Proposing an Approved Work Exchange Scheme

At a glance

Organisations wishing to establish a new work exchange scheme must submit a formal proposal to Immigration New Zealand (INZ) that covers all headings in the Work Exchange Scheme Profile (E11.25). [E11.20]

How it works

The successful approval of a scheme allows the responsible organisation to sponsor participants for work visas under the Approved Work Exchange Scheme Visa (see Approved Work Exchange Scheme Visa). INZ assesses the proposal against the profile to ensure the scheme will provide adequate arrangements for participants' accommodation, maintenance, and welfare.

Steps

1. Develop a proposal that addresses each heading in the Work Exchange Scheme Profile (set out at E11.25). The profile requires the following information [E11.25]:
   • Organisations and scheme guarantors — identify the New Zealand guarantor and overseas guarantor(s), and whether the New Zealand guarantor accepts the obligations in E11.15.10.
   • Participating countries — list countries likely to supply participants and whether reciprocal permission exists for New Zealanders.
   • Eligible participants — describe the type of person eligible (e.g., occupational field, age group) and whether dependants may accompany them.
   • Accommodation — arrangements for inbound participants and any accompanying dependants.
   • Maintenance and employment — remuneration arrangements and whether participants must contribute to maintenance.
   • Medical insurance — details of medical insurance for inbound participants and dependants.
   • Length of the exchange — intended duration, including minimum and maximum terms.
   • Expected annual numbers — estimate of inbound foreign and outbound New Zealand participants, and frequency of quota review.
   • Travel arrangements — travel to and from New Zealand; if return tickets are not fully paid, attach a guarantee of repatriation.
   • Selection of participants — how participants will be chosen, and any application form.
   • Other information — any additional comments.
2. Submit the formal proposal to Immigration New Zealand.
3. INZ evaluates the proposal and, if satisfied, may approve the scheme. [E11.20]

Interpretation & edge cases

• A proposal that does not include details under every heading may be refused or returned for completion.
• The proposal is the only route to establishing a new scheme; there is no alternative pathway.
• Approval is at INZ's discretion and is separate from the allocation of annual visa places under E11.10.

Citations

• E11.20 — Making a proposal to establish an approved work exchange scheme
• E11.25 — Work Exchange Scheme Profile