Changes to partner visa eligibility for AEWV holders in skill level 4 and 5 roles

Starting from 26/06/2024, most AEWV holders with an ANZSCO skill level 4 and 5 will no longer be eligible to support their partners and dependent children, for visa applications. However, those who meet one of the following requirements are still eligible for this ability:

  • Earn at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category (currently $47.41 per hour), or
  • Work in a role that is on the Green List and meet the role’s requirements, or
  • Work in a role that is on the transport or care workforce sector agreement and meet the role’s requirements for residence, or
  • Have already supported a visa for your family before 26/06/2024

There are further instructions from INZ for each of those above scenarios.

For instance, if you have already supported the visas before 26/06/2024, including if:

  • Your family members already had visas based on their relationship to you, or
  • They had those visa applications in progress based on their relationship to you and those visas were approved after 26/06/2024, or
  • Your role is ANZSCO skill level 4 or 5 and you earn less than NZD$47.41 an hour, or
  • Your AEWV application had not been approved yet

You must earn at least:

  • NZD$43,322.76 per year, to support Dependent Child Visas
  • NZD$29.66 per hour, to support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa with Conditions

If you earn less than NZD$29.66 per hour, you can support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa.

If you earn at least twice the median wage (currently NZD$59.32 per hour) or your job is on the Greenlist and you meet the requirements for that position, you can support an Open Work Visa for your partner.

Example: You had an Essential Skills Work Visa as a Cook (ANZSCO skill level 4) and currently earns NZD$29.66 per hour. You have supported visas for your partner and child since September 2022. You will apply for an AEWV on 01/08/2024. You can continue to support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa for your partner and a Dependent Child Student Visa for your child.

2 responses to “Changes to partner visa eligibility for AEWV holders in skill level 4 and 5 roles”

  1. Md Rasal Avatar
    Md Rasal

    Good evening madam. Sorry to say . Anzsco 4 But it’s also in the green list Excavator operator

    Can I apply family visit visa. My pay rise $30 per hour.
    Thanks you.
    1 week income $1500
    Please please.

    1. Helen Nguyen Avatar
      Helen Nguyen

      Dear Md Rasal,

      Thank you for contacting us about your family visa support concerns. To answer your question:

      If you supported your family’s visas before June 26, 2024, you can continue to do so for their future visa applications. However, if you have not, unfortunately, your current wage of $30/hour does not meet the green list requirement for your position, even though your job is on the green list. As a result, you are not eligible to support your partner’s visa.
      We would advise that your partner apply for a general visitor visa herself to visit you.

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