On June 26, 2024, the Government announced additional changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme effecting partners & children. Effective immediately, individuals holding AEWVs in roles categorized under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) levels 4 and 5, without a pathway to residency, will no longer be able to support visa applications for their partners and dependent children. This restriction applies to work, visitor, and student visas.
Despite this significant change, partners and dependent children can still independently apply for visas to come to New Zealand, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or an international student visa, provided they meet the necessary requirements. This amendment aligns with the broader modifications to the AEWV scheme introduced earlier this year and brings the settings closer to those under the previous Essential Skills Work Visa.
The impact of these changes is multifaceted. Firstly, it places a greater responsibility on the partners and dependent children of AEWV holders in ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 to qualify for visas on their own merit. This could potentially increase the complexity and duration of the visa application process for families, if they can meet the criteria.
Importantly, the changes will not affect:
Individuals who already hold visas as a partner or dependent child.
AEWV holders working in ANZSCO level 4 and 5 roles with a pathway to residency, such as those on the Green List or with sector agreements that include residence pathways.
Those earning at least 1.5 times the median wage threshold for the Skilled Migrant Category.
Additionally, applications for partners or dependent children that are already in progress will be assessed under the regulations that were in place at the time of application submission. This provision ensures that ongoing applications are not impacted by the new changes.
Overall, these updates highlight the evolving nature of New Zealand’s immigration policies. It underscores the importance of staying informed and understanding how such changes might affect visa applications and the ability of families to reunite in New Zealand. For those navigating the AEWV scheme, it is crucial to seek professional advice to ensure compliance with the latest requirements and to facilitate a smooth application process.
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