New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa Guide

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Key Takeaways:

The Recognized Seasonal Employer Visa allows work for seven to nine months in New Zealand’s horticulture or viticulture industries.
Eligibility requires being over 18, having a job offer, being in good health, having good character, and possessing medical insurance.
Required documents include proof of identity, good health, police certificate, medical insurance, and job offer confirmation with English translations.

Imagine waking up to the vibrant fields of New Zealand, where lush vineyards and abundant fruit orchards stretch as far as the eye can see. If this sounds like an adventure you’d love to experience, then the New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa might be your golden ticket. This special visa allows workers from certain Pacific nations to immerse themselves in the horticulture and viticulture industries, helping to harvest, plant, and pack crops. Not only does it offer an exciting opportunity to live in one of the world’s most stunning landscapes, but it also supports your career growth with hands-on agricultural experience.

Navigating the visa application process can seem daunting, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know—from the essential eligibility requirements to the documentation needed to secure your spot in New Zealand’s industrious fields. Whether you’re curious about the job roles you can take on or the health checks required, this guide will equip you with all the information to make your journey smooth and hassle-free. So, let’s embark on this step-by-step adventure to make your New Zealand dream a reality!

What is the NZ Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

The Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) visa allows you to travel to New Zealand to work in horticulture or viticulture for an RSE. With this visa, you can:

Work for seven months in New Zealand
Stay for up to nine months, depending on your country of application

What Are the Eligibility Requirements for the NZ RSE Visa?

To apply for this visa, you must meet several criteria:

Age: Over 18 years old
Job Offer: Secure a job in horticulture or viticulture
Nationality: Be from an eligible Pacific nation
Health: In good health
Character: Have a clean character record
Visa Conditions: Comply with all visa conditions
Medical Insurance: Insure yourself for the entire stay
Return Ticket: Possess a return ticket to your home country

Which Pacific Nations Are Eligible?

You can apply for this visa if you are from one of these countries:

Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Republic of Marshall Islands
Federated States of Micronesia
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu

“Note: In special cases, applicants from other countries may be considered if their employer secures agreement from New Zealand Immigration.”

How to Apply for the NZ RSE Visa?

Check Eligibility: Ensure you meet the requirements.
Secure a Job Offer: Obtain a job offer from a Recognized Seasonal Employer.
Prepare Documents: Gather necessary documents like your medical insurance and return ticket.
Submit Application: Apply through the official New Zealand Immigration website for accurate information and submission.

By meeting these conditions, you enhance your chances of obtaining the NZ Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa to work in the thriving industries of horticulture and viticulture in New Zealand.

What Can I Do with a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa in New Zealand?

New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa Guide

With a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited visa, you can work in the wine or fruit and vegetable industry. The potential roles include:

Packing
Harvesting
Planting
Maintaining crops

What Documents Do I Need for a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

To apply for this visa, you must gather the following documents:

Evidence of your identity
Evidence of your good health
Police certificate
Evidence of medical insurance
Evidence of a job offer

How Do I Provide Evidence of My Identity?

To satisfy New Zealand’s identity requirements, you need:

Two photos of your face and shoulders that follow the New Zealand photo guidelines.
A valid passport or certificate of identity. Your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from New Zealand. If submitting a certified copy, Immigration New Zealand might request to see the original passport for further verification.

How Do I Prove My Good Health?

To prove your good health for this visa:

You may need a chest x-ray and/or an HIV test.
If submitting a paper application, include your eMedical reference number to confirm completion of the necessary medical exams.

Do I Need an HIV Test?

An HIV test is required if you are from a country identified as high-risk for HIV/AIDS. You must provide an RSE Instructions Supplementary Medical Certificate (HIV Test Form) unless one has been submitted to Immigration New Zealand in the last three years.

Why Do I Need a Police Certificate?

A police certificate is mandatory to demonstrate good character. This applies if you are over 17 years old and plan to stay in New Zealand for more than two years.

What Are the Requirements for Medical Insurance?

You must have medical insurance for your entire stay. Submit the following as proof:

A copy of your insurance certificate
An approval letter from your insurance company

Your medical insurance should cover:

Medical expenses, including diagnosis, treatment, prescribed medicines, ambulance services, hospital stay, post-hospital care, and home nursing care.
Emergency dental care, covering antibiotics and pain relief.
Evacuation or return home in case of severe illness or disability.
Return of remains to your home country in the event of death.

For more detailed information, visit the official New Zealand Immigration site on health insurance requirements.

How Can I Prove I Have a Job Offer?

You must provide documentation proving a job offer from a Recognized Seasonal Employer. This includes:

A copy of your signed employment agreement. If you have multiple employers, provide an agreement for each one.

Important Note:

Ensure all original documents or certified copies are accompanied by English translations. Delays in your visa application may occur if English translations are not submitted.

