New Open Work Rights for Partners of Migrant Workers

Starting December 2, 2024, the New Zealand Government is expanding work rights for more partners of migrant workers, making it easier for families to stay together and helping address New Zealand’s skills shortage. Here’s how it works:

Who Will Qualify for Open Work Rights?

Open work rights will allow partners of eligible workers to work for any employer. Open work rights will be granted to:

1. Partners of AEWV Holders in Skilled Roles: Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders working in ANZSCO Level 1-3 jobs, earning at least NZD $25.29 an hour (80% of the standard median wage).

2. Current Partners of AEWV Holders: Partners of AEWV holders already supporting a partner for a work visa as of June 26, 2024, and earning at least $25.29 an hour.

3. Partners of Essential Skills Visa Holders: Partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 an hour.

Additional Options for Partners of AEWV Holders in Lower-Skilled Roles (ANZSCO Levels 4-5)

Open work rights will also be available to partners of AEWV holders in less skilled roles if the AEWV holder earns at least:

- $47.41 an hour (150% of the median wage), or

- $31.61 an hour for roles on the Green List and meeting Green List requirements, or

- $25.29 an hour (80% of the median wage) for roles under the Transport or Care Sector Agreements, meeting the specific agreement requirements.

How ANZSCO Levels Work

ANZSCO is a job classification system used to grade occupations by skill level, with Level 1 being the most skilled and Level 5 being less skilled.

How to Apply

If you hold a partner work visa with specific employment conditions, you’ll soon be able to apply for a variation of conditions or a new work visa to switch to open work rights if your partner meets these criteria. Starting December 2, 2024, you can submit an application if you qualify.

These changes are designed to help partners of migrant workers find job opportunities that suit them, while addressing labour needs across New Zealand.

Source: Immigration New Zealand