Depart Immigration offers expert guidance and immigration services to farmers across New Zealand. Focus on your farm while we get you through Immigration New Zealand requirements.
Farmers
Immigration Help for Farmers Hiring Migrant Workers
If you're a farmer already working with migrant staff or thinking about bringing someone on for the first time, Depart Immigration can help. We offer clear, practical immigration advice tailored to the farming sector. Our team makes the process easier so you can focus on running your farm.
Under the latest rules from Immigration New Zealand, all employers must be accredited before they can hire migrant workers. This process has three key steps:
Get Accredited as an Employer
Complete a Job Check
Migrant applies for an Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
We guide farmers through each step, making sure everything is done right. Whether you run a dairy farm, sheep and beef operation, or other agriculture business, we know the challenges you face. Our advice is practical, straight to the point, and suited to the way farmers work.
We help you:
Become an Accredited Employer with Immigration New Zealand
Complete the Job Check so your job offer meets New Zealand wage and employment standards
Show that your farm is compliant with immigration and employment law
Put the right systems in place to reduce the risk of migrant exploitation
Advise on whether other work visas could be more suitable options for your farm.
Support your workers to apply for their visa, making sure they meet all the requirements
Let’s Get the Workers You Need on the Ground
Getting reliable, skilled workers onto your farm shouldn’t be a guessing game. At Depart Immigration, we help New Zealand farmers find the right migrant staff and make sure all the paperwork is in order.
Get in touch with us today for advice that works for farmers.
Other Work Visas
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Peak Seasonal Visa
This visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 7 months. After reaching the 7-month limit, visa holders must take a 4-month break before reapplying.
Applicants need at least 1 season of relevant experience in the past 3 years and must hold comprehensive health insurance.
There is no English language requirement, but employers must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income.
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Global Workforce Seasonal Visa
This visa is for skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 3 years.
Employers need to get a job check for a seasonal role then a worker applies for the seasonal visa, and visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year.
Applicants need to have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least 3 seasons in the past 6 years.
There is no Labour Market Test or English language requirement, and visa holders can transition to other visa types.
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Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand's working holiday visas present a fantastic opportunity for local employers seeking motivated and diverse talent. These visas enable young individuals from various countries to live and work in New Zealand for up to 36 months, providing businesses with access to a pool of enthusiastic and culturally diverse employees. Whether you're in need of seasonal workers for agriculture, hospitality staff, or professionals for specialised roles, the working holiday program offers a range of skilled and semi-skilled candidates.
To hire workers under this program, employers should be aware they can only employ Working Holiday Visa holders in temporary or fixed term employment. Age eligibility, length of stay and work conditions vary from country to country.
We can assist both employers and employees in understanding the visa application process and employment regulations. Let us help you make the most of this opportunity to enrich your workforce and benefit from the unique experiences that working holiday visa holders can bring to your organisation.