Only a New Zealand employer can become a recognised seasonal employer.

You will have to show us that you:

• are in a sound financial position
• have human resource policies and practices of a high standard
• promote the welfare of workers
• have dispute resolution processes
• have demonstrated your commitment to recruiting and training New Zealanders, and
• have good workplace practices and have, in the past, met all relevant immigration and employment laws.

To show that you meet these requirements, we will verify your claims with other agencies such as the Ministry of Social Development, Inland Revenue, the Accident Compensation Corporation, the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions, other services of the Department of Labour, and any relevant unions, agencies, and industry bodies.

What other things do we take into account when deciding your application?

In determining whether you will be granted RSE status, we will take into account:

How long is my RSE status?

RSE status lasts two years. If you meet our requirements in those two years and apply again for RSE status, we may grant you recognised status for a further three years.

Can I lose my RSE status?

We will withdraw your RSE status and we will refuse you permission to be an RSE if you breach any of our requirements, unless the breach is deemed by us to be of a minor nature. There is no right of appeal against this.

Who won't we grant RSE status?

We will not grant RSE status to employers who are not engaged directly in horticulture and viticulture, or employers whose core business is facilitating the entry to New Zealand of non-New Zealand citizens and residents.

How do I apply for RSE status?

You have to  be a New Zealand employer to apply. You will need a copy of the form Application for Recognised Seasonal Employer Status (INZ 1140) PDF.

You will need to include the fee for accreditation with your application. See Immigration New Zealand's Fees Guide (INZ1028) PDF for the fee.

Send the fee and the evidence that you meet our requirements to:

Recognised Seasonal Employer Unit
Immigration New Zealand – Wellington Branch
PO Box 27-149
Wellington

After you have RSE status

When you have RSE status you will need to apply for an Agreement to Recruit (ATR) before you can start to employ overseas workers. See the ATR requirements pages.