New Zealand•Oceania5 weeks
NZ$800 NZD
Varies by filing options
3 months.
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
3-month Working Holiday extension for backpackers in New Zealand who have completed at least 3 months of seasonal horticulture or viticulture work.
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.
Must be in New Zealand on a valid, current Working Holiday Visa.
Must have completed at least 3 months of seasonal work in the horticulture or viticulture industries (e.g., planting, harvesting, packing) on the current WHV.
The 3 months of seasonal work does not need to be continuous or with the same employer.
Must meet standard health and character requirements and have enough funds to support yourself.
Must not have previously held a Working Holiday Extension Work Visa.
Must have a genuine intention to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.
Must hold acceptable medical or travel insurance if it was a condition of the original Working Holiday Visa.
Valid passport (with at least 3 months' validity beyond planned departure).
Evidence of completing 3 months of seasonal horticulture or viticulture work (IRD summaries, payslips, employer letters).
Proof of funds to support yourself during the 3-month extension.
Evidence of onward travel arrangements or sufficient funds to purchase a ticket.
Two acceptable passport-style photos.
Proof of acceptable medical insurance if it was a requirement on your original Working Holiday Visa.
| INZ 1153 Working Holiday Extension Work Visa application form (online or PDF). | Fill online |
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