Establishing a work exchange scheme
Before we can approve a Work Exchange Scheme, you’ll need to send us a proposal explaining its set-up.
Hire a candidate
- Check a candidate's visa status
- Support a candidate's visa application
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Options for repeat/high-volume hiring
- Accredited Employer
- Essential Skills - Approval in Principle
- Recognised Seasonal Employer
- Labour Hire Employer Accreditation
- Entertainment Industry Accreditation
- Work Exchange Scheme
- Supplementary Seasonal Employment – Approval in Principle
- Foreign Crew on Fishing Vessels - Approval in Principle
- Samoan Quota & Pacific Access Category
- Hiring in Canterbury and Queenstown
- Finding and hiring workers overseas
- Hiring a migrant who is already in New Zealand
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Work Exchange Scheme
You can consider applying for Work Exchange Scheme approval if you wish to arrange work short-term work opportunities in New Zealand and overseas as part of a reciprocal arrangement. People from overseas who have been accepted into an approved work exchange scheme can work for up to 12 months in New Zealand. If your scheme allows it, they can apply to bring partners and dependent children with them too.
Duration of scheme
12 months.
With this option you can
- Employ or arrange the employment of overseas workers for up to 12 months.
- Arrange work opportunities for New Zealanders in other countries.
- Have the opportunity to improve international goodwill and cultural understanding between participating countries.
Things to note
- The New Zealand guarantor is responsible for arranging suitable accommodation and a job for the people taking part in the scheme – they have to do this before they arrive in New Zealand.
- The New Zealand guarantor must make sure the people taking part in the scheme can cover living costs, like food, clothing and healthcare.
What's involved
- You send us a proposal about work exchange scheme
- We make a decision about your proposal
- The people accepted into your scheme apply for work visas
- We make a decision about their work visa application
Supporting a work visa application
Once we’ve approved your work exchange scheme, you can support the work visa applications of the people you’ve accepted into your scheme.
Maintain your work exchange approval
To maintain your work exchange scheme’s approval, you have to request re-approval every year.