Nigerians are now eligible to apply for New Zealand’s seasonal visa schemes, a development that opens doors to work opportunities valid for up to 3 years.
This development was announced by Immigration New Zealand (INZ) and is set to come into effect on December 8, 2025.
According to INZ, the seasonal visa scheme is targeted at opening doors for skilled workers in the agriculture, horticulture, and viticulture sectors.
It was also gathered that the expansion of New Zealand’s seasonal visa schemes is part of the country’s strategy to fill employment gaps.
Under the updated Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, Nigerians can secure roles in high-demand areas like fruit picking, vineyard work, and farm maintenance.
Eligibility requires applicants to be at least 18 years old, have relevant experience or skills, and obtain a job offer from an accredited employer.
Once approved, the visa allows multiple entries and stays of up to 9 months per season, with the overall scheme validity extending to 3 years which is also renewable based on performance and need.
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework is divided into two Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).
The GWSV is set up for skilled workers undertaking seasonal roles and offers a validity period of up to three years.
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.
On the other hand, the Peak Seasonal Visa is designed for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for a period of up to seven months.
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.
