New Zealand immigration offers Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Scheme to hire foreign workers for seasonal jobs in New Zealand. Foreign workers can work in horticulture and viticulture field under this scheme. The visa for this scheme is called the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa. Please note: this visa is normally only open to citizens of eligible Pacific nations (workers from other countries can be hired only in exceptional circumstances with Immigration New Zealand’s approval), so most Pakistani applicants will not be eligible. This visa is also known as seasonal work visa. Usually, seasonal workers have to work in harvesting, planting, fruit picking and packing, managing crops and other agriculture fields.

Do You Need IELTS For New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa:

There is no language requirement specified by New Zealand immigration for seasonal work visa. So, Ielts or other proof of proficiency in English is not mandatory for this visa. However, New Zealand is an English speaking country, so it is highly recommended that you should be able to speak English. Employer is free to demand any proof of language proficiency.

Educational Requirements:

New Zealand immigration has not mentioned any educational requirements for seasonal work visa. But you should have some education so that New Zealand employer may be willing to consider your application in order to offer you a job. Yes, You need a job offer from a New Zealand employer to be eligible for this visa. [Read Also: Canada Farm Worker Visa ]

New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Annual Quota:

Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa is a quota-based visa. Immigration New Zealand currently makes 20,750 RSE visas available each year (the cap was 12,850 in 2018/19, 14,400 in 2019/20 and 16,000 in 2020/21, and has been raised several times since).

Features of New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa:

• The maximum length of seasonal work visa is up to 7 months.
• This visa cannot be extended, so seasonal workers have to leave New Zealand before the visa expires. However, citizens of Tuvalu and Kiribati who live there may stay an extra 2 months.
• This visa cannot be converted into any other work visa.
• Seasonal work visa holder cannot sponsor family members.
• Seasonal visa holders may study, train or develop skills in New Zealand if authorised by their employer.

Eligibility Criteria for New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa:

• Visa applicant must be 18 years old or above.
• Applicant must be in good health. A medical fitness certificate will be required as an evidence.
• Police clearance certificate is also required.
• Visa applicant need to prove that he is genuine traveler and will never overstay in New Zealand. Proof of family ties, source of income and travel history will be good evidence. Students can get NOC from their current educational institute.
• Medical insurance from approved company will also be required for seasonal work visa.
• Valid Identity documents.
• Job Offer from recognized employer is the most important requirement for seasonal work visa.

Job Offer From New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa:

To be eligible for the visa, you need to obtain a job offer and contract from a recognized employer. New Zealand immigration has published the list of employers who are Recognized to hire workers for Seasonal work visa. Click to Check List of Recognized Employers.  Once you click this link, you will find the list of recognized employer along with their address, contact details and website address. You have to contact them in order to get information regarding job offer for seasonal work visa. You should have a good CV/ Resume and cover letter to send to employers.

Click to Write Cover Letter for A Job Application.

Click To Find How to Make a CV or Resume.

Seasonal Work Visa Application Process and Fees:

Once you have met the eligibility criteria of the New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa, you can proceed to submit your visa application. The current Immigration New Zealand application fee is NZD $325 (fees can vary by location — check the INZ fee finder). You must apply from outside New Zealand; RSE applications are normally lodged through the worker’s Pacific agent on paper form INZ 1142. About 80% of applications are decided within 2 days.

Links :

Click to Visit New Zealand Immigration Website for More Details

Click to Check List of Recognized Employers.