New Zealand Opens 3-Year Seasonal Visa: Nigerians Can Now Apply for Jobs Abroad
- New Zealand has opened three-year Seasonal visa programmes, to which Nigerians are eligible to apply
- The two visa schemes allow foreign workers to be employed in relevant sectors, such as agriculture, tourism and others with high seasonal demands
- To qualify, applicants must have prior employment in a relevant seasonal role for about three separate seasons in the past six years
Legit.ng’s Pascal Oparada has reported on tech, energy, stocks, investment and the economy for over a decade.
Nigerians can now apply for New Zealand’s new seasonal visa programmes, valid for up to three years.
The announcement from the New Zealand government includes the introduction of two new visas under the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme, known as the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa.
Source: Getty Images
New Zealand sets commencement date
The visa schemes aim to support accredited employers in recruiting overseas workers for short-term roles that coincide with surges in seasonal demands.
The new visa schemes are set to commence on December 6, 2025, and are tailored for experienced seasonal workers globally, and will cover sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and food processing, which sectors strongly influenced by environmental and production cycles.
According to reports, officials say the initiative is designed to close essential skill gaps while keeping the integrity and fairness of New Zealand’s immigration system.
Eligibility for Nigerians
Experts say that although both visas will specify eligible seasonal occupations, immigration authorities will assess each application to ensure that the role corresponds with the sector’s peak period.
Applicants must have prior employment in a relevant seasonal role for about three separate seasons in the past six years.
Also, visa holders will be required to spend at least three months outside the country annually to retain their eligibility.
The scheme is expected to cater to shorter-term labour needs, though further details on its structure and requirements are expected towards the rollout date.
Analysts say the move is a strategic effort to boost the country’s labour force during high-demand season, while maintaining a balanced and transparent immigration framework.
Visa categories explained
Reports say the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is designed for skilled workers undertaking seasonal roles, offering a validity period of up to three years.
To start the process, accredited employers must get a job for the relevant seasonal position, after which workers may apply.
Applicants must have completed at least three seasons of work in a related position in the past six years to qualify.
Visa holders will be required to spend about three months outside the country every year to keep their eligibility.
Sectors covered
Importantly, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa does not impose a Labour Market Test or English language requirement, and holders may move on to other visa types if their circumstances change.
The roles include:
- Agriculture and horticultural mobile plant operator
- Agriculture technician
- Forklift operator
- Tulip grower
- Thoroughbred yearling preparer
- Snow groomer
- Mountain glacier guide
- Outdoor adventure instructor
- Primary products inspector
- Shearer
- Slaughterer
- Snow sports instructor, among others.
More requirements
The Peak Seasonal Visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for seven months.
Once this limit is reached, visa holders are required to take up a four-month break before reapplying.
BusinessesDay reports that applicants must have completed at least one season of relevant work in the past three years and must have comprehensive health insurance.
While there are no English language requirements, employers are expected to engage with, or be endorsed by, Work and Income as part of the application process.
More roles
The report disclosed that the roles covered under the visa include Mussel or oyster farm worker, calf rearer, relief milker, forestry worker, meat boner and slicer, meat process worker, seafood process worker, winery cellar, and wool handler.
Individuals with the visas are not permitted to sponsor visas for partners or dependents.
Source: Getty Images
They