Do You Need a Job Offer to Apply for a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

Yes, you need a job offer to apply for a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited visa. Here’s how you can obtain one:

Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) List: Check the Recognised Seasonal Employer list for eligible employers.
Local Authorities: They may screen you to ensure you’re a good fit for the job.
Potential Employers:
A Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE)
Your government’s work-ready pool
A licensed Pacific agent

Once you receive a job offer, you will sign an employment agreement necessary for your visa application.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

Follow these steps to apply for the visa:

Acquire a Job Offer and Employment Agreement:

You can get an offer from an RSE, your government, or a licensed agent.
Once you have the signed employment agreement, you’re ready to proceed.

Complete the Application Form (INZ 1142):

You must complete this form truthfully and attach photos with your full name written on the back.
Remember, you need to apply from outside New Zealand.

Schedule an Appointment with VFS.GLOBAL:

Book an appointment at the nearest visa application center.
You will receive a confirmation email with a letter of appointment once you book.

Make Your Submission:

During your appointment, submit your completed application form along with all supporting documents.
Pay the NZ visa application fee using Visa or MasterCard.

Wait for a Decision:

If your visa is granted, you will receive an invitation to attend a presentation on living and working in New Zealand.
After recruitment, email your application and any required documents to the appropriate authorities.

For further details, check the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Completing these steps will help you through the process of securing a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited visa successfully.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa from Kiribati, Nauru, or Tuvalu?

Applying for a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa from Kiribati, Nauru, or Tuvalu involves a few specific steps. Here’s what you need to know:

What Do You Need Before Applying?

Before you can apply, you must secure a job offer. This can come from:

A Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE)
Your government through a work-ready pool
A licensed Pacific agent

Without a job offer, you cannot proceed with the visa application.

How to Complete the Application Form?

Once you have a job offer, you or your Pacific agent must complete the Application to Work for a Recognised Seasonal Employer (INZ 1142). Ensure the following steps:

Fill out the form in English using capital letters.
Accurately complete all required fields.

How to Pay the Application Fee?

The application fee must be paid before submission. Here’s how:

Your Pacific agent or employer will use bank transfer payment details.
Ensure the details—including VAC location, Account name, Currency, Account number, SWIFT, and Bank name—are correctly completed.

How to Submit Your Application?

After completing the form and paying the fee, submit your application:

Send the application form and required documents via mail to the Pacific Labour Sending Unit.
Email the application to [email protected].

The Pacific Labour Sending Unit will:

Forward the application to the visa application center (VAC).
Provide confirmation that the application is received.
Contact you or your agent if there are any issues.
Submit your application to Immigration New Zealand.

What Happens After Submission?

Once your application reaches the visa application center, you’ll need to wait for a decision. If approved, you’ll receive an invitation to attend a presentation about living and working in New Zealand.

How Long Does It Take to Process the Visa?

Typically, a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa is processed within nine days.

“Using an agent or adviser will not expedite your application process.”

For precise details about the application process and official guidelines, you can visit Immigration New Zealand’s official page here.

By following these steps, you can streamline your application for a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa and take a step closer to working in New Zealand.

What Are the Fees for a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

To apply for a Recognized Seasonal Employer Visa in New Zealand, you need to pay the following fees:

If you apply from Kiribati, Nauru, or Tuvalu:

Application fee: NZD $280 — $435
VAC Service fee: NZD $63 — $77
Courier fee: NZD $16 — $50

If you apply from another country:

Application fee: NZD $330 — $355
VAC Service fee: NZD $47 — $87
Courier fee: NZD $12 — $100

Note: All NZ visa fees are non-refundable.

How Long Can I Stay with a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

Generally, you can stay for seven months within any 11-month period.
For citizens of Tuvalu and Kiribati, the stay period extends to nine months within an 11-month period.

What Are the Conditions of a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa for New Zealand?

Once you obtain the visa, you must adhere to these conditions:

Apply for entry permission: On your way to New Zealand, you will receive an arrival card that must be filled out and presented along with your passport to immigration officers at the New Zealand border.
Work restrictions: You can only work for the Recognized Seasonal Employer listed in your visa.
Travel restrictions: You can travel to New Zealand only once with this visa, and only within two weeks before or after your employment starts.
Medical insurance: You must have medical insurance in New Zealand.
Study restrictions: You cannot study while on this visa.
Exit requirement: You must leave New Zealand before your visa expires.

Can I Apply for Another Visa While in New Zealand?

You cannot apply for any other visa while holding a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa.
If you wish to apply for another visa, you must leave New Zealand to do so.
Should your visa expire while you are still in New Zealand, you risk deportation.

If you have not exhausted your allowed stay under your current visa, you can reapply for another Recognized Seasonal Employer Visa to continue working for the same employer. Ensure the application is for the same employment reason within the permitted stay duration.

For authoritative details, refer to the New Zealand Immigration website.

