W4.20 Obtaining visas before arrival (26/07/1999)

1. To show that their attempts to recruit suitably qualified and experienced New Zealanders are genuine, employers must always request approval in principle and apply for individual visas before overseas crew members arrive in New Zealand.
2. If employers request approval in principle, or make the application for an individual visa, after the crew members arrive in New Zealand, then both must be declined.
3. Crew members who arrive in New Zealand before obtaining visas will also be refused work permits, unless:
   1. the applicant employer had obtained approval in principle, and
   2. the employer had made applications for the individual visas at least 7 days before the crew members departed for New Zealand, and
   3. the NZIS agreed, before the crew members departed for New Zealand, that they could travel to New Zealand on the basis of that approval in principle.

Effective 26/07/1999