New Zealand Raises Income Requirement for Family Sponsorship Visas

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Key Takeaways

• From 10 March 2025, AEWV holders must earn NZD $55,844 annually to sponsor dependent children, up from NZD $43,322.76.
• Parent Resident Visa sponsors must earn NZD $104,707.20 to sponsor one parent or NZD $139,609.60 for two from 28 February 2025.
• Transitional measures apply for applications submitted before 10 March 2025 under prior income thresholds, easing policy shifts for current applicants.

On 20 February 2025, Immigration New Zealand (INZ) shared critical updates to the income thresholds required for family sponsorship visas. These significant policy advances will take effect from 10 March 2025 and introduce substantial changes to various visa categories, particularly impacting Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) holders and individuals seeking to sponsor dependents under the Parent Resident Visa category. Below is a detailed breakdown of these changes, their context, and their implications for affected parties.

Changes to the Income Thresholds for Visas

New Zealand Raises Income Requirement for Family Sponsorship Visas

Sponsoring Dependent Children

From 10 March 2025, AEWV holders who wish to sponsor their dependent children will need to meet a raised income threshold of NZD $55,844 per year. This represents a considerable increase from the current threshold of NZD $43,322.76. The new amount corresponds to 80% of New Zealand’s median wage, aligning with the eligibility standards already applied to partner work rights. This adjustment reflects an ongoing move by INZ to link sponsorship criteria more closely to the nation’s economic benchmarks, particularly the median wage. It’s important to note that these thresholds will no longer remain static but will instead be reassessed and updated annually, ensuring they keep pace with changes to nationwide wage dynamics.

To prevent families from experiencing sudden and disruptive changes, transitional measures have been introduced. These measures will allow dependent children who already hold visas or whose visa applications are submitted before 10 March 2025 to continue under the original, lower income requirements. This provision eases the policy transition for families already in New Zealand or in the active process of sponsoring their dependents.

Sponsoring Partners

In addition to changes affecting the sponsorship of children, AEWV holders seeking to sponsor a partner will also face updated standards. From 28 February 2025, the hourly income requirement for partner sponsorship will climb to NZD $26.85. This is a noticeable increase from prior thresholds and is tied to the country’s broader efforts to regulate and improve economic integration for visa sponsors and applicants.

Parent Resident Visa Sponsorship

More substantial changes target the Parent Resident Visa category, particularly with respect to the financial qualifications required for sponsors. From 28 February 2025, the updated income levels tied to the median wage of NZD $69,804.80 annually will be applied as follows:

Sponsors aiming to bring in one parent must demonstrate an income of 1.5 times the median wage, totalling NZD $104,707.20 annually.
Sponsors intending to support two parents must meet an even higher bar of 2 times the median wage, amounting to NZD $139,609.60 per year.

Eligibility for sponsoring parents also maintains strict guidelines beyond income. A sponsor must be a New Zealand citizen or resident who has lived in the country for at least three years. Additionally, if sponsorship involves a couple (e.g., an adult child and their partner), the couple must have lived together for a minimum of 12 months. Furthermore, the sponsor’s income level must have been met for at least two out of the three years preceding the selection of their Expression of Interest (EOI). This ensures that only individuals with consistent and reliable financial resources can bring their parents into New Zealand for permanent residence.

Why Has Immigration New Zealand Made These Changes?

The new income thresholds have been introduced as part of an ongoing effort to ensure the financial stability of migrants seeking to reunite with their families. By linking income requirements directly to the median wage, INZ aims to create a responsive and equitable system that adapts to economic conditions. This approach also aims to lessen the economic strain on public resources by ensuring that sponsored family members are adequately supported, thus reducing reliance on state benefits.

Interactive Visualization: Visa Income Thresholds

Visa Category	Current Income Threshold (NZD)	New Income Threshold (NZD)	Effective Date
AEWV (Dependent Children)	43,322.76	55,844.00	10 March 2025
Parent Resident Visa (One Parent)	—	104,707.20	28 February 2025
Parent Resident Visa (Two Parents)	—	139,609.60	28 February 2025
Partner Sponsorship	—	26.85/hour	28 February 2025

The policy changes underline an important principle: family members sponsored to live in New Zealand should be supported by sponsors who have a dependable income stream. This ensures they do not inadvertently contribute to increased demands on public services or resources. However, the policy changes have also drawn diverse reactions, with some stakeholders praising them as financially prudent while others criticize them for creating new obstacles for would-be sponsors.

