New Zealand Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa: Everything You Need to Know
- iclegalnz
- 1 day ago
- 5 min read
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa allows eligible workers from Pacific nations and selected countries to work in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries. The Recognised Seasonal Employer Visa provides an essential pathway for overseas seasonal workers to contribute to the country’s fruit, vegetable, and wine industries while ensuring fair employment conditions and legal compliance.
Understanding RSE Visa Stay, Eligibility and Character requirements
How Long You Can Stay on a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa
Most RSE visa holders can stay in New Zealand for up to 7 months within any 11-month period.
Citizens of Tuvalu and Kiribati (residing there) are eligible for an additional 2 months, allowing them to stay for up to 9 months.
In exceptional circumstances, workers may apply for a further RSE Limited Visa if they have not already reached the maximum stay allowed.
You must leave New Zealand after your visa expires. Staying beyond your permitted duration may result in deportation.
You cannot apply for another visa type until you have departed New Zealand.
Eligibility Criteria for the Recognised Seasonal Employer Visa
To qualify, applicants must meet the following conditions:
Age Requirement: Be 18 years or older.
Citizenship: Normally available only to citizens of eligible Pacific nations (see list below).
Job Offer: Hold a valid employment offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE).
Medical Insurance: Maintain full medical insurance coverage for the entire stay.
Health Standards: Meet New Zealand’s health requirements, sometimes including medical and chest X-ray certificates.
Character Standards: Provide police certificates to prove good character, particularly if staying for 24 months or more.
Genuine Intentions: Demonstrate authentic reasons for entering New Zealand and comply with immigration rules.
Eligible Pacific Nations for RSE Visa
This visa is primarily open to workers from the following countries:
Federated States of Micronesia
Fiji
Kiribati
Nauru
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Republic of Marshall Islands
Samoa
Solomon Islands
Timor-Leste
Tonga
Tuvalu
Vanuatu
In rare cases, employers may recruit from other countries, but only with special approval from Immigration New Zealand.
Health Requirements
Applicants from low TB incidence countries (e.g., Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu) may not need a chest X-ray if staying 12 months or less.
Applicants from higher TB risk countries must provide a chest X-ray, regardless of stay length.
China, Hong Kong, Macao applicants: Must submit a chest X-ray dated within the last 3 months if staying for more than 6 months and having resided in China for 6 consecutive months since the last X-ray.
Character Requirements for Recognised Seasonal Employer Visa
Police certificates are required if:
You are 17 years or older, and
Your total stay in New Zealand will reach 24 months or more (including previous visits).
Certificates must be issued within the last 6 months and come from:
Countries where you are a citizen, and
Countries where you have lived for 5+ years since turning 17.
Immigration New Zealand may request updated certificates even if previously provided.
Medical Insurance Requirements
You must show acceptable medical insurance for your full stay.
Evidence includes:
A copy of your insurance certificate, or
An approval letter from your insurance provider.
Insurance must meet Immigration New Zealand’s minimum standards for seasonal workers.
Employment Conditions Under the RSE Visa
You must present a signed employment agreement with a Recognised Seasonal Employer.
Minimum Work Hours: At least 30 hours per week, averaged over 4 weeks.
Employers must top up pay if they cannot provide the required 120 hours per 4-week period.
Workers who have already completed 2 or more RSE seasons must be paid minimum wage + 10%.
New workers must be paid at least the adult minimum wage in New Zealand.
Work is limited to horticulture and viticulture sectors, including:
Planting
Crop maintenance
Harvesting
Packing
Documents Required for RSE Visa Application
When applying, you must submit:
A valid passport or certificate of identity
Two passport-sized photographs
A signed employment agreement from your RSE
Medical insurance evidence
Chest X-ray/medical certificates (if required)
Police certificates (if required)
Special requirements:
China applicants: Provide Hukou, identity card, and supplementary forms.
Hong Kong/Macao applicants: Provide identity card and supplementary forms if submitting a paper application.
Step-by-Step Application Process
Secure a job offer with a Recognised Seasonal Employer.
Collect required documents including translations if necessary.
Fill the application form and pay fees.
Submit application from outside New Zealand.
Await decision - an eVisa is emailed if approved.
Attend pre-departure briefings arranged by your government or employer.
Travel to New Zealand within the permitted 14-day arrival window.
Conditions While in New Zealand
Travel: Multiple entry allowed, but total stay cannot exceed maximum visa duration.
Work Restrictions: You can only work for the employer(s) listed on your visa.
Study/Training: Permitted if authorized by your employer, but must not interfere with work.
Tax Obligations: Workers must apply for an IRD number and pay taxes in New Zealand.
Staying Longer in New Zealand
A further RSE Limited Visa may be granted in exceptional circumstances, provided you have not yet reached your maximum allowed stay.
Applications for other visas can only be made after leaving New Zealand.
Final Thoughts
The RSE Limited Visa is a vital program benefiting both New Zealand’s agriculture sector and Pacific workers. By meeting the eligibility requirements, securing valid employment, and maintaining compliance with visa conditions, seasonal workers can experience a rewarding opportunity while supporting New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries.
How Immigration Chambers Can Help with Your RSE Limited Visa
Applying for the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa can be a complex process, especially with strict eligibility, health, and documentation requirements. Whether you're a first-time applicant or returning worker, ensuring your application is accurate and complete is critical to avoiding delays or rejections.
At Immigration Chambers, our licensed immigration lawyers in Auckland are experienced in handling RSE visa applications and can assist with:
Assessing your eligibility based on nationality and employment offer
Reviewing and compiling required documents (medical, police, insurance, etc.)
Advising on reapplication or further visa options if your stay is ending
Ensuring compliance with all visa conditions during your stay
Handling correspondence with Immigration New Zealand
We also assist Recognised Seasonal Employers (RSEs) in navigating employer-specific requirements and compliance matters.
Need help with your RSE Limited Visa?
Contact our licensed immigration lawyer in Auckland today for a basic free consultation and get professional guidance tailored to your situation.
FAQs
1. What is the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa?
The RSE Limited Visa allows eligible workers from Pacific nations and selected countries to work temporarily in New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries. It supports seasonal employment in activities like planting, harvesting, and packing.
2. How long can I stay in New Zealand on an RSE Limited Visa?
Most visa holders can stay for up to 7 months within an 11-month period. Citizens of Tuvalu and Kiribati may stay up to 9 months. Extensions beyond this limit are rare and only granted under exceptional circumstances.
3. Which countries are eligible for the RSE Visa?
The RSE Visa is primarily for citizens of:
Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, Solomon Islands, Micronesia, Palau, and Marshall Islands.Other nationalities may be considered only with special approval from Immigration New Zealand.
4. Can I change employers or apply for another visa while in New Zealand?
No. You can only work for the employer(s) named on your visa. You cannot apply for another visa type while in New Zealand. You must leave the country after your RSE visa expires before applying for a new visa.
5. What are the work conditions under the RSE Limited Visa?
You must work at least 30 hours per week, averaged over four weeks. Employers must top up wages if minimum hours are not met. Work is restricted to horticulture and viticulture roles, and wages must meet or exceed New Zealand's minimum wage, with higher rates for returning workers.
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