WK2.1 Approval in principle to recruit overseas workers

1. Applications for approvals in principle must be made on the form Request for Approval in Principle to Recruit Overseas Workers (NZIS 1112) and be lodged at the INZ branch nearest the place of proposed employment.
2. Immigration officers must not grant an approval in principle, unless they are satisfied that:
   1. there are no New Zealand citizens or residents available to do the work offered (see WK2.10); and
   2. the job offer is for genuine, sustainable and full time employment for the duration of the period for which employment is offered, as specified in the proposed employment agreement; and
   3. the employer has previously complied and will comply in future with all relevant New Zealand employment and immigration law and immigration policy provisions.
3. Where approval in principle to recruit foreign workers is granted, the approval must specify:
   1. the duration the approval is valid for; and
   2. the duration of the work permit and/or visa(s) to be granted to the eligible applicants who apply on the basis of the approval in principle; and
   3. the number of positions the employer has been approved to recruit for; and
   4. the training and/or work experience necessary for applicants to be considered qualified for the position(s); and
   5. any undertakings the employer has agreed to as part of the job offer (such as provision of accommodation) and any other conditions deemed necessary by the immigration officer.
4. No approval in principle application for the recruitment of workers to plant, maintain, harvest or pack crops in the horticulture or viticulture industries will be approved under this policy. All requests to recruit non-New Zealand citizen or resident workers to plant, maintain, harvest or pack crops in the horticulture or viticulture industries must be made under the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) policy (see WH1) or the Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) policy (see WH4).

Effective 27/07/2009