In response to growing seasonal demands across industries, the New Zealand Government has introduced a new subcategory under the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV). This temporary measure is designed to simplify the process for employers to hire seasonal workers without requiring a Job Check. The subcategory is now open and will be available until May 31, 2025.
Key Requirements for Seasonal Workers
To qualify for this visa, there are several important criteria that workers must meet:
- Minimum Pay: Workers must be paid at least NZD$29.66 per hour.
- Working Hours: The job must offer at least 30 hours of work per week.
- Start Date: Employment must commence on or before May 31, 2025.
- Work Experience: Applicants must have at least 4 months of experience in a role with similar tasks to the position they are applying for.
Employer Obligations
While this visa is designed to be more flexible for employers, there are still some essential requirements that need to be met:
- Accreditation: Employers must be accredited to hire migrant workers.
- Job Advertising: The role must be advertised for at least two weeks on a national job listing website.
- Documentation: Employers must provide detailed evidence of the job listing and demonstrate that they could not find a New Zealander to fill the position.
Streamlined Process for Specific Seasonal Roles
This new subcategory specifically targets industries that experience significant fluctuations due to seasonal factors, such as:
- Harvesting
- Ski instructing
- Tree planting
- Picking
Horticulture, viticulture, and fishing crew roles are excluded from this subcategory, as they are covered by other visa programs. The job duration under this subcategory must not exceed 9 months, and the application deadline for migrants or their advisers is March 31, 2025.
Temporary Solution with Potential for Long-Term Change
While this subcategory offers a quick solution for the 2024-2025 peak season, it’s part of a broader conversation around the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme. The government is reviewing this scheme to explore more permanent seasonal work visa options in the future.
Need Help with Your Visa Application?
Navigating the visa process can be complex, but you don’t have to do it alone. We are experienced visa advisers based in New Zealand, specializing in immigration services and seasonal work visas. Whether you’re an employer looking to hire or a worker seeking seasonal opportunities, we can guide you every step of the way.