Partner Visas - Open Work Rights

The government is implementing changes to extend open work rights to more partners of migrant workers, enabling them to work for almost any employer. This aims to keep families together and attract the skilled workers New Zealand needs to address labour shortages. These changes take place on December 2.

Starting December 2, 2024, open work rights will be granted to the following groups:

- All partners of AEWV holders in roles classified at Level 1-3 on ANZSCO, earning a minimum of NZD $25.29 per hour;

- Partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 per hour, provided they were already supporting their partner’s work visa application as of June 26, 2024.

- All partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 per hour.

Additionally, open work rights will be available to partners of AEWV holders in ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles under the following conditions:

- Earning at least $47.41 per hour, or

- Earning at least $31.61 per hour in a role on the Green List that meets the Green List requirements, or

- Earning at least $25.29 per hour while fulfilling the requirements of roles in the Transport or Care Sector Agreements, or meeting the higher wage specified in those agreements.

ANZSCO categorizes occupations by skill level, ranging from 1 (most skilled) to 5 (least skilled). You can read more about this here.

For current partners on work visas with specific conditions, there will be an option to apply for a variation of conditions to switch to open work rights if their partner meets any of the specified criteria above.

As always, this information is intended to be general in nature and does not constitute specific immigration advice. You can book in a free 15 minute consultation here.