New Zealand Immigration has published the salary thresholds that foreign workers on an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) must meet in 2026 to sponsor visas for their spouses and children. The updated rules, released by the immigration authority, set out specific earnings levels that determine which family visa categories a worker can access, based on hourly wage, annual salary, job skill level under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), and whether the occupation appears on special government lists.
Top-Tier Earnings Open the Widest Range of Family Visa Options
Workers earning at least NZD $52.50 per hour — approximately ₦31,980 — which is 1.5 times New Zealand's median wage, qualify for the broadest range of family support options. According to the government, these workers can sponsor a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, a Dependent Child Student Visa, and a Child of Worker Visitor Visa.
The same eligibility applies to workers whose jobs fall under ANZSCO skill levels 1, 2, or 3, including those at levels 4 or 5 whose roles are recognised at a higher level for AEWV purposes. This tier effectively covers most skilled occupations and provides the most comprehensive family reunification options.
Mid-Range and Lower Earnings: Partial Eligibility and Annual Salary Requirements
Workers earning between NZD $28.00 (about ₦17,066) and $52.49 per hour — equivalent to 80% of the median wage — can sponsor a Partner of a Worker Work Visa and a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. However, to also support a Dependent Child Student Visa or a Child of Worker Visitor Visa, the worker must earn at least NZD $58,240 (about ₦35.5 million) per year. Workers earning below NZD $28.00 per hour are limited to supporting only a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa.
For workers whose occupations appear on New Zealand's Green List, automatic eligibility applies for a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa, a Dependent Child Student Visa, and a Child of Worker Visitor Visa, provided they meet the Green List requirements for their specific role. To additionally support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa, a Green List worker must earn at least NZD $35.00 (about ₦21,333) per hour.
ANZSCO Skill Levels 4 and 5: Stricter Criteria and Alternative Pathways
Workers in jobs at ANZSCO skill levels 4 or 5, who are not on any special occupation list, must earn at least NZD $28.25 (about ₦17,219) per hour to support partner visas. For child-related visas, their annual earnings must reach at least NZD $58,240 (about ₦35.5 million). Alternatively, those who meet New Zealand's "acceptable employment" requirements — meaning their job pays at least NZD $35.00 (about ₦21,333) per hour, is with an accredited employer, is full-time, and will last at least 12 months — can also qualify to support partner visas.
Workers who sponsored family visas before June 26, 2024, can continue to support their partners and dependent children. However, if a partner or child needs to apply for a new visa, fresh eligibility checks apply. Under those older rules, a worker earning at least NZD $26.85 (about ₦16,354) per hour, equivalent to 80% of the then-median wage, could support a Partner of a Worker Work Visa. Annual earnings of at least NZD $43,322.76 (about ₦26.4 million) were required to support child visas.
In a related development, Legit.ng reported that New Zealand had changed the visa application process for families of foreign workers and students. Additionally, New Zealand previously shared the conditions for spouses of foreign workers seeking a work visa. The requirements were published on the official New Zealand Immigration website and apply to individuals whose partners hold an eligible New Zealand work visa and are willing to support the application. The Partner of a Worker Work Visa allows a person to work in New Zealand while accompanying a partner already in the country on a qualifying work visa.
