The New Zealand government has introduced a new subcategory under the Specific Purpose Work Visa.

The New Zealand government has introduced a new temporary visa option for certain seasonal workers. This new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa is designed to support companies in industries that face seasonal demand surges. The Specific Purpose Work Visa permits individuals to travel to New Zealand for a specific task or event.

On August 15, 2024, the New Zealand Government introduced a new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa, aimed at offering short-term relief to employers in industries experiencing seasonal peaks.

To qualify, the seasonal work must be directly influenced by weather conditions, such as harvesting, ski instructing, or tree planting. The job must commence on or before May 31, 2025, and have a duration of no more than 9 months. Roles in horticulture, viticulture, and fishing crews that are already covered by other visa categories are not eligible.

Migrant applications must be submitted by March 31, 2025.

As an employer, you must :

– Hold employer accreditation.

– Pay at least NZD $29.66 per hour for a minimum of 30 hours each week.

– Advertise the position in advance and provide evidence of this advertisement to the migrant for inclusion in their application.

The migrant being hired must also have at least 4 months of experience in a role with similar tasks or responsibilities to the one being offered.

The New Zealand government is evaluating the need for a longer-term visa option for seasonal workers as part of its ongoing review of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) and will soon conduct targeted consultations.

This new subcategory of the Specific Purpose Work Visa is intended to offer short-term relief to employers facing upcoming seasonal peaks. It provides a streamlined, temporary pathway that aligns with the duration of seasonal work.

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