New Zealand allows many foreign workers to bring their partners and dependent children while on a work visa. However, eligibility depends on the type of visa held, the visa holder’s income, and specific work requirements. Not all work visas permit family sponsorship, and some visas have additional conditions that must be met before a partner or children can be included. Understanding these rules is essential for workers planning to relocate with family.
For AEWV holders earning at least NZD $26.85 per hour (80% of the median wage), partners may apply for either a Partner of a Worker Work Visa or a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. Higher annual earnings of NZD $55,844 allow dependent children to obtain a Child of Worker Visitor Visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa. Religious Worker visa holders may also support children if they meet the income threshold or their religious sponsor provides approval.
Specific Purpose Work Visas (SPWV) come with additional conditions. For those in a new National Occupation List (NOL) role between 8 September and 2 November 2025, the eligibility to sponsor family depends on earnings. For other SPWV categories, family sponsorship is generally allowed without extra conditions.
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In cases where family sponsorship is not permitted, partners and children may apply for visas independently. The type of visa and eligibility will be determined based on their own circumstances and purpose of stay. It is important for visa holders to check their specific visa conditions, as these clearly indicate whether family sponsorship is allowed and which visas family members can apply for.
Family sponsorship depends not only on the visa type but also on meeting the required salary levels and work experience criteria.
Which work visas allow Family Sponsorship
Most Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and Essential Skills Work Visa (ESWV) holders can sponsor visas for their partners and dependent children. The type of visa a family member can obtain depends on the visa holder’s job skill level and income.For AEWV holders earning at least NZD $26.85 per hour (80% of the median wage), partners may apply for either a Partner of a Worker Work Visa or a Partner of a Worker Visitor Visa. Higher annual earnings of NZD $55,844 allow dependent children to obtain a Child of Worker Visitor Visa or a Dependent Child Student Visa. Religious Worker visa holders may also support children if they meet the income threshold or their religious sponsor provides approval.
Specific Purpose Work Visas (SPWV) come with additional conditions. For those in a new National Occupation List (NOL) role between 8 September and 2 November 2025, the eligibility to sponsor family depends on earnings. For other SPWV categories, family sponsorship is generally allowed without extra conditions.
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Work visas that do not allow Family Sponsorship
Some visa categories do not allow the holder to sponsor a partner or children at all. These include Working Holiday Visas, Fishing Crew Work Visas, Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visas, Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visas, Peak Seasonal Visas, and certain short-term work permits. Visa holders with visas valid for six months or less also cannot sponsor a partner, unless they hold a Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa.In cases where family sponsorship is not permitted, partners and children may apply for visas independently. The type of visa and eligibility will be determined based on their own circumstances and purpose of stay. It is important for visa holders to check their specific visa conditions, as these clearly indicate whether family sponsorship is allowed and which visas family members can apply for.
Planning ahead for families
Visa holders should carefully plan ahead to ensure smooth family relocation. Knowing the income thresholds and specific visa rules for your category can prevent last-minute complications.Family sponsorship depends not only on the visa type but also on meeting the required salary levels and work experience criteria.
