
Open work rights will be available to more partners of migrant workers from 2 December 2024.
The New Zealand Government is introducing changes to expand open work rights for more partners of migrant workers, allowing them to work for any employer. These changes aim to help families stay together while attracting and retaining the skilled workers needed to address shortages across various sectors.
Effective from 2 December 2024, open work rights will be extended to:
All partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders employed in an Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) Level 1-3 role, earning at least NZD $25.29 per hour (80 percent of the standard median wage).
Partners of AEWV holders earning at least $25.29 per hour, provided they were already supporting a partner for a work visa as of 26 June 2024.
All partners of Essential Skills work visa holders earning at least $25.29 per hour.
Additionally, partners of AEWV holders employed in ANZSCO Level 4-5 roles will be eligible for open work rights if they meet one of the following criteria:
Earning at least $47.41 per hour (150% of the standard median wage).
Earning at least $31.61 per hour in a role on the Green List, meeting the Green List requirements for that position.
Earning at least $25.29 per hour (80% of the standard median wage) in a role within the Transport or Care Sector Agreements, or meeting the wage requirements specified in those agreements, whichever is higher.
Current holders of partner work visas with specific employment conditions will have the option to apply for a variation of their visa to switch to open work rights, provided their partner meets any of the qualifying conditions mentioned above.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for a variation of conditions or a new work visa starting from 2 December 2024.
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