July 15, 2024, New Zealand has introduced significant policy changes affecting certain holders of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) who wish to bring their families to the country.
Key Points:
Visa Restrictions for Low-Skilled Workers: Individuals employed in roles classified under Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5, who do not have a pathway to residency, will no longer be able to support work, visitor, or student visa applications for their partners and dependent children. These family members will need to apply for their own visas and meet the necessary qualifications independently.
Current Visa Holders Exempt: This policy change will not affect individuals who already hold visas as a partner or dependent child.
Exceptions to the Rule: AEWV holders in ANZSCO level 4 or 5 roles who have a pathway to residency, are part of a sector agreement with residence pathways, or earn at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the skilled migrant category will not be impacted by this new policy.
Additional Information:
Government officials have also announced that certain AEWV applications will now require higher levels of work experience and qualifications, alongside a new English language standard. Additionally, applicants in ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 roles will face a shorter maximum stay.
New Requirements: AEWV applicants must now meet new English language requirements. The maximum visa duration for those in ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 has been reduced to two years, with an option to extend for one more year through a new job check.
Reduced Maximum Stay: The total time an individual in these job categories can remain in New Zealand on one or more AEWVs is now capped at three years, reduced from the previous five-year maximum eligibility time for those who applied before June 21, 2023.
BAL Analysis:
Accredited employers need to familiarize themselves with these new guidelines to understand their responsibilities when hiring individuals. These changes are part of a broader effort to tighten immigration requirements and align the AEWV scheme with the government’s objectives, particularly concerning low-skilled migrant workers.