Follow these guidelines to ensure compliance with New Zealand’s visa requirements and enjoy a smooth experience as part of the Recognized Seasonal Employer program.

Can I Apply More than Once for a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa in New Zealand?

Yes, you can apply multiple times for a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa. To return to New Zealand for seasonal work, adhere to employment and immigration rules.

Can I Authorize Voluntary Deductions from My Wage?

According to the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa policy, you can allow your employer to deduct money from your wage for:

Contribution to travel costs to New Zealand
Living expenses such as accommodation, food, and electricity
Insurance and health costs

What Responsibilities Does a Recognized Seasonal Employer Have?

Your employer must offer jobs related to maintaining, planting, packing, or harvesting crops. The employment agreement provided by the employer should:

Include their ATR and specific employment numbers related to the employee and contact details
State any voluntary deductions
Comply with the conditions set out in their ATR
Follow New Zealand employment law

What Requirements Must My Employer Meet?

Employers must adhere to employment, immigration, and health safety laws, with specific focuses on:

Employment agreements
Minimum remuneration
Airfares
Pastoral care

What Should Employment Agreements Include?

Employment agreements must:

Specify an hourly rate for the work
Where piece rates apply, specify the piece rate(s)
Comply with minimum remuneration requirements
Detail permissible pay deductions
Follow relevant New Zealand employment laws

What Is the Minimum Payment?

Your employer must ensure you earn at least $22.10 per hour for a minimum of 30 hours per week. If hired for six weeks or more, payments must include:

At least 240 hours paid at the hourly rate, or
Payment for an average of 30 hours per week at the hourly rate for the employment period

What Are the Airfare Obligations?

Employers must cover 50% of the return airfare from New Zealand to your home country.

What Pastoral Care Must Employers Provide?

Employers need to offer comprehensive support once you arrive in New Zealand, including:

Transportation to and from the port of arrival and departure
An induction program
Suitable accommodation
Transport to and from the worksite(s)
Access to acceptable medical insurance
Access to personal banking
Personal protective equipment
Onsite facilities (toilets, hand washing, first aid, shelter, fresh drinking water)
Necessary language translation (e.g., for health and safety purposes)
Opportunities for recreation and religious observance

This detailed pastoral care ensures your well-being throughout your stay.

For more specific information, you can visit the official New Zealand Immigration page.

How Many Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visas Are Available Annually?

Each year, a specific number of Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visas are issued. For the 2022/23 period, 19,000 RSE visas are available to applicants who meet the necessary criteria.

How to Apply for a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

You cannot submit an online application for a Recognized Seasonal Employer visa. Instead, follow these steps:

Complete the paper application form.
Gather all required documents.
Submit your completed application and documents to Immigration New Zealand.

For more detailed application information, visit the official Immigration New Zealand website.

Can I Study in New Zealand on a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

No, you are not allowed to study on a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa in New Zealand. If your intention is to study, you need to apply for a student visa specifically designed for that purpose.

Is It Possible to Bring My Family with an RSE Limited Visa in New Zealand?

You cannot bring your family with you on a Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa. If you wish to have your family in New Zealand, they must apply for a family visa, which can be issued for visiting or studying purposes.

Official and Helpful External Resources for NZ RSE Limited Visa

Below is a curated list of authoritative and official resources relevant to those interested in the New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa. This list includes government websites and official forms that provide detailed and accurate information required for a successful application process.

Immigration New Zealand – Official Website

Link: Immigration New Zealand
Description: This is the primary resource for all immigration-related information to New Zealand. It offers comprehensive details about visa types, eligibility criteria, application steps, and required documentation. It is essential for understanding any updates or changes to the RSE visa requirements.

New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme

Link: Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme
Description: This page is dedicated specifically to the RSE Limited Visa. It outlines what the visa entails, who can apply, the roles available, and detailed eligibility and documentation requirements.

NZ Immigration Forms – INZ 1142 Application Form

Link: INZ 1142 Application Form
Description: The official form required to apply for the Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa. This PDF form should be filled out and submitted as part of the visa application process. The form contains sections on personal details, health declarations, and employment offers.

VFS Global – New Zealand Visa Application Centres

Link: VFS Global New Zealand Visa Application
Description: VFS Global handles visa applications and appointments for Immigration New Zealand. Applicants should use this platform to schedule their visa application submission and track the status of their applications. This site is vital for those who need to submit documents in person.

Health and Character Requirements – Immigration New Zealand

Link: Health and Character Requirements
Description: Detailed information on the specific health and character requirements for all visa types, including RSE Limited Visa. This page provides guidelines on medical exams, police certificates, and other health checks that need to be fulfilled before applying.

These resources are official, credible, and directly related to the process of obtaining a New Zealand Recognized Seasonal Employer Limited Visa, ensuring applicants have all necessary and accurate information to proceed confidently.