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Visa options for partners

28 February 2023

partner visa

Partners of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) holders can apply for a work visa based on their relationship to the AEWV or ESWV holder. As of May 31, 2023, partners who make a new application for a Partner of a Worker Work Visa will have the new visa conditions if approved. These new conditions include:

  • Partners will not need to have a job offer to apply for this visa.
  • When granted, they can change employers without contacting Immigration New Zealand (INZ).
  • Partners of AEWV and ESWV holders will usually be granted a visa for the same length of time as their supporting partners work visa.

The new conditions do not apply to:

  • Existing partnership-based work visas holders (until their visa expires)
  • Partners of migrants working in occupations on the Green List or paid twice the median wage
  • Partners of New Zealanders
  • Partners of those holding other temporary visas

There are specific requirements for working within sector agreements.

Partners who do not want to work can apply to come to New Zealand on Visitor Visas.

All applications will be made using the Partner of a Worker form.