2013-Jul 12: Operations Support – Agricultural trainees

Visa Pak 120 - Clarification from Operations Support about Agricultural trainees to come to New Zealand on a Chilean government-funded scholarship programme

Visa Paks

12 July 2013

Operations Support – Agricultural trainees

On 7 May 2013 the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Immigration agreed to the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment’s (MBIE) proposal to allow an additional 60 trainees (in addition to the 20 trainees already at the National Trade Academy (NTA)) to come to New Zealand on a Chilean government-funded scholarship programme in 2013.

This arrangement was introduced in 2008 and includes six weeks English training, 12 weeks agricultural training and six months paid farm placement work experience. These non-labour market tested visas are issued for 12 months as an exception to instructions under Specific Purpose or Event Instructions with variations of conditions to study. They enable the trainees to undertake English tuition and vocational training in dairying at the NTA, followed by a 26-week work placement on South Island farms.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Immigration agreed to accept a number of trainees annually from Chile from 2014 onwards, as mutually agreed in writing each year between the two governments on the condition that the number of visas issued to trainees is transferred from the annual Working Holiday Scheme quota.

Applications for 2013

Agricultural trainees will need to provide the following additional information with a work visa application:

  • Application Form for Variation of Conditions
  • Offer of place issued by funding body in Chile, detailing coverage and form of financing expenses
  • Acceptance letter issued by NTA program, with details of the curriculum, hosting, payment confirmation and commitment program job search.

Note that trainees only need to provide medicals if they intend to stay for more than 12 months. The NTA are responsible for ensuring students are paid the minimum wages corresponding to Farm Trainees – as per the most recent Federated Farmers salary report.

Applications for 2014 onwards

It is likely that this agreement will be extended to providers or sectors other than the NTA in the future. Branches will be advised as and when this occurs.