New Zealand Offers Jobs in Farming and Horticulture: Two New Visas Launched for Foreign Workers

Opportunities for working abroad are not limited to sectors like technology, healthcare, or finance. Countries like New Zealand also provide seasonal jobs in agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and hospitality. If you have been dreaming of working in one of the world’s most beautiful countries, there’s good news: New Zealand has launched two new visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework to make hiring seasonal workers easier. Applications are now open.

New Visa Categories
The two newly introduced visas are:

1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – designed for industries requiring long-term seasonal workers.
2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – designed to meet short-term labor demands during peak seasons.

Key Features of GWSV

• Simplified Hiring: Companies can directly hire foreign workers without advertising locally or conducting labor market tests.
• Experience Requirement: Applicants must have at least three years of seasonal work experience in the past six years.
• Stay Conditions: Visa holders must spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year.
• Validity: The visa is valid for three years, providing stability to both workers and employers.
• Health & Character Checks: Applicants must provide certificates proving fitness and good conduct.
• Language Requirements: No English language test is required.

Key Features of PSV

• Labor Market Test Required: Employers must first advertise jobs locally before hiring foreign workers.
• Experience Requirement: Applicants must have at least one year of seasonal work experience in the past three years.
• Validity: This visa is valid for up to seven months, ideal for short-term roles.
• Health Insurance: Required for jobs longer than three months.
• Language Requirements: No English language test is required.

Types of Jobs Available
Under AEWV, foreign workers can apply for roles such as:

• Oyster or mussel farm workers
• Calf rearers and relief milkers
• Forestry workers
• Meat and seafood processors
• Winery cellar hands
• Wool handlers

Interested candidates can apply directly through the New Zealand Immigration website. These visas aim to help companies find skilled seasonal workers efficiently while providing foreign workers with a streamlined path to employment.