Recruit and hire RSE workers
How to recruit and hire Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers under the RSE Scheme.
Employ workers through the RSE Scheme
- RSE changes from 2 September 2024
- RSE Scheme overview for employers
- RSE Scheme requirements for employers
- Apply or reapply for RSE status
- Apply for an Agreement to Recruit (ATR)
- Recruit and hire RSE workers
- Change visa work conditions for an RSE worker in New Zealand
- Support your worker's RSE Limited Visa application
- RSE forms and guides for employers
Improvements were made to the RSE scheme on 2 September 2024. Learn more about what these changes mean for RSE employers and workers.
Get help to recruit and hire RSE workers from overseas, and what to do when they accept your job offer.
Contact your RSE engagement partner, if required
If you need help with recruiting workers contact your RSE engagement partner. They can give you guidance, as well as contact information for overseas recruitment agents.
When you know which country you want to hire workers from you can either:
- travel directly to the country to do the recruitment and hiring of workers yourself (a 'direct recruitment'), or
- contact a recruitment agent in the country you want to hire workers from. They can act on your behalf.
Overseas recruitment agents acting on your behalf must not charge workers for helping them find a job with you.
Support your worker's visa application
Before your worker can come to New Zealand and work for you they need their Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa.
If this is a direct recruitment, you support your worker's visa application.
If an overseas recruitment agent is acting on your behalf, send them what is needed to support your worker's application.
Make sure your pastoral care support package is in place
Make sure your pastoral care support package is in place ready for your new worker's arrival in New Zealand.
Provide pastoral care for RSE workers
How long RSE Limited Visa applications take to process
Search our online tool to see how long a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa applications take to process:
Fee, decision times and where to apply