New temporary visa option for seasonal workers in New Zealand

New Zealand introduces a temporary visa for seasonal workers, offering a streamlined process for employers during peak periods without needing a Job Check. 

The New Zealand government has introduced a temporary Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) subcategory to help employers hire seasonal workers during critical peak periods. This streamlined visa option applies to roles directly impacted by weather conditions, such as harvesting, ski instructing, and tree planting, allowing for a more efficient hiring process during these seasonal demands. 

Key eligibility criteria 

This SPWV subcategory allows employers to hire workers for a maximum period of 9 months, with jobs required to start on or before 31 May 2025. However, roles related to horticulture, viticulture, and fishing crew work are excluded, as they are covered by other visa categories. 

To hire under this visa, employers must: 

• Be accredited through New Zealand’s Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme. 

• Ensure the job provides at least 30 hours of work per week and pays a minimum wage of $29.66 per hour. 

• Advertise the job and supply evidence of this advertisement to the migrant, who must include it in their visa application. 

While the employer is required to advertise the position, they do not need to undergo the Job Check process, which typically verifies that no New Zealand workers are available to fill the role. Applications for this visa must be submitted by 31 March 2025. 

Considerations for long-term visa options 

This temporary measure is part of a larger ongoing review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa system. The introduction of this streamlined visa option aims to address immediate seasonal labour shortages while longer-term solutions are evaluated. Employers are encouraged to utilise this pathway while the government continues to assess and develop more permanent options for hiring seasonal workers. 

For additional guidance on hiring seasonal workers, employers can review the specific purpose work visa criteria and the seasonal peaks hiring guidelines provided by Immigration New Zealand. 

For further information and assistance on these updates, please contact Arno Nothnagel, our NZ Immigration Director, at arno.nothnagel@absoluteimmigration.com