Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa
Work in New Zealand’s Agriculture & Horticulture Sectors
The Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa is a temporary visa that allows workers from eligible countries to undertake horticulture and viticulture work in New Zealand for approved employers.
This visa supports seasonal labor demand across orchards, vineyards, and packhouses.
Why Migrate and Apply for an RSE Visa?
✔️ Guaranteed Job Before Arrival – Workers receive a valid job offer before applying.
✔️ High Demand Every Season – Shortage of seasonal workers creates annual job opportunities.
✔️ Legal Employment in New Zealand – Enjoy work rights and legal protections as a foreign worker.
✔️ Return to Work Every Year – Many workers are rehired seasonally by the same employer.
✔️ Explore New Zealand Culture & Nature – Live and work in scenic regions across the country.
Who Can Apply for an RSE Visa?
✔️ Citizens of Approved RSE Countries – Includes Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Kiribati, Tuvalu, Vanuatu, and others.
✔️ Aged 18 or Over – Applicants must meet age and physical fitness requirements.
✔️ Job Offer from a Recognized Employer – Employer must be RSE-accredited by New Zealand Immigration.
✔️ Fit for Manual Labor – Seasonal jobs involve harvesting, packing, pruning, and maintenance tasks.
✔️ No Previous Visa Breaches – Must have a clean immigration history.
Benefits and Advantages of the RSE Work Visa
✔️ Pre-arranged Employment – Secure a job and visa through a government-approved process.
✔️ Legal Income and Protections – All wages are paid at or above the minimum wage and regulated by labor law.
✔️ Return Year After Year – Trusted workers are often invited back by the same employer.
✔️ Free or Subsidized Accommodation – Many employers offer low-cost or included housing.
✔️ Travel and Medical Insurance Covered – Employers typically arrange basic health and travel insurance.
✔️ Cultural Exchange Programs – Workers get the chance to engage with local communities.
Eligibility & Requirements for the RSE Visa
✔️ Must Be from an RSE-Approved Country – Eligibility is restricted to certain Pacific nations and select regions.
✔️ Job Offer in Horticulture or Viticulture – Includes fruit picking, vineyard pruning, packing, and related work.
✔️ Temporary Work Duration – RSE visas are valid for up to 7 months in a 11-month period.
✔️ Health & Character Requirements – Submit medical certificates and police clearance.
✔️ No Intention to Stay Beyond Visa – Must return to home country after the visa ends.
Basic Documents Checklist for RSE Visa Application
✔️ Valid Passport
✔️ Signed Employment Agreement from a Recognized Seasonal Employer
✔️ Proof of RSE Country Citizenship
✔️ Completed Visa Application Form
✔️ Medical Examination Certificate
✔️ Police Clearance Certificate
✔️ Evidence of Return Travel or Employer Commitment to Cover Travel
✔️ Proof of Accommodation Arrangements
✔️ Travel and Health Insurance (arranged or confirmed by employer)
Visa Fee & Processing Time
| Application Type | Visa Fee (NZD) | Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| RSE Work Visa | $325 | 15–30 working days |
✔️ Applications are typically processed faster for accredited employers.
✔️ Employers often assist in documentation and payment.
Occupations in Demand for RSE Workers
✔️ Fruit Pickers (Apples, Kiwifruit, Berries)
✔️ Vineyard Workers (Pruning, Harvesting, Maintenance)
✔️ Packhouse Workers (Sorting, Packing, Labeling)
✔️ Nursery Assistants (Planting, Irrigation, Pest Control)
✔️ Orchard Hands (Thinning, Netting, General Labor)
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for RSE Visa
✔️ Step 1: Receive a Job Offer – From a Recognized Seasonal Employer (RSE-accredited).
✔️ Step 2: Employer Submits Approval to Recruit (ATR) – Must be approved by NZ Immigration.
✔️ Step 3: Gather Required Documents – Includes passport, medicals, police clearance, and job contract.
✔️ Step 4: Submit Visa Application – Apply online or via a local visa center.
✔️ Step 5: Attend Medical Exam and Biometrics – If required.
✔️ Step 6: Receive Visa Approval – Upon successful checks and employer confirmation.
Cost of Living for Seasonal Workers in NZ
✔️ Many RSE employers offer subsidized accommodation and local transport.
✔️ Living in rural regions keeps expenses relatively low.
| Expense Category | Monthly Cost (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared) | $150 – $350 |
| Groceries | $250 – $400 |
| Utilities & Internet | $50 – $120 |
| Transportation | $50 – $100 |
| Healthcare Insurance | Often employer-covered |
| Personal Expenses | $100 – $200 |
PR Transition Options for RSE Workers
✔️ The RSE Visa is a temporary and non-residence pathway, and does not lead directly to PR.
✔️ However, if a seasonal worker secures a long-term skilled job, they may apply for another visa like AEWV or SMC.
✔️ Consistent reemployment and good employer references can support future PR-eligible applications.
✔️ A separate visa application must be made for PR pathways, not available directly from RSE.
Employer Sponsorship Programs for RSE
✔️ RSE-Accredited Employers Only – Can legally hire and sponsor seasonal workers.
✔️ Pre-arranged Contracts – Employers coordinate job offers, documentation, and ATR process.
✔️ Worker Welfare Requirements – Sponsors must provide suitable housing, fair pay, and health coverage.
✔️ Repeat Sponsorships – Many employers invite successful workers to return every year.
✔️ No Labor Market Test Required – For RSE jobs, the process is streamlined to support recurring needs.
| Region | Key Hiring Sectors |
|---|---|
| Hawke’s Bay | Apple & stone fruit picking, vineyards |
| Bay of Plenty | Kiwifruit orchards, seasonal packhouses |
| Marlborough | Viticulture, grape harvesting |
| Canterbury | Vegetable farming, field labor |
| Otago & Southland | Cherry picking, summer crop work |
Regional Programs for Seasonal Workers in New Zealand
✔️ Rural regions in New Zealand provide accommodation, transport assistance, and bonus incentives for seasonal workers.
✔️ Employers in these regions are often part of government-approved RSE programs.
Salary Insights for RSE Workers in New Zealand
✔️ All RSE workers receive at least the minimum wage under New Zealand law.
✔️ Many employers offer weekly pay, bonuses for productivity, and free/shared accommodation.
| Job Role | Average Pay (NZD/hour) |
|---|---|
| Fruit Picker | $22.70 – $24.00 |
| Packhouse Worker | $23.00 – $25.00 |
| Vineyard Laborer | $22.70 – $24.50 |
| Orchard Maintenance | $23.00 – $25.00 |
| Greenhouse Assistant | $22.50 – $24.00 |
Fast Track Application Tips for RSE Visa
✔️ Secure a Job Offer First – Only employers with RSE accreditation can hire overseas workers.
✔️ Submit a Complete Application – Missing documents can delay approvals.
✔️ Apply Early for Peak Seasons – Applications are faster if submitted before harvest season begins.
✔️ Choose Reputable Employers – Prioritize RSEs with high worker retention and government endorsements.
✔️ Use Verified Recruitment Channels – Avoid delays by working through approved sending organizations.
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