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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.
This Blog Includes:
- Types of New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas
- Benefits of New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa
- New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Requirements
- How to Apply for Seasonal Work in New Zealand?
- New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Fees
- New Zealand seasonal Work Visa processing time
- Conditions to Apply for a New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa
- New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Employer List
- Is the New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa a Pathway to Permanent Residency?
- New Zealand’s New Visa for Migrant Workers: Latest Update
- How Much Do You Get Paid on a Seasonal Work Visa in New Zealand?
- What is Proof of Sufficient Funds?
- Does New Zealand Have Visa Interview?
- Is New Zealand Visa Easy to Obtain?
- FAQs
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
- Location– You 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 address | Immigration New ZealandPO Box 76895Manukau CityAuckland 2241New Zealand |
New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Fees
The fees for the seasonal work visa are as follows:
| Visa | Fees |
| Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa | NZD 1355 |
New Zealand seasonal Work Visa processing time
The seasonal work visa processing times are as follows:
| Visa | Processing Time |
| Supplementary Seasonal Employment Work Visa | This 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 Employers | Application Approval Period |
| South Pacific Berries Limited | 15 July 2024 – 15 December 2024 |
| Horticultural Hire Co Ltd | 22 July 2024 – 30 December 2024 |
| Vine Grow Limited | 07 October 2024 – 20 December 2024 |
| Garcia Contracting Services Limited | 10 October 2024 – 31 December 2024 |
| Cherrybank Orchard | 10 November 2024 – 10 January 2025 |
| P H Kinzett Limited | 22 July 2024 – 07 January 2025 |
| Steve McDowell Limited | 16 August 2024 – 08 February 2025 |
| Kaitere Limited | 20 September 2024 – 20 February 2025 |
| Central Orchard Management Limited | 15 October 2024 – 15 February 2025 |
| 45 South Management Ltd | 01 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:
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
New Zealand’s New Visa for Migrant Workers: Latest Update
The New Zealand government has started issuing a new work visa for seasonal workers. This is the Specific Purpose Work Visa. Earlier, the Specific Purpose Work Visa was unavailable to seasonal workers. However, starting in 2024, this visa will also be available to seasonal workers. Most importantly, Indian nationals are eligible to apply. The visa was introduced to provide employers short-term relief during seasonal peaks.
New Zealand Specific Purpose Work Visa (For Seasonal Workers): Basic Eligibility
The basic eligibility criteria for the New Zealand Specific Purpose Work Visa are as follows:
- You must be offered a role that is related to a seasonal activity for a seasonal peal
- Additionally, your salary must be at least NZD 23.15 per hour (the basic minimum wage)
- Moreover, you must agree to work for at least 30 hours per week
- You must also have 4 months of work experience in the job with the same roles and responsibilities as the job you have been offered.
- You must also work under a recongised employer. Your employer must give you an Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113) completed for you.
- Prove your identity, prove that you are healthy, and must be of good charecter
- You must have a minimum bank balance in your bank account
- Have return tickets to India
How Much Do You Get Paid on a Seasonal Work Visa in New Zealand?
The cost of a Seasonal Work Visa in New Zealand varies depending on the profession you are in. The estimated cost of different seasonal work is as follows:
| Job Type | Average Pay (NZD per hour) | Weekly Pay (40 hours) |
| Fruit Picking | $22.70 – $25.00 | $908 – $1,000 |
| Packhouse Work | $23.50 – $27.00 | $940 – $1,080 |
| Vineyard Work | $23.00 – $26.00 | $920 – $1,040 |
| Horticulture Worker | $23.50 – $26.50 | $940 – $1,060 |
| Dairy Farm Assistant | $24.00 – $28.00 | $960 – $1,120 |
| Fishing Industry | $25.00 – $32.00 | $1,000 – $1,280 |
| Forestry Worker | $24.00 – $30.00 | $960 – $1,200 |
| General Farm Work | $22.70 – $26.00 | $908 – $1,040 |
Learn how to get a NZ Work Visa
What is Proof of Sufficient Funds?
When you apply for a visa you are required to demonstrate proof of funds. Proof of funds is the minimum amount you need in your bank account. New Zealand requires all visa applicants to have a minimum bank balance. This is to ensure that you have sufficient funds to cover your expenses while you are in this country. Moreover, it will ensure that you will not rely on public funds and that you can lead a basic standard of living while in the country.
The amount of funds you need to demonstrate varies depending on the visa you are applying for. For a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa, you do not have to demonstrate proof of funds. Instead, you are required to show proof that you have an offer letter form an employer. The employer must pay you the minimum amount of salary. This means you must be paid at least NZD$ 25.47 per hour. This is the minimum wage of the country plus 10%
Does New Zealand Have Visa Interview?
Yes. You will have to prepare for a New Zealand visa interview. A visa interview is mandatory in terms of work visa applications. Those travelling from India need to schedule a visa appointment at a visa application centre. During the visa interview, you will be asked questions about your purpose of travel and your eligibility will be assessed. Therefore, it is important to prepare well for the visa interview.
Is New Zealand Visa Easy to Obtain?
Whether you will receive a seasonal work visa or not depends on your eligibility. If you are eligible for the visa and meet the requirements, a visa will most likely be issued. Generally, visa rejections happen when a person does not get hired for a minimum required salary, submits an incomplete application, or has criminal records. Your seasonal work visa application can also be rejected if you intend to settle in the country. This is because seasonal work visas are not issued for settlement purposes. They are temporary visas given to those interested in seasonal work.
FAQs
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.
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.
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.
New Zealand is one of the top countries that issue seasonal work visas. Apart from New Zealand, countries like Australia (Seasonal Worker Programme), USA (H-2A (Agricultural) & H-2B), United Kingdom (seasonal work visa), and Canada (Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP)) issue this visa.
Yes. Generally, you will receive a work visa if you meet the requirements. Your visa application is only denied if you do not hold a work permit, do not meet the minimum salary requirements, do not have a minimum bank balance, etc. Ensure you that you are submitting a complete application to avoid rejection.
Generally, the upper age limit for New Zealand work visas is 55 years. This includes those applying for a Skilled Migrant Category. However, there are visas issued that do not have age limitations. For example, for a Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited Visa, age is not a criterion.
The minimum bank balance required for a New Zealand work visa depends on the type of visa you are applying for. For example, if you are applying for a Student and Trainee Work Visa, you need around NZD 1,000 per month, or NZD 400 per month. On the other hand, if you are applying for a post-study work visa , you need at least NZD$5,000 in your bank account.
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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Leave a Reply
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sir I need a valid visa if seasonal visa ,or any other type for me please
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Hey Aftab Sultan,
Do you want to work in New Zealand? The question is how long you want to stay?
1. New Zealand seasonal work visas- The seasonal work visas (as you have already read) are only given for a specific time period. You can stay in the country for up to 6 to 11 months depending on the seasonal visa you are applying for.
2. Other work visas – On the contrary, if you want to stay in the country for a long time, and you are not interested in the viticulture or horticulture industry you need to apply to any other work visa. New Zealand issues several work visas. These are some of the work visas you can apply for-
a)Skilled migrant category resident visa
b)Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
c) Talent work visaEach work visa has its own eligibility requirements. Moreover, to work in New Zealand you need a offer letter and a work permit. The employer will provide you an offer letter, and assist you with the work permit application.Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to get a job in New Zealand.
On the contrary, if you want to study in New Zealand, you need a New Zealand student visa. Are you interesting in studying? If so, you can contact the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.Studying in New Zealand makes it easy for you to get a work permit and start working in the country.
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2 comments
sir I need a valid visa if seasonal visa ,or any other type for me please
Hey Aftab Sultan,
Do you want to work in New Zealand? The question is how long you want to stay?
1. New Zealand seasonal work visas- The seasonal work visas (as you have already read) are only given for a specific time period. You can stay in the country for up to 6 to 11 months depending on the seasonal visa you are applying for.
2. Other work visas – On the contrary, if you want to stay in the country for a long time, and you are not interested in the viticulture or horticulture industry you need to apply to any other work visa. New Zealand issues several work visas. These are some of the work visas you can apply for-
a)Skilled migrant category resident visa
b)Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa
c) Talent work visa
Each work visa has its own eligibility requirements. Moreover, to work in New Zealand you need a offer letter and a work permit. The employer will provide you an offer letter, and assist you with the work permit application.Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to get a job in New Zealand.
On the contrary, if you want to study in New Zealand, you need a New Zealand student visa. Are you interesting in studying? If so, you can contact the study abroad experts at Leverage Edu.Studying in New Zealand makes it easy for you to get a work permit and start working in the country.