Oct 5, 2022

Changes ahead to Partner Work Visa criteria

POTENTIAL CHANGES AHEAD FOR PARTNER WORK VISAS

Do you have staff looking to support their partner with a Partner Work Visa? Are you looking to hire someone via the Partner Work Visa option?

The criteria for this visa option is set to change. We urge you to get underway before you may no longer be eligible for this option.

THE PARTNER WORK VISA AS IT CURRENTLY STANDS

Currently, if you sponsor staff on a work visa (such as an Accredited Employer Work Visa or Essential Skills Work Visa) they are able to support their partner or spouse on visas, based on their relationship.

These partners have open work rights, giving employers flexibility as:

  • There is no pay rate requirement (aside from the minimum wage requirement)
  • There is no Job Check required
  • They can be employed on a part-time basis
  • They are not limited to a specific role

If you are recruiting for a role that is traditionally not highly paid, not able to meet the $27.76/h requirement, and is not on any wage exemption lists, you may consider employing someone via the Partner Work Visa option.

WHAT CHANGES ARE AHEAD?

The Partner Work Visa option will soon only be available to AEWV holders in an occupation on the Green List, or if they are paid twice the median wage ($55.52/h or $115,481.60/h).

As we know, having family members in New Zealand helps employees with their commitment to remain in the country, long term.

If you have staff looking to support their partner with a Partner Work Visa, or looking to hire someone via the Partner Work Visa option, you should get prepared now.

We recommend you get underway with their applications now as they may soon no longer be eligible to apply for this option.

To chat about these changes or other immigration matters, get in touch! As always, we are here to help.

Author

Hamneet Jaggi
Corporate Services Manager – Visas
IAA License #201500559

Latest news

Immigration policy updates – September 2023

As of 23 September 2023, this category is closed to new applicants. Anyone already on a Recovery Visa however, can apply for a three-month extension, allowing them time to transition to longer term work visas if necessary. Get in touch with our team if you need help with this transition – we can advise on the best visa type.

Video update – Median wage increases

The median wage increase that is set to hit in February has triggered alarm for Kiwi employers already dealing with constant changes and updates from government.

Update on Interim Visa conditions

Interim Visas are for current visa holders who have applied for their next required visa, but their current visa expires before the new one has been granted by Immigration New Zealand. The Interim Visa allows the visa holder to remain in New Zealand lawfully. Conditions and work rights of the Interim Visa depend on the original visa type held, and the type of visa they have applied for next.

Staff Wellbeing Meetings and Visa Eligibility Checks

Our team is happy to visit your team for a Wellbeing Meeting. We find employers really benefit from these sessions that keep everyone updated on the immigration settings and explore options to bring family members to New Zealand.

Navigating Immigration New Zealand’s latest announcements

Keeping up to date with INZ’s fast moving policy announcements is crucial for your business planning. Staying on top of these updates will help you understand the impact they may have on your people and help you make informed decisions to enhance your hiring strategies.

News Archive