The fishing crew visa is a special type of work visa that allows foreign nationals to work on commercial fishing vessels in New Zealand waters. This visa is valid for a period of up to 12 months and can be renewed for another 12 months. To be eligible for this visa, applicants must have a job offer from a registered fishing company in New Zealand.

About the fishing industry in New Zealand

New Zealand’s fishing industry is one of the country’s most important primary industries, contributing around $2 billion to the economy each year. The industry employs around 13000 people, with the majority of them working in the inshore sector.

The main types of fishing undertaken in New Zealand waters are:

• Recreational fishing – this includes both fresh and saltwater angling and is undertaken by locals and visitors to the country. It is estimated that around 1.3 million people participate in recreational fishing each year.
• Commercial fishing – this is undertaken by vessels that are larger than 12 meters in length and includes both inshore and offshore fishing. The main types of fish caught commercially are snapper, orange roughy, hoki, warehou, tuna, and crayfish.
• Aquaculture – this is the farming of fish and shellfish in controlled environments such as ponds and cages. Salmon, mussels, and oysters are the main types of Aquaculture in New Zealand.

Information on fishing crew Visa New Zealand

Here are some facts that you should know about Fishing Crew Visa New Zealand:

With this visa, you can

• Work in a fishing vessel in New Zealand waters.
• Do only the work for the employer who offered it to you.
• Stay in the country for 12 months.

Things to note

• If you do any work on land or for another employer, you’ll have to leave New Zealand and you won’t be able to return.
• It’s a good idea to keep your seaman’s book up-to-date. A seaman’s book is a good way to show that you have the necessary experience to apply for a work visa.
• You can't include a partner or dependent children in your visa application.

What are wages like for fishing crew in New Zealand?

Wages for the fishing crew in New Zealand vary depending on the type of vessel they are working on, and their position within the crew. However, as a general guide, junior crew members can expect to earn around $45,000 per year, while senior crew members can earn in excess of $70,000 per year.

Where can I find work as a fishing crew member in New Zealand?

There are a number of ways to find work as a fishing crew member in New Zealand. The best way is to contact a registered fishing company directly and inquire about any job vacancies. Alternatively, you can search for jobs online on websites such as Seek or Trademe.

How hard is it to get a fishing crew works Visa in New Zealand?

The Fishing Crew Work Visa New Zealand is not difficult to get if you have a job offer from a registered fishing company. However, there are many documentary requirements that can get overwhelming.

How can a licensed immigration adviser like professional Visa solutions help?

At Professional Visa Solutions, we can help you with the entire process of applying for a Fishing Crew Work Visa in New Zealand. We will assess your eligibility, help you with the paperwork, and represent you throughout the process. Contact us today to find out more.

We do offer a initial consultation, please feel free to book one. We hope to hear from you soon!