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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Client Testimonials
“I would like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my essential skills work visa. Immigration NZ had many questions and keep finding problems with my employment offer and say that my job is not a mid-skilled one. Somehow, Nirmala Murthy and ICL immigration get me the 3-year essential skilled work visa that I needed. Very supportive, helpful and available - I will trust them with anything and recommend them to everyone who need any help with a visa or immigration matter.”
“Nirmala and her team worked very hard to get my work visa and her knowledge of the immigration system is very valuable when applying. I felt she worked very hard as my application required a fast turnaround and she would get back to me as soon as she could if I had any questions. Would use her services again.”
"I'd like to thank ICL Immigration from the bottom of my heart for helping me with my work visa. I will trust ICL with all my future visas and recommend them to everyone who needs any help with a visa or other immigration matters"
“I would highly recommend this place for anyone who is looking for professional service and excellent results”
"I would very much recommend Nirmala, ICL Consultancies because of the highly professional working attitude and the friendly atmosphere. She made sure to keep in touch with us every step of the way, and it was great working with her. Keep up the good work, all the best."
“It was great to work with ICL for my residency application process, Nirmala has been very helpful through the process, proper guidance, proper documentation and recommendation letter write up, flexible appointments after working hours even, answering queries even on weekends, it's motherly care! I believe all these are possible from her many years of experience and of course attitude and passion. Quality service in less expensive if we can compare the market. I would recommend anyone to go with ICL.”
“Getting the visa and the right course in New Zealand was not easy. Nirmala from ICL Immigration helped a lot. She made difficult things simple for me. Very thankful for her help and advice, always there to support me. 5 Stars.”
“Very glad I chose ICL to help me with my student admission. Many things I was unsure about but they understood my goal of coming to NZ and patiently answered all my questions. They guided me to choose the best course. I am very happy - you should contact them if you want to study in NZ.”
"I was very stressed about all the visa stuff and finding the right course to study in New Zealand, but Nirmala from ICL Immigration made it all easy. She answered all my questions and I am very happy I found them. Thanks ICL Team!"
Success Stories
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.
