✅ New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Process — July 2025
Navigate Requirements & Secure Your Visa
Are you planning to work in New Zealand this year? The 2025 Seasonal Work Visa pathways are now open, but understanding the new rules is key to securing your spot before quotas fill up. This article breaks down the requirements, updated policies, and step-by-step process so you can plan with confidence.
📌 What Is a Seasonal Work Visa?
A Seasonal Work Visa lets you legally work in New Zealand for a limited time, usually for weather-dependent or harvest-related jobs like fruit picking, horticulture, tree planting, or ski season roles. New Zealand relies on these workers to meet peak seasonal demands.
🔍 Seasonal Visa Options for 2025
1️⃣ Specific Purpose Work Visa — New 2025 Subcategory
- ✅ For weather-dependent roles such as harvesting, planting, or ski work (excluding horticulture & viticulture).
- ✅ Valid up to 9 months.
- ✅ Job must start by May 31, 2025.
- ✅ Employers must be Immigration NZ-accredited and pay at least $29.66/hour for 30+ hours/week.
- ✅ Employers must advertise the job to locals first.
Application Deadline: Employers must apply for the accreditation by March 31, 2025 — so act fast.
2️⃣ Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
- ✅ For horticulture and viticulture jobs (e.g., kiwifruit, grapes, vineyards).
- ✅ Updated 2025 quota: up to 20,750 workers allowed.
- ✅ Minimum of 30 hours/week or guaranteed top-up pay.
- ✅ Great for those returning season after season — experienced workers can earn extra.
3️⃣ Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) Work Visa
- ✅ For people already in New Zealand on visitor or student visas.
- ✅ Allows up to 6 months of seasonal horticulture/viticulture work.
- ✅ You must have approved employer accommodation and onward travel funds.
🗂️ General Requirements
- ✔ Be at least 18 years old
- ✔ Have a valid passport
- ✔ Meet health and character standards (medical exams or police certificates may be needed)
- ✔ Have travel insurance that meets NZ requirements
- ✔ Show genuine intent to work and return home when your visa ends
📄 How to Apply — Step by Step
- ✅ Step 1: Get a job offer from an accredited NZ employer.
- ✅ Step 2: Gather your documents — passport, medicals, insurance, employment contract, and proof that your employer advertised the job to locals.
- ✅ Step 3: Submit your application online through the official Immigration NZ website.
- ✅ Step 4: Pay the fees (starting at NZD 1,355 for SSE).
- ✅ Step 5: Wait for approval (processing can take up to 60 working days).
- ✅ Step 6: Book your travel and arrive before your job starts!
📅 July 2025 Snapshot
- ✔ Specific Purpose Visa: Last chance for May jobs — new roles must be starting by May 31, 2025.
- ✔ RSE Scheme: Open — no hard deadline, but quotas fill fast!
- ✔ SSE: Good option if you’re already in NZ.
💡 Pro Tips to Secure Your Spot
- ✅ Apply early — seasonal slots fill up fast!
- ✅ Ensure your employer is accredited.
- ✅ Prepare your health and police certificates ahead of time.
- ✅ Double-check your insurance and onward travel funds.
- ✅ Use licensed immigration advisers if you’re unsure.
✈️ Why Do Seasonal Work in New Zealand?
- 🌏 Beautiful locations and outdoor adventure.
- 💰 Good wages — $25–30+ per hour plus top-ups.
- 🤝 Meet other travelers and locals.
- 📈 Gain valuable international work experience.
🔑 Final Checklist Before You Apply
- ✅ Job offer secured
- ✅ Employer is accredited
- ✅ All documents are ready
- ✅ Application submitted on time
- ✅ Funds for travel & insurance sorted
📞 Need More Help?
If you’d like more help finding accredited employers or step-by-step support for your application, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to guide you through your 2025 New Zealand seasonal work adventure!
Your Next Seasonal Job in New Zealand Awaits!
