INZ have warned us since mid-2022 that changes were coming for partners of work visa holders. We have now received clarity from the government on what those changes will look like and take place from 31 May 2023.
The key changes are:
- Partners of work visa holders will receive visas with the condition that they need to work for an accredited employer
- They will need to be paid the median wage (now $29.66!)
- A partner won’t need a job offer to apply for the visa
- The change won’t apply to partners of NZ residents or citizens, those who work in occupations on the Green List or partners who earn twice the median wage.
- The changes won’t affect those already on partnership visas
Victim of Family Violence visa
Another important change was also announced today which allows partners of temporary visa holders to access the Victim of Family violence visa. This is a six-month visa independent of the supporting partner and is available from today 28 February 2023.
Contact us now if you have any questions.
Marie Hunt
Licensed Immigration Adviser