New Zealand Sets Income Rules for Family Visa Sponsorship

New Zealand's Immigration authority has announced new income requirements for foreign workers on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) who wish to sponsor visas for their spouses and children, effective in 2026. Workers earning at least NZD $52.50 (approximately ₦31,980) per hour, which is 1.5 times the median wage, can sponsor a wide range of family support options, including a Partner of a Worker Work Visa and a Dependent Child Student Visa.

Those earning at least NZD $28.00 (about ₦17,066) per hour can sponsor a Partner of a Worker Work Visa and a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. Workers whose occupations are on New Zealand's Green List automatically qualify for certain family visas if they meet specific role requirements.

Additionally, workers earning below NZD $28.00 per hour can only support a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. The new rules also stipulate that workers who sponsored family visas before June 26, 2024, can continue to do so under previous eligibility criteria.