WI18.5 Requirements

1. A work visa may be granted to a primary sector trainee to undertake vocational programmes of study and subsequent work placements, provided that:
   1. the applicant is funded or supported by the government of a qualifying country (WI18.15);
   2. there is a place available under that country’s quota for primary sector trainees;
   3. the study requirements are met;
   4. the work placement requirements are met;
   5. the applicant agrees to hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance that will remain current throughout their stay in New Zealand;
   6. the applicant meets health and character requirements set out in A4 and A5; and
   7. the applicant meets the requirements for bona fide applicants set out in E5.
2. Trainees will not be granted a further work visa in New Zealand for two years following the expiry of their work visa under these instructions.

WI18.5.1 Requirements for study

1. Trainees must study in New Zealand for a minimum of 12 weeks before they can undertake a work placement.
2. The study must be undertaken at a high quality education provider (universities or education providers assessed as Category One by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority under the External Evaluation Review quality assurance system).

WI18.5.5 Requirements for work placements

1. Trainees may undertake work placements related to their study up to a maximum of nine months’ duration.
2. The education provider with whom study was undertaken is responsible for:
   1. arranging, monitoring and maintaining records of all work placements, and
   2. arranging suitable alternative work placements should they be required, and
   3. notifying Immigration New Zealand should any breach of visa conditions or the employment agreement occur.
3. Trainees must have employment agreements that comply with all relevant New Zealand employment law and be paid at least the New Zealand minimum statutory hourly wage.
4. No work placements can be undertaken in the forestry sector.
5. If an immigration officer is not satisfied an education provider is able to meet its work placement responsibilities, work visa applications may be declined under these instructions.
6. INZ will decline an application 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, including if they fail to meet the requirements set out at W2.10.15 and W2.10.20, or
   2. is currently included on a list of non-compliant employers maintained by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (see Appendix 10 and Appendix 18), or
   3. 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).

Effective 11/04/2024