Implications for Current and Future Visa Applicants

Current Applicants and Families Already in New Zealand

One of the thoughtful measures introduced by INZ includes the grandfathering provision. For those who already have a visa or whose visa applications are under review as of 9 March 2025, the previous income requirements will still be applicable. This ensures that individuals who have already invested in navigating the former system are not financially disadvantaged by the updated policy. By mitigating financial shock and uncertainty, the transitional arrangement fosters stability for families who relied on earlier terms.

Long-Term Impact on Future Visa Sponsorship

Conversely, prospective applicants submitting their applications starting 10 March 2025 must meet the revised income thresholds. The changes may make it more challenging for some sponsors to qualify, prompting some to either seek higher-paying roles, delay their applications, or consider alternative plans. For individuals who earn wages close to the median wage, these changes will likely necessitate a strategic reevaluation of their financial goals before sponsoring family members.

Career and Job Opportunities

Another significant source of implications involves the broader employment landscape. The policy adjustments emphasize the clear importance of earning a competitive salary in New Zealand, which may lead sponsors to seek better-paying career opportunities or higher skill certifications. In addition, the new recognition of certain vocations as ANZSCO Level 3 occupations may open pathways to advanced career tracks. Specifically, professions such as Cook, Nanny, Pet Groomer, and Scaffolder gaining higher recognition under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) can influence both income levels and visa eligibility options for prospective workers in these fields.

Policy updates extend beyond income thresholds. For example, individuals awaiting decisions on AEWV applications will gain new interim work rights beginning in April 2025. This includes coverage for work permission when transitioning from certain other visa categories, such as a student visa that includes work rights. These changes aim to eliminate unproductive gaps in work authorization.

Additionally, there is a temporary increase in the Parent Category Resident Visa quota for the 2024-2025 fiscal year. Announced on 25 February 2025, this adjustment raises the quota to 2,331 residents, up from the usual 2,000. However, this increase is limited to those who have already received preliminary approval and will not apply universally.

Financial Strategies in Light of Raised Thresholds

The raised income thresholds underscore the importance of financial planning for potential sponsors. Whether it means seeking promotions, acquiring additional certifications, or negotiating salary increases, individuals planning family sponsorships must now focus more on their earning potential. This adjustment especially impacts households with mid-level earners whose current wages may fall just short of the new thresholds. By proactively addressing these challenges, families can put themselves in a better position to navigate the updated policy environment.

Concluding Thoughts

The adjustments to New Zealand’s income thresholds for family sponsorship visas represent a landmark update in the country’s immigration framework. By tying thresholds to median wages and implementing safeguards for current applicants, the changes attempt to strike a balance between economic responsibility and family reunification. However, the practical implications are significant: they will demand greater financial discipline and income growth from many prospective sponsors, potentially reshaping career trajectories and delaying plans for family unification.

As another year approaches, and with INZ hinting at further annual reviews of income thresholds, sponsors and applicants must stay informed and adaptable. Adopting a long-term view and ensuring strategic compliance with policy changes will be key for individuals navigating their journeys in New Zealand immigration. For comprehensive details about existing updates and upcoming regulatory changes, refer to the official Immigration New Zealand website. Also, analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests that staying updated on fluctuations in New Zealand’s median wage will be essential to anticipate future shifts in visa eligibility requirements.

Learn Today

Income Threshold → The minimum income level required for visa sponsors to qualify for family sponsorship under immigration rules.
Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) → A specific visa category in New Zealand allowing skilled workers to work for accredited employers in the country.
Median Wage → The middle point of all wages in a country, where half earn more and half earn less, often used for policymaking.
Parent Resident Visa → A visa category allowing New Zealand citizens or residents to sponsor their parents for permanent residency, subject to financial criteria.
Grandfathering Provision → A policy allowing individuals under an old system to maintain previous benefits despite new regulations being implemented.

This Article in a Nutshell

New Zealand’s Raised Visa Income Thresholds: What You Need to Know

From March 2025, Immigration New Zealand’s income thresholds for family sponsorship visas will significantly increase, aligning with national median wages. This impacts AEWV holders and Parent Resident Visa sponsors. While promoting financial stability, prospective sponsors must adapt—pursuing higher incomes or delaying applications. Transitional provisions ease immediate impacts for affected families.