✅ New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa Process — July 2025
Navigate Requirements & Secure Your Visa
Are you planning to work in New Zealand this year? The 2025 Seasonal Work Visa pathways are now open — but understanding the new rules is key to securing your spot before quotas fill up. This article breaks down the requirements, updated policies, and step-by-step process so you can plan with confidence.
📌 What Is a Seasonal Work Visa?
A Seasonal Work Visa lets you legally work in New Zealand for a limited time, usually for weather-dependent or harvest-related jobs like fruit picking, horticulture, tree planting, or ski season roles. New Zealand relies on these workers to meet peak seasonal demands.
🔍 Seasonal Visa Options for 2025
1️⃣ Specific Purpose Work Visa — New 2025 Subcategory
- ✅ For weather-dependent roles such as harvesting, planting, or ski work (excluding horticulture & viticulture).
- ✅ Valid up to 9 months.
- ✅ Job must start by May 31, 2025.
- ✅ Employers must be Immigration NZ accredited and pay at least NZD $29.66/hour for 30+ hours/week.
- ✅ Employers must advertise the job to locals first.
Application Deadline: Employers must apply for the accreditation by March 31, 2025 — so act fast.
2️⃣ Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa
- ✅ For horticulture and viticulture jobs (e.g., kiwifruit, grapes, vineyards).
- ✅ Updated 2025 quota: up to 20,750 workers allowed.
- ✅ Minimum of 30 hours/week or guaranteed top-up pay.
- ✅ Great for those returning season after season — experienced workers can earn extra.
3️⃣ Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) Work Visa
- ✅ For people already in New Zealand on visitor or student visas.
- ✅ Allows up to 6 months of seasonal horticulture/viticulture work.
- ✅ You must have approved employer accommodation and onward travel funds.
🗂️ General Requirements
- ✔ Be at least 18 years old
- ✔ Have a valid passport
- ✔ Meet health and character standards (medical exams or police certificates may be needed)
- ✔ Have travel insurance that meets NZ requirements
- ✔ Show genuine intent to work and return home when your visa ends
📄 How to Apply — Step by Step
- ✅ Step 1: Get a job offer from an accredited NZ employer.
- ✅ Step 2: Gather your documents — passport, medicals, insurance, employment contract, and proof your employer advertised the job to locals.
- ✅ Step 3: Submit your application online through the official Immigration NZ website.
- ✅ Step 4: Pay the fees (starting at NZD $1,355 for SSE).
- ✅ Step 5: Wait for approval (processing can take up to 60 working days).
- ✅ Step 6: Book your travel and arrive before your job starts!
📅 July 2025 Snapshot
- ✔ Specific Purpose Visa: Last chance for May jobs — new roles must be starting by May 31, 2025.
- ✔ RSE Scheme: Open — no hard deadline but quotas fill fast!
- ✔ SSE: Good option if you’re already in NZ.
💡 Pro Tips to Secure Your Spot
- ✅ Apply early — seasonal slots fill up fast!
- ✅ Ensure your employer is accredited.
- ✅ Prepare your health and police certificates ahead of time.
- ✅ Double-check your insurance and onward travel funds.
- ✅ Use licensed immigration advisers if you’re unsure.
✈️ Why Do Seasonal Work in New Zealand?
- 🌏 Beautiful locations and outdoor adventure.
- 💰 Good wages — $25–30+ per hour plus top-ups.
- 🤝 Meet other travelers and locals.
- 📈 Gain valuable international work experience.
🔑 Final Checklist Before You Apply
- ✅ Job offer secured
- ✅ Employer is accredited
- ✅ All documents ready
- ✅ Application submitted on time
- ✅ Funds for travel & insurance sorted
📞 Need More Help?
If you’d like more help finding accredited employers or step-by-step support for your application, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to guide you through your 2025 New Zealand seasonal work adventure!
Your Next Seasonal Job in New Zealand Awaits!