2016-Dec 09: Primary Sector Trainees – subsequent work visa restrictions

Visa Pak 289: Advice for staff about restrictions for those who hold Primary Sector Trainee work visas.

Visa Paks

9 December 2016

Primary Sector Trainees – subsequent work visa restrictions


The Primary Sector Trainee instructions (WI18.1) provide an opportunity for primary sector trainees from countries with whom New Zealand has an agreement to study and gain work experience in chosen fields. Primary sector trainees are expected to return to their home country for at least two years after the completion of their study and work experience placement to apply these new skills and knowledge.

Under instructions WI18.5(b), trainees will not be granted a further work visa in New Zealand for two years following the expiry of their Primary Sector Trainee work visa (PSTWV).

It has come to our attention that this restriction is often overlooked when those whom have held a PSTWV subsequently apply for a different work visa.

In order to minimise the potential for subsequent work visas to be granted in error, when approving a PSTWV the following information warning should be loaded against the applicant in AMS:
   
'PA has been granted a Primary Sector Trainee work visa and is not eligible for any subsequent work visa for 2 years after the expiry date of this visa'.