New Zealand Now Allows Essential Skills Work Visa Holders to Bring Their Families

New Zealand is opening its doors to families of international workers! If you hold an Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) in Aotearoa, exciting news awaits. You can now bring your partner and dependent children with you, thanks to updated rules based on your income. Whether you’re in construction, healthcare, agriculture, or IT, this change can significantly impact your life.

Who Can Bring Their Family?

As an ESWV holder, you can sponsor visa applications for your loved ones based on your earnings. The available options include:

• Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa
• Partner of a Worker Work Visa
• Dependent Child Student Visa
• Child of a Worker Visitor Visa

Supporting Your Partner’s Visa

To support your partner’s visa application, you need to earn at least NZD 26.85 per hour, which is 80% of New Zealand’s median wage. If your partner already holds a Partner of a Worker Work Visa issued before December 2, 2024, specific work conditions may apply, especially if:

• Your earnings are below NZD 59.32 per hour.
• Your job isn’t on the Green List.
• You do not meet the Green List job criteria.

However, there’s good news! If your wage reaches NZD 26.85 per hour or more, your partner can apply to remove work conditions. This allows them the freedom to work for any employer throughout New Zealand, promoting independence and flexibility.

Bringing Your Children to New Zealand

To relocate your children, your earnings must meet these thresholds:

• Annual Salary of NZD 55,844 or more: Support for a Child of a Worker Visitor Visa or Dependent Child Student Visa.
• Annual Salary of NZD 43,322.76 (until March 9, 2025): You can support child visas if your child has already applied or been approved and you hold or have applied for an ESWV.

This means you can align your family’s education and care with your professional journey in New Zealand.

Recently Received a Raise? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve recently increased your income and previously didn’t meet the requirements, new family visa options are now available:

• Earn NZD 26.85 per hour? You can sponsor your partner’s open work visa.
• Earn NZD 55,844 per year? You can sponsor your children’s student or visitor visas.

This development makes career advancement beneficial not only for you but also as a pathway to unite your family in New Zealand!

Why This Is Important

New Zealand’s initiative to facilitate family reunification for ESWV holders marks a significant shift in immigration policy. As skilled workers are increasingly sought after globally, this move not only ensures job security but also fosters family stability and educational continuity. Enjoy the benefits of living in a nation celebrated for its stunning landscapes, excellent healthcare, and high quality of life.

In conclusion, this new policy opens doors for families, allowing them to thrive together in New Zealand. Embrace this opportunity to build a brighter future for yourself and your loved ones in this beautiful country!