What is a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?

The Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa (RSELV) is designed for people who want to work temporarily in New Zealand’s horitculture and viticulture industries. To apply, you need to get a job offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) before applying for the visa.

Age Range

You must be at least 18 years old to apply

Visa Charges (NZ Immigration)

Starts from NZD $325

Length of Stay

The time you can stay in New Zealand depends on when you arrive. People from Tuvalu and Kiribati can stay an extra two months if they also live in their home countries.

Processing Time

Around 2 week for 80% of applications

Quota

19,500 visas per year

Things to Note

  • You can’t apply for another visa while having the RSELV.
  • You must leave New Zealand before your visa ends.
  • The visa doesn’t cover partners or kids.
  • Your travel must match your job start, not exceeding 14 days before or after.
  • You can stay for up to 7 months in 11 months, with rare exceptions.
  • If you overstay, you might get sent back and have problems with future visas.

Benefits of the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa

  • Work Legally: Work for a Recognised Seasonal Employer in farming.
  • Gain experience: Being involved in planting, taking care of crops, harvesting, and packing.
  • Earn and learn skills: Earn money while getting important skills in horticulture and viticulture.

Note: The cost and availability of New Zealand visas can change because of decisions made by the New Zealand Immigration authorities.

Reach out to us today, to find out how we can assist you in reaching your immigration goals.

What is the Application Process?

Applying for a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa (RSELV) requires the following steps.

Step 1: Eligibility Confirmation

Determine if you qualify for the RSELV and choose the right application type.

Step 2: Document Preparation

Gather all necessary documents and ensure they meet the required standards.

Step 3: Fee Payment

Check the fees you need to pay and get ready to pay using an accepted method.

Step 4: Online Application

Apply online through the designated portal.

Step 5: Status Monitoring

Keep track of your application status online or reach out to Immigration New Zealand for updates.

Step 6: Outcome Notification

Await the outcome of your application, which will either approve your visa or provide further instructions.

Conditions for the Visa

If you’re interested in applying for a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa (RSELV), then there are a few conditions you need to be aware of.

Entry Permission

When arriving in New Zealand, fill out the New Zealand Traveller Declaration (NZTD) to get permission to enter.

Work Limitation

Your employment is only with the Recognised Seasonal Employer mentioned in your visa.

Taxation

All money you earn in New Zealand will be taxed, so make sure to get an IRD number.

Insurance

Have medical insurance throughout your time in New Zealand.

Travel Limitation

You can come to New Zealand up to 14 days before or after your job starts.

Honour Visa Expiry

Leave New Zealand before your visa ends to avoid being sent back and any future problems with immigration.

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RSELV Visa Process at ICL

At ICL Immigration, we know how important it is to make getting a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa (RSELV) for working in New Zealand’s farming and grape-growing industries easy and smooth. We’ve got a step-by-step process to make sure our clients have everything they need and are supported the whole way through. Here’s how we help:

Step 1: Checking Eligibility

We start by making sure our clients can get an RSELV. This means checking they’re at least 18 and from one of the approved Pacific countries.

Step 2: Preparing Documents and Forms

Our immigration experts help our clients collect and organise all the papers they need for their RSELV application. This includes things like ID, proof of citizenship, health info, background checks, and a job offer from a recognised employer.

Step 3: Talking to the Immigration Officers

We deal with all the official stuff, like talking to the immigration office for our clients. We make sure everything’s done right and on time.

Step 4: Keeping Track and Following Up

We keep an eye on how our clients’ applications are going and give them updates regularly. If the immigration officers need more info, we sort it out fast.

Step 5: Visa Decision

Once the decision is made, we tell our clients right away. If visa is approved, we help them with the next steps, like sorting out their entry into New Zealand.

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FAQs

What is the maximum length of stay allowed with an RSELV?

The maximum length of stay with an RSELV varies depending on the date of arrival in New Zealand. Typically, visa holders are allowed to stay for up to 7 months in any 11 months, with some exceptions for citizens of Tuvalu and Kiribati.

Can I apply for any other type of visa while holding an RSELV?

No, individuals holding an RSELV are not permitted to apply for any other type of visa while in New Zealand. The RSELV is specifically for seasonal work in the horticulture and viticulture industries.

What are the critical requirements for obtaining an RSELV?

To be eligible for an RSELV, applicants must have a job offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer in New Zealand's horticulture or viticulture industries. They must also meet health, character, and genuine intentions requirements and maintain medical insurance for their stay in New Zealand.

Is there a limit on the number of RSELVs issued each year?

Yes, there is an annual quota for RSELVs, with a set number of visas available annually. As of April 2024, the quota for RSELVs is 19,500.

What are the conditions for working under an RSELV?

RSELV holders can work only for the Recognised Seasonal Employer listed in their visa. They are typically employed in planting, maintaining crops, harvesting, and packing in the fruit, vegetable, or wine industries.

Disclaimer: The information provided is subject to change based on New Zealand government policies. For the most current information, please refer to Immigration New Zealand or contact ICL Immigration for updated guidance.

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