Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa
For overseas workers recruited for seasonal horticulture and viticulture work with approved employers.
The Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa is a New Zealand work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NZ$580 including levy) and processing time (~4-8 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa is for
For overseas workers recruited for seasonal horticulture and viticulture work with approved employers.
No path to residence; it is a limited visa with no automatic right to apply for further visas.
Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa - eligibility criteria
- Have a job offer from a Recognised Seasonal Employer
- Be recruited under the RSE scheme
- Meet health and character requirements
- Hold a valid passport
- Agree to the limited visa conditions
Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa (New Zealand) is ~NZ$580 including levy, with an indicative processing time of ~4-8 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration New Zealand.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online, from outside New Zealand |
| Length of stay | Up to 7 months (9 months for some Pacific workers) in an 11-month period |
| Work rights | Seasonal work for the approved RSE employer only |
| Study rights | No study allowed |
| Government fee | ~NZ$580 including levy |
| Processing time | ~4-8 weeks |
| Route to PR | No path to residence; it is a limited visa with no automatic right to apply for further visas. |
Pathway & next steps
No path to residence; it is a limited visa with no automatic right to apply for further visas.
Many applicants also compare AEWV · Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), Working Holiday · Working Holiday Visa, Specific Purpose · Specific Purpose Work Visa. Run a free VisaChief check to see which New Zealand route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa pitfalls we fix
Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa cost?
The Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa government fee is ~NZ$580 including levy. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~4-8 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa lead to permanent residence?
No path to residence; it is a limited visa with no automatic right to apply for further visas.
Can I work on the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?
Work rights: Seasonal work for the approved RSE employer only.
Who can apply for the Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa?
For overseas workers recruited for seasonal horticulture and viticulture work with approved employers.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official New Zealand government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration New Zealand - official New Zealand immigration authority