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Additional changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme

1 July 2024

The New Zealand government has announced additional changes to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, effective June 26, 2024. AEWV holders in lower-skilled occupations (ANZSCO levels 4 and 5) without a pathway to residency can no longer sponsor their partners and children for work, visitor, or student visas. However, partners and children can still apply for visas independently if they meet the requirements. This change aligns the AEWV scheme with earlier reforms and reinstates similar conditions under the previous Essential Skills Work Visa.

This change does not affect those who already hold visas as partners or dependents, AEWV holders in lower-skilled roles with a pathway to residency (e.g., Green List occupations, certain sector agreements, high earners), or individuals with existing partner or dependent child visa applications in progress.