Discover the 2024 changes offering open work rights to more partners of migrant workers in New Zealand. Learn about eligibility, wage requirements, and visa changes.
New Zealand to Offer Open Work Rights for Partners of Migrant Workers Starting December 2024
In a move to support migrant families and address skill shortages in key sectors, the New Zealand government has announced changes that will grant open work rights to more partners of migrant workers, starting 2 December 2024. These changes will allow the partners of eligible workers to work for any employer, providing them with more flexibility and better opportunities to contribute to New Zealand’s economy.
Eligibility for Open Work Rights for Partners of Migrant Workers
From 2 December 2024, open work rights will be available to the following partners of migrant workers:
- Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders who:
- Work in an ANZSCO Level 1-3 role.
- Earn at least NZD $25.29 per hour (80% of the median wage).
- Partners of AEWV holders who were already supporting a partner for a work visa on 26 June 2024 and earn at least $25.29 per hour.
- Partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 per hour.
Additionally, open work rights will be extended to partners of AEWV holders working in an ANZSCO Level 4-5 role, if they meet any of the following conditions:
- Earn at least $47.41 per hour (150% of the median wage).
- Earn at least $31.61 per hour in a role listed on the Green List and meet the Green List requirements for that role.
- Earn at least $25.29 per hour (80% of the median wage) and meet the requirements of a role in the Transport or Care Sector Agreements.
These changes aim to attract skilled workers from abroad while ensuring that their families can stay together and fully participate in New Zealand’s workforce.
What is ANZSCO and How to Determine Skill Levels?
The ANZSCO (Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations) system categorizes occupations based on skill level, ranging from Level 1 (most skilled) to Level 5 (least skilled). This classification system helps determine eligibility for various immigration pathways, including the open work rights for partners of migrant workers.
For more detailed information about ANZSCO skill levels and to check how your occupation is classified, you can refer to the official ANZSCO guidelines.
How to Apply for Open Work Rights
If you currently hold a partner work visa with specific employment conditions, and your partner meets the eligibility criteria outlined above, you can apply to vary your visa conditions to switch to open work rights starting 2 December 2024.
For those who qualify, you will be able to either apply for a variation of your visa or a new work visa based on the updated criteria. This change is designed to offer greater stability and opportunities for migrant families, making it easier to live and work in New Zealand.
Expanding Opportunities for Migrant Families
The introduction of open work rights for more partners of migrant workers is a significant step towards supporting families and attracting talent to New Zealand. With the increased flexibility and more inclusive visa options, partners will be able to contribute to the workforce, helping to fill gaps in key sectors and ensuring that migrant families can stay together in New Zealand.
