Saturday, June 29, 2024 On June 26, 2024, New Zealand introduced modifications to its visa regulations, affecting specific groups of foreign workers and their families. These adjustments are designed to simplify the visa application process and better align it with the nation’s economic goals and immigration strategies. A significant alteration is the restriction for individuals with an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5, who now lack a direct pathway to residency, from sponsoring their partners and dependent children for work, visitor, or student visas in New Zealand.
This change aims to align the AEWV scheme more closely with the prior Essential Skills Work Visa program. It’s crucial to highlight that partners and dependent children still have the opportunity to apply independently for visas, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or international student visas, provided they fulfill the necessary requirements. Moreover, the new regulations do not affect those who currently hold visas as partners or dependents, nor do they impact AEWV holders at ANZSCO level 4 and 5 with established residency pathways, including those on the Green List and under sector agreements.
The government of New Zealand has assured that any applications for partner or dependent child visas currently underway will be evaluated under the existing regulations at the time of submission, providing stability for those affected. Should you have initiated a visa applic.
