₦airaland Forum

Nigerians eligible to apply for New Zealand’s seasonal visa schemes, valid for 3 years

Nigerians are eligible to apply for New Zealand’s new seasonal visa schemes that is valid for up to three years.

This recent announcement from the government of New Zealand, includes the introduction of two new visa categories under its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework called the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) to support accredited employers in recruiting overseas workers for short-term roles that coincide with seasonal surges in demand.

Set to come into effect on December 8, 2025, the GWSV is tailored for experienced seasonal workers globally, and will cover sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and food processing, which are industries heavily influenced by environmental and production cycles.

Officials say the initiative is designed to plug critical skill gaps while preserving the integrity and fairness of the country’s immigration system. Although both visas will specify eligible seasonal occupations, immigration authorities will assess each application to ensure the role genuinely corresponds with the sector’s peak period.

Visa details and eligibility

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate prior employment in a relevant seasonal role for at least three separate seasons within the past six years. Additionally, visa holders will be required to spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand annually to retain their eligibility.

The PSV, meanwhile, is expected to cater to shorter-term labour needs, though further details on its structure and requirements are anticipated closer to the rollout date.

This move marks a strategic effort to bolster New Zealand’s labour force during high-demand periods, while maintaining a balanced and transparent immigration framework.

How the visas work

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is designed for skilled workers undertaking seasonal roles and offers a validity period of up to three years. To initiate the process, accredited employers must first obtain a job check for the relevant seasonal position, after which eligible workers may apply. Applicants must have completed at least three seasons of work in a related role within the past six years to qualify.

Visa holders are required to spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year to maintain their eligibility. Notably, the GWSV does not impose a Labour Market Test or English language requirement, and holders may transition to other visa categories if their circumstances change.

Roles covered under this visa

The roles covered under this visa category are: Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator, agricultural technician (for example sheep or animal pregnancy scanner), chairlift operator, tulip grower, thoroughbred yearling preparer, snow groomer, mountain or glacier guide, outdoor adventure instructor, primary products inspector, shearer, slaughterer, snow sports instructor, snow maker, snowsport equipment technician, whitewater rafting guide, wine maker and winery senior cellar hand.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The Peak Seasonal Visa is intended for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for a period of up to seven months. Once this limit is reached, visa holders are required to take a four-month break before they may reapply.

To be eligible, applicants must have completed at least one season of relevant work within the past three years and must possess comprehensive health insurance. While there is no English language requirement, employers are expected to engage with, or be formally endorsed by, Work and Income as part of the application process.

Roles covered under this visa

The roles covered under this visa are: Mussel or oyster farm worker, calf rearer, relief milker, forestry worker, meat boner and slicer, meat process worker, seafood process worker, winery cellar hand and wool handler.

Individuals granted visas under either pathway are not permitted to sponsor visas for partners or dependants. They may only switch employment within the same visa category. Those transitioning from a student or work visa will continue to hold interim work rights while their new visa application is under review.

Source: https://businessday.ng/news/article/nigerians-eligible-to-apply-for-new-zealands-seasonal-visa-schemes-valid-for-3-years/

This is welcome development for intending japa applicants.

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Who can put one through on how to go about it... i mean steps??

Hmmm.... I pity for New Zealand before they know Nigerians go turn am to Agege...

Who can put one through on how to go about it... i mean steps??.....

Agents will use this scope cashout in big time. Opportunity to exploit and take advantage loading if you know you know 😂.

Which one is leave the New Zealand for each year..... So una go fit change policy and immigration won't let them in.... Abeggy

New Zealand 🇳🇿

Omo, I no dey go, make I dey manage my monthly 750k, e pay me, e really really pay me

If only Nigerian job industry, job seekers and economy were this diversified. These are beautiful job roles. This is why certain oyibo people no get problem. They can work as an oyster farm worker live peacefully and just thrive. Nonetheless I know there are still people you fit those job descriptions stated and can apply and be granted visas.

