WJ6 Applications for work visas for foreign crew of fishing vessels (01/04/2017)

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 or a Foreign Chartered Party (FCP) 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. Applications for individual work visas must be made before overseas crew members arrive in New Zealand.
4. 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).

Note: If employers request approval in principle, or submit an application for an individual work visa, after the crew members arrive in New Zealand, then both must be declined.

Effective 01/04/2017