WJ1.7 Cap for foreign fishing crew: approvals in principle (AIP) and foreign fishing crew work visas

1. The number of approved AIP places combined with the number of work visas for non-AIP employers (seeking to fill a maximum of six positions in one calendar year) that can be approved annually is limited to 940 by a cap during the 24-month period from 31 October 2022 until 31 October 2024.
2. Within the annual cap of 940, after consideration of the proposed allocation of the cap by Seafood New Zealand (as the relevant sector body), MBIE Immigration Policy will determine the annual allocation for each employer and provide it to INZ.
3. Seafood New Zealand will inform the employers of their annual allocation.
4. Once allocated, numbers cannot be sold, traded or transferred between employers.
5. Any approved AIP places, or work visa supported by a non-AIP employer, will count towards the cap.
6. Applications for non-AIP work visas or AIPs submitted after the limit in either (a) or (b) above has been reached will not be approved.

Effective 31/10/2022