WJ6 Applications for work visas for foreign crew of fishing vessels

1. An immigration officer may grant a work visa and entry permission to an individual crew member with an offer of employment from a New Zealand employer where either:
   1. has a current Approval in Principle (AIP); or
   2. is seeking to fill a maximum of six crew positions on one vessel in one calendar year (non-AIP).
2. Work visas can be granted for up to a maximum of 12 months.
3. An application for a work visa will be declined where the employer (including any person associated with the employer who is able to influence the recruitment, employment or supervision of workers of that employer):
   1. has a history of non-compliance with immigration or employment law, or
   2. fails to meet the requirements set out at W2.10.15 and W2.10.20, or
   3. is currently included on a list of non-compliant employers maintained by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) (see W2.10.15, Appendix 10 and Appendix 18), or
   4. has been convicted at any time of an offence under the following sections of the Crimes Act 1961: section 98 (Dealing in slaves), section 98C (Smuggling migrants), section 98D (Trafficking in persons).
4. If a worker is required to leave unexpectedly partway through the season, an employer may apply to replace them without requiring a second AIP, if they can provide evidence that the worker has left the vessel.

Note:
- Evidence that a worker has left the ship includes but is not limited to: a letter from a doctor which says that the person suffered illness or injury rendering them unable to further serve on the vessel, evidence that the worker’s employment has been terminated and evidence that the worker has deserted the vessel.

Effective 11/04/2024