New Zealand•OceaniaVaries
1,540 NZD
3 years
No
Required
Allowed
No
Not Required
Three-year seasonal work visa for experienced workers in NZ's primary-sector peak periods, sponsored by AEWV-accredited employers.
Issued by Immigration New Zealand, the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) lets migrants on an employer-tied work visa exit an exploitative job while authorities investigate. Applicants must be in New Zealand, hold a current employer-specific visa, and present a Report of Exploitation Assessment Letter (RoEAL) from Employment New Zealand.
Applications must be lodged within 1 month of the RoEAL and are exempt from all standard charges (NZD $0, including the Immigration Levy and IVL). The visa is granted for up to 6 months or the remaining current-visa term and carries open work rights for any lawful NZ employer. It is non-renewable since 31 October 2024.
This visa is ideal for migrants on an employer-tied work visa who have credibly reported exploitation and need fast, fee-free permission to work for any lawful NZ employer.
| Initial grant | 3 years |
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
New ZealandFull-time job offer (at least 30 hours/week) from an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) accredited employer
Role must be on the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa job list and the employer must hold an approved GWSV job check for it
At least 3 seasons of experience in the same or similar job within the last 6 years
Meet the ANZSCO or National Occupation List (NOL) skill level and qualifications for the role
Be in good health and of good character (medical, chest X-ray, police certificates as required)
Have a genuine intention to meet visa conditions
Paid at least the market rate for the job
Spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand between seasons (in any 12-month period)
Job Offer
Required
Education
none or higher
Experience
3+ years
Signed copy of the New Zealand job offer covering the first season
Copy of the employment agreement and job description
Scan of passport or certificate of identity (valid for at least 3 months after planned departure)
One acceptable visa photo
Evidence of at least 3 seasons of relevant experience (employer references, certificates of employment, payslips or tax certificates — CV alone is not sufficient)
Evidence of meeting the job's ANZSCO/NOL skill, qualification and (if applicable) NZ registration requirements
Chest X-ray and medical certificate (less than 3 months old) from a panel physician, if requested
Police certificates (less than 6 months old) from countries of citizenship and any country lived in 5+ years since age 17, if requested
Certified English translations of any non-English documents
| Application Steps | Receive a full-time seasonal job offer and unique application link from an AEWV-accredited employer … | immigration.govt.nz |
| Dependent Visa | No — partners and dependent children cannot be included or sponsored. | immigration.govt.nz |
| Fee Breakdown | Application fee: 1540 NZD | immigration.govt.nz |
| Fees | From NZD $1,540 | immigration.govt.nz |
| Max Stay | Up to 9 months per year; visa valid 3 years | immigration.govt.nz |
| Petitioner | employer | immigration.govt.nz |
| Pr Pathway | false | immigration.govt.nz |
| Renewable | false | immigration.govt.nz |
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