If our leaders were wise they would encourage more people to migrate to other countries in other to lessen the population and the economic burden on the nation

People in close countries eg, Philippines, India, Bangladesh and lots of other countries with poorer people than naija will fill such roles, people that can fly out with little money to their countries for the 3 month exclusion period yet earning will still make sense.
As a naija person imagine the cost of ticket from naija to new Zealand, then think of flying out then returning every year. At the end of the day no meaningful saving go de.

If someone will travel to do farm labor abroad, why not start an agriculture business back home. Lots of random people are doing well with this. And you don't have to be rich or an expert to do it. And it's not like farming way back when -- it's a very different industry where people can make real money.

For those that didn't read it:

Individuals granted visas under either pathway are not permitted to sponsor visas for partners or dependants. They may only switch employment within the same visa category. Those transitioning from a student or work visa will continue to hold interim work rights while their new visa application is under review.

Essentially, they plan to restrict you in a social class till they decide otherwise.

You should also read about the current happenings in the country.

"New Zealand 🇳🇿's population exodus hits 13-year high as economy worsens 📉💔:"

https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/new-zealands-population-exodus-hits-13-year-high-economy-worsens-2025-08-15/

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All these won't be necessary if we had a fully functional economy and good leadership..

IJEYdiamond:
Who can put one through on how to go about it... i mean steps??

ALL the information you need is out there. Read, research, you don’t need an external help.

I need genuine guide please


Not enough original content
Please take a moment to write a quality post with at least 40 characters.

This na good one ooo, for men Dem wen wan Japa.

Oya men go change location now and destination, Nigerians go flood that place in one week

BoboKush:
Which one is leave the New Zealand for each year..... So una go fit change policy and immigration won't let them in.... Abeggy

Some of our people have started asking how to go about it without thorough understanding of the clause therein.
How can you be coming every year to spend 3 months back home? Who will bankroll the the tickets money? Who does that?

Some people don't even know where New Zealand is?

Very far country. Very far.

You will pass Australia.

Nigeria to Australia na 2 days flight journey with 3 stop-overs.

38 hours flight journey.

Very expensive flight money. Very Expensive.

It is now New Zealand you want to go to.

I laugh in multiple languages

Anyways both New Zealand and Australia are located in a Continent in the world known as OCEANIA

I'm sure many of you didn't know this.

Well now u know.

Don't thank me.

I know places because I studied Geography and Planning in the University and I'm glad I studied such a sweet course that opens your mind.

This is ridiculous. Nigeria is simply too far.

Countries best suited are those in Pacific island countries in Australasia such as Fiji, Tuvalu, Solomon Island, Samoa and so on.

Great100000:
Source: https://businessday.ng/news/article/nigerians-eligible-to-apply-for-new-zealands-seasonal-visa-schemes-valid-for-3-years/

Make una better read visa conditions before jumping and wasting money on what does not what it. After 3 years of the visa what happens? And for the period of compulsory 3months break, will the employer pay or they will have to go back to Nigeria and seek another means of living?

They are not looking for Nigerians but people in nearby countries

Don't make any sense for Nigerians. They are looking for short to midterm skilled workers and logically doesn't include option for family cos it's short-term.

Why do you see Indian everywhere. Leave Nigerian alone jor

PlayerMeji:
Hmmm.... I pity for New Zealand before they know Nigerians go turn am to Agege...

New Zealand lost a lot of labour to Australia. Seasonal migrations due to weather also affects Labour force.

Una go dey drop information but una no go dey drop link to apply nawah o… all dis clickbait

Great one from a serious country.

Let us take a look a go in

okeke6969:
Some of our people have started asking how to go about it without thorough understanding of the clause therein.
How can you be coming every year to spend 3 months back home? Who will bankroll the the tickets money? Who does that?

The thing weak me
U dey abroad 9 months dey Nigeria 3 months..... Every year not even once..... The day they change thier mind.... They won't let u in back