Apply for a New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa While You are On a Visitor or Student Visa. Know How!

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New zealand seasonal work visa

Are you looking for seasonal work? Then, the New Zealand Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa is the right choice for you. This visa is available for anyone on a New Zealand student or visitor visa. The visa permits you to work in the viticulture or the horticulture industry for up to 6 months. Want to know more about the New Zealand Seasonal work visa for Indians? Read this blog to know the benefits, requirements, application process and more.

Types of New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas 

There are two types of seasonal work visas. They are provided below:

  • Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa: This visa is available to international students and visitors on a visa. The visa is granted for 6 months to work in the viticulture or horticulture industry.
  • Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa New Zealand: This visa is only available to nationals from Pacific countries. The visa is valid for 7 to 11 months to work in the viticulture or horticulture industry.

We are only going to discuss the Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa. The reason? This is the visa that Indians can apply for.

Benefits of New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa 

The benefits of applying for the Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa are as follows:

  • Work in harvesting, planting, maintaining, or packing crops in the viticulture or horticulture industry in New Zealand. (based on quota system)
  • You can take up any study ( authorised by your SSE-approved employer) as a part of your job.
  • Engage in 3-month studies in any 12 years (in any subject).
  • You can apply for this visa while you are on a visitor or student visa

Find out the top reasons why you should study in New Zealand in this video:

New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Requirements

To get a seasonal work visa meet the visa requirements. The main requirements are provided below:

  • Identification Proof- Valid passport, and two photographs 
  • Health-  Clear the Chest X-ray, and medical examination 
  • Character Get a police clearance certificate from India (above 16 years of age)
  • Proof of genuine intention– all details submitted previously, and currently for a visa application are considered.
  • Age– You must be above the age of 18
  • LocationYou must be on a student visa or a visitor visa in New Zealand 
  • Seasonal work: You have arranged accommodation where SSE-approved employers are situated, and contacted a seasonal Labour Co-ordinator and an SSE-approved employer. Also,  describe the seasonal work that may be available for you.
  • Flight ticket- Get a return flight ticket to Indian, or have money to purchase the same
  • No previous SSE (or TRSE) work visa– You must not have previously received an  SSE or TRSE visa before

How to Apply for Seasonal Work in New Zealand?

To apply for a seasonal work visa in New Zealand follow the instructions below:

  • Apply for the Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa: Download the visa application form from the New Zealand immigration website, download the SSE/WHE Work Visa Application form, and complete the same. 
  • Pay Charges: Pay the application fee, and the immigration charges 
  • Send the documents: Send the documents along with the application form to the address provided on the website. You can view Immigration New Zealand’s address by visiting the website, going to the visa page, and entering your country information.
  • Decision is Made: After a decision has been made you are informed of the same 
  • In case of current visa expiry:  You will be granted an interim visa till this visa is granted.

Address to Send New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Application

Assuming you are in Wellington, this is the address you can send your visa application to. The address is of the New Zealand Immigration. Ensure that you have read the visa requirements carefully, and meet all the conditions before applying for the visa.

Particulars Address
Courier address
Immigration NZDX Box: EP7151420 Fairfax AvenuePenroseAuckland 1061New Zealand
Postal addressImmigration New ZealandPO Box 76895Manukau CityAuckland 2241New Zealand

If you have completed your studies in New Zealand, you can apply forpost study work visa. Know the details of this visa here.

New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Fees

The fees for the  seasonal work visa are as follows:

Visa Fees
Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work VisaNZD 1355

New Zealand seasonal Work Visa processing time

The seasonal work visa processing times are as follows:

Visa Processing Time
Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work VisaThis visa is processed on priority. Meaning, you will receive a response typically within a week.

Conditions to Apply for a New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa 

The following are the conditions that you need to meet to apply for a seasonal work visa:

  • Work: You can only be engaged in k planting, maintaining, harvesting or packing crops in the viticulture or horticulture industry 
  • Leaving: You need to have the means to leave the country. The amount must be there in your bank account throughout your stay.
  • Visa Expiry: You must leave the country before your visa expires

Read this Comprehensive Guide to the New Zealand Work Visa

New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Employer List 

Here is a list of the Supplementary Seasonal Employers. Their application approval period is also provided below:

Supplementary Seasonal EmployersApplication Approval Period
South Pacific Berries Limited15 July 2024 – 15 December 2024
Horticultural Hire Co Ltd22 July 2024 – 30 December 2024
Vine Grow Limited07 October 2024 – 20 December 2024
Garcia Contracting Services Limited10 October 2024 – 31 December 2024
Cherrybank Orchard10 November 2024 – 10 January 2025
P H Kinzett Limited22 July 2024 – 07 January 2025
Steve McDowell Limited16 August 2024 – 08 February 2025
Kaitere Limited20 September 2024 – 20 February 2025
Central Orchard Management Limited15 October 2024 – 15 February 2025
45 South Management Ltd01 November 2024 – 28 February 2025

To view the complete list, visit the official website of New Zealand Immigration.

To learn about the seasonal jobs in New Zealand, watch this video:

Credit: @DreamCanada

Is the New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa a Pathway to Permanent Residency?

No. The New Zealand seasonal work visa is not a pathway to permanent residency.  You are required to leave the country before the visa expiry. This visa is ideal for students who want to work and study for a short period, or visitors interested in the horticulture or viticulture industry.  If you are looking for long-term employment we suggest you apply for a work visa.

Check out the PR courses in New Zealand You Can Take Up

FAQs

How to get a seasonal work visa in New Zealand?

To get a seasonal work visa in New Zealand apply for a job. The job offer must be from a recongised seasonal employer. You can then, apply for the visa by filling out the seasonal employment application form, paying the visa fees, and sending the required documents along with the application to Immigration New Zealand. After a decision is made, you can start working.

Can I apply for a New Zealand work visa without a job offer?

No. Indian nationals cannot get a visa in New Zealand without a job offer. There are certain exceptions. For example, students who have graduated from New Zealand and are seeking a post-study work permit. There is a working holiday visa as well. However, this is not available for Indians.

Is IELTS required for NZ work visa?

Yes. You need to be proficient in English to get a New Zealand work visa. Therefore, you need to clear the IELTS/TOEFL/PTE exam. In the case of seasonal workers, the immigration authorities do not require you to submit proof of English proficiency. However, you may need this to get a seasonal job. 

We hope you now understand the New Zealand seasonal work visa. Want to apply for a Visa for your study abroad journey? Drop us a comment in the section below, or you can connect with a visa expert at Leverage Edu, and we will guide you on your dream journey!

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