Primary Sector Trainees Work Visa

A visa for people from Chile and South Korea who are government-funded or supported to undertake vocational study and land-based primary sector work placements in New Zealand.

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Visa details

At a Glance

Item	Details
Visa name	Primary Sector Trainees Work Visa
Stay	Up to 12 months
Cost	From NZD $1,455
Processing	80% within 10 weeks
Eligibility timing	Not stated in the source
Nationality	Chilean or South Korean
Annual places	Chile 60; South Korea 50
Work rights	Land-based primary sector work, nine months
Study	Specified vocational provider only
Medicare	Not stated in the source
Medical insurance	Required throughout New Zealand stay
Travel facility	Multiple travel until visa expiry
Citizenship	Not stated in the source
Family sponsorship	Not stated in the source
Family inclusion	Partner and children cannot be included
Visa record	Conditions recorded in eVisa
Further work visa	Not eligible for two years

Purpose

This visa allows eligible trainees from Chile and South Korea to complete vocational study and work placements in New Zealand’s primary sector. You must intend to return home after training to share your new skills.

Eligibility

You must:

Be a citizen of Chile or South Korea.
Be funded or supported by the Government of Chile or South Korea.
Have an offer of place from a high-quality education provider.
Undertake vocational study relevant to a primary sector industry for at least 12 weeks.
Be in good health and of good character.
Genuinely intend to meet visa conditions.
Hold medical insurance while in New Zealand.

Stay, Cost and Availability

Maximum stay: Up to 12 months.
Work period: Up to 9 months.
Cost: From NZD $1,455.
Processing time: 80% of applications within 10 weeks.
Annual places: 60 for Chile and 50 for South Korea.

Work and Study Rights

You may:

Work for a land-based primary sector employer for up to 9 months.
Study at the education provider specified on your visa.
Travel in and out of New Zealand as often as you like before visa expiry.

You cannot work:

In the forestry industry.
At sea.
In work placements at sea or in forestry.

Family Provisions

You cannot include your partner or children in your application. They may apply separately for visas based on their relationship to you.

Required Evidence

Identity

Provide:

One acceptable photo for an online application, or two for paper.
Your passport or certificate of identity.

Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months after your intended departure from New Zealand. Online applicants must upload a passport copy; paper applicants provide an original passport or certified copy.

Government Support

Provide a letter from your home government detailing arrangements to support and/or fund your training.

Study Offer

Provide an offer of place showing vocational study that:

Is with a high-quality education provider.
Is relevant to a primary sector industry.
Lasts at least 12 weeks.

Medical Insurance

Provide, if requested:

An insurance policy;
A letter of cover from your insurer; or
A letter confirming you agree to hold insurance.

Character

Police certificates are required if your total time in New Zealand will be 24 months or longer across all visits, or if requested.

Certificates must:

Be less than 6 months old when submitted.
Cover countries where you are a citizen or lived over 5 years since age 17.

Applicants aged 16 or younger do not need police certificates. Previously submitted certificates may be reused if less than 24 months old.

Health

You may be asked for a chest X-ray, medical examination, or both.

Normally:

No chest X-ray is needed for stays under 6 months.
No medical certificate is needed for stays under 12 months.

Application

Application submission and payment details depend on your passport nationality details. Provide the required identity, government-support, study-offer, health, character and insurance evidence with your application.