our immigration system is critical to that. 

From 2 December, open work rights will be available to partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders working in higher-skilled roles who earn at least 80 percent of the median wage.” 

The same rights will also be available for partners of AEWV holders working in lower-skilled roles who are on a pathway to residence. 

The changes deliver on the coalition commitment between National and ACT to make it easier for family members of visa holders to work here.

“I want a system that creates opportunities for people to come here and make a meaningful contribution, but also protects New Zealanders rights to work and thrive,” 

“The improvements we are making in immigration are restoring balance to the system, ensuring we are well-positioned to continue rebuilding the economy.” Ms Stanford says.

The Government is making changes to provide open work rights to more partners of migrant workers, allowing them to work for any employer. 

This will help families stay together and attract and retain the workers New Zealand needs to fill gaps in sectors facing skill and labour shortages.

From 2 December 2024, open work rights will be available to:

• all partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) working in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Level 1-3 role and earning at least NZD$25.29 an hour (80 percent of the standard median wage)
• partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 an hour if they were already supporting a partner for a work visa on 26 June 2024
• all partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 an hour.

Furthermore, open work rights will be available to partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 role:

• earning at least $47.41 an hour (150 percent of the standard median wage), or
• earning at least $31.61 an hour in a role on the Green List and meeting the Green List requirements for that role, or
• earning at least $25.29 an hour (80 percent of the standard median wage) and meeting the requirements of a role in the Transport or Care Sector Agreements (or the wage specified in the sector agreement, whichever is higher).

ANZSCO grades occupations according to skill level. ANZSCO skill levels range from 1 to 5, with 1 being the most skilled and 5 being less skilled.

Current holders of partner work visas with specific employment conditions, will be able to apply to vary their visa conditions to switch to open work rights, if their partner meets any of the above situations.

If you meet the above criteria, you will be able to apply for a variation of conditions or a new work visa from 2 December 2024.