Bringing Your Family to New Zealand on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)

Are you planning to work in New Zealand under an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and want your loved ones to join you? This guide explains everything you need to know about bringing your partner and children, from eligibility to income requirements and visa types.

Understanding the AEWV

The Accredited Employer Work Visa allows skilled overseas workers to live and work in New Zealand for up to five years. It’s designed to help accredited employers fill genuine skill shortages by hiring international talent.

If you hold an AEWV, you may also be eligible to bring your immediate family—your partner and dependent children—so you can build your life together in New Zealand.

Bringing Your Partner to New Zealand

Your partner can apply for one of two main visa types:

  • Partner of a Worker Work Visa – lets your partner work in New Zealand.
  • Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa – ideal if they don’t intend to work.

Eligibility and income requirements depend on your job’s ANZSCO skill level and pay rate:

  • Skill Level 1–3: You must earn at least NZD $26.85/hour to support a partner’s work visa.
  • Skill Level 4–5: You must earn at least NZD $28.25/hour to support a partner’s work visa.
  • If you earn below these thresholds, you can still support a visitor visa for your partner.

Bringing Your Children

Dependent children can accompany you through two types of visas:

  • Dependent Child Student Visa – allows full-time study in New Zealand.
  • Child of a Worker Visitor Visa – suitable for short stays or up to 3 months of study.

Key requirements include:

  • Age: Must be 19 or younger.
  • Dependency: Must rely on you financially and not have children of their own.
  • Income: You need to earn at least NZD $43,322.76 per year to support dependent visas.

👉 Note: If your child’s visa was approved or applied for before 9 March 2025, and you held or applied for an AEWV, your family may still qualify even with slightly lower income.

How to Apply for Family Visas

Follow these simple steps to apply for your partner’s or children’s visa:

  1. Gather Documents: Collect proof of relationship, income evidence, and your AEWV approval.
  2. Apply Online: Submit all applications through the Immigration New Zealand portal.
  3. Wait for Processing: Times vary, so apply well ahead of your planned travel.

Always double-check your documents and information to avoid unnecessary delays or refusals.

Important Considerations

Keep these points in mind while planning your family’s move:

  • Visa Duration: Family visas are linked to your AEWV’s validity period.
  • Employment Changes: If your job ends, your family’s visas could also be affected.
  • Healthcare & Education: Understand your family’s entitlements and obligations before arrival.

Being informed ensures a smoother transition and helps you settle comfortably in your new home.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your family to New Zealand on an AEWV is achievable with the right preparation, genuine documentation, and understanding of the requirements.

For detailed and updated information, always refer to the official Immigration New Zealand website.