WJ6 Applications for work visas for foreign crew of fishing vessels (03/07/2023)

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 has a history of non-compliance with immigration or employment law, fails to meet the requirements set out at W2.10.15 or is currently included on a list of non-compliant employers maintained by the Labour Inspectorate (see W2.10.15 and Appendix 10).
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 03/07/2023