Seasonal Work Visa
New Zealand’s horticulture and viticulture industries rely on seasonal workers every year. We help workers and employers navigate the RSE scheme and seasonal work visa process.
RSE
Scheme
Up to 7 mths
Per Season
95%
Visa Approval Rate
Licensed
Immigration Advisers (LAI)
Seasonal Work in New Zealand’s Primary Industries
The Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme allows New Zealand horticulture and viticulture employers to recruit workers from Pacific nations and other approved countries to fill seasonal labour gaps. Workers come for a defined season and return home when it ends.
RSE Scheme
The Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme is New Zealand’s primary pathway for seasonal agricultural workers. Employers must be approved as RSE employers before they can recruit offshore workers.
Pacific Priority
The RSE scheme prioritises workers from Pacific Island nations — including Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Fiji, Tuvalu, Kiribati, and others. Workers from these countries form the majority of the seasonal workforce.
Industries Covered
Seasonal work visas under the RSE scheme cover horticulture (fruit picking, packing, pruning) and viticulture (grape growing and harvesting). Other agricultural work may qualify under separate schemes.
Season Length
Most seasonal workers are permitted to stay for up to 7 months per season. Workers from some Pacific nations may be eligible for extended stays of up to 9 months under special arrangements.
Return Workers
Employers often bring back the same workers season after season. Return workers who have a good employment record may receive priority placement and faster processing.
Worker Protections
Seasonal workers are protected by New Zealand employment law — including the right to the minimum wage, safe working conditions, and accommodation standards set by INZ.
RSE Employer Requirements
Employers must be approved as RSE employers before they can recruit seasonal workers. We help employers obtain and maintain RSE status.
RSE Employer Approval
Employers must apply to MBIE for RSE employer approval. This involves demonstrating a genuine need for seasonal labour, a commitment to recruiting New Zealand workers first, and the ability to meet accommodation and pastoral care obligations.
Labour Market Test
RSE employers must show they have genuinely tried to recruit New Zealand citizens and residents for the positions before turning to offshore workers.
Accommodation Obligations
RSE employers are responsible for arranging suitable accommodation for seasonal workers. INZ sets minimum standards that must be met before workers arrive.
Pastoral Care
Employers must have systems in place to support the welfare of seasonal workers — including health, safety, and access to appropriate support services.
Repatriation Responsibility
RSE employers are responsible for ensuring workers return home at the end of their season, including covering repatriation costs if a worker fails to depart voluntarily.
Annual Renewal
RSE employer status must be maintained and renewed. Employers who fail to meet their obligations may lose their RSE approval.
How We Help Employers and Workers
Whether you are an employer looking to bring seasonal workers to New Zealand or a worker seeking a seasonal placement, we can assist.
RSE Employer Assessment
We assess whether the employer meets the criteria for RSE approval and advise on what documentation and systems need to be in place before applying.
RSE Employer Application
We prepare and lodge the RSE employer approval application with MBIE, including labour market evidence, accommodation details, and pastoral care plans.
Worker Visa Applications
Once RSE approval is confirmed, we prepare visa applications for the seasonal workers — coordinating with employers and workers to ensure all documents are in order.
Pre-Departure Briefing
We brief workers on their visa conditions, work rights, accommodation arrangements, and what to expect when they arrive in New Zealand.
End of Season & Return
We advise employers and workers on their obligations at the end of the season, including departure requirements and options for returning in future seasons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose to stay in New Zealand after my seasonal visa expires?
No. Seasonal work visas are granted for a specific period and workers must return home at the end of their season. Overstaying a seasonal visa is a serious immigration breach and can result in being banned from returning to New Zealand.
Can seasonal workers bring their families?
No. The RSE scheme is for individual workers only. Family members cannot accompany seasonal workers to New Zealand under this scheme.
Can I work for a different employer while in New Zealand on a seasonal visa?
No. Seasonal visas are tied to the specific RSE employer who sponsored you. Working for another employer without the correct visa is an immigration breach.
What happens if I get injured at work?
New Zealand has a no-fault accident compensation scheme (ACC) that covers all workers, including seasonal visa holders, for work-related and non-work-related injuries. Your employer must ensure you have access to health and safety information.
Can I return for future seasons?
Yes. Many seasonal workers return to New Zealand for multiple seasons. Return workers with a good track record are often prioritised by employers. Each season requires a new visa application.
I am an employer. How long does RSE approval take?
RSE employer approval processing times vary but typically take 4 to 8 weeks. We recommend applying well before your expected seasonal start date to avoid delays in recruiting workers.
Seasonal Work Sorted.
Whether you are an RSE employer looking to recruit or a worker seeking a seasonal placement in New Zealand, our licensed advisers manage the full process. Get in touch today.
