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RSE — Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
New ZealandNew Zealand•Oceania
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RSE — Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 weeks

Estimated Cost

NZD $325

Stay Duration

Up to 7 months

Not renewable

Renewal

Not renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

Job offer required

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Overview

Seasonal work visa for Pacific-nation citizens to fill horticulture and viticulture roles in New Zealand under an accredited Recognised Seasonal Employer.

Established in 2007 by Immigration New Zealand, the RSE Limited Visa lets workers from qualifying Pacific nations fill peak-season labour in horticulture and viticulture. Applicants must be 18 or older, hold a job offer from an accredited Recognised Seasonal Employer, carry full medical insurance, and meet health and character checks. Annual allocation is capped at 20,750 places.

The visa permits up to 7 months work in any 11-month period (9 months for Tuvalu and Kiribati citizens) and cannot be extended. It is employer-tied, with no switching to other visas, no dependents, and no PR pathway. Fees start at NZD 325, and 80% of applications are decided within 2 weeks. Employers must pay at least 30 hours/week at NZ minimum wage and half the return airfare.

This visa is ideal for Pacific-nation citizens aged 18+ seeking lawful, well-paid seasonal horticulture or viticulture work in New Zealand under an accredited employer.

Annual Cap & Quota

20750

Eligible Nationalities (13)

MicronesiaMicronesiaFijiFijiKiribatiKiribatiNauruNauruPalauPalauPapua New GuineaPapua New GuineaMarshall IslandsMarshall IslandsSamoaSamoaSolomon IslandsSolomon IslandsTimor-LesteTimor-LesteTongaTongaTuvaluTuvaluVanuatuVanuatu

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Must have a valid job offer from an accredited Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE).

Must be 18 years of age or older.

Must be a citizen of a qualifying Pacific nation (or other approved countries under specific schemes).

Must be physically fit for the required horticultural or viticultural work.

Must maintain acceptable medical insurance for the entire duration of the stay.

Must meet health and character requirements.

Must intend to leave New Zealand upon the expiration of the visa.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport or certificate of identity.

Signed employment agreement from the RSE-accredited employer.

Recent passport-sized photograph.

Evidence of medical insurance.

Chest X-ray and medical certificates (if required).

Police certificates (if required for longer stays or character assessment).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Low NZD 325 application fee with employer covering half the return airfare
  • Fast processing: 80% of applications decided within 2 weeks
  • Guaranteed minimum 30 hours/week at NZ adult minimum wage (plus 10% for repeat workers)
  • Generous annual allocation of 20,750 places across all RSE employers
  • Tuvalu and Kiribati citizens get 9 months instead of 7 in any 11-month period
  • Circular migration model lets workers return season after season

Worth Knowing

  • Requires a confirmed job offer from an accredited Recognised Seasonal Employer before applying
  • Capped at 7 months work in any 11-month period (9 months for Tuvalu and Kiribati)
  • Restricted to horticulture and viticulture work only with listed RSE employers
  • Must apply from offshore and provide medical insurance for the entire stay
  • No partner or dependent children can be included in the application
  • No pathway to residency and cannot switch to any other visa while on RSE status
  • Normally limited to citizens of qualifying Pacific nations only

Application Process

1

Secure job offer

From a Recognised Seasonal Employer

2

Complete application

RSE visa application form

3

Gather documents

Passport, employment agreement, health declaration

4

Submit application

Via employer or immigration office

5

Medical screening

Health declaration

6

Await decision

Usually 2-4 weeks

Application Forms

Recognised Seasonal Employer Visa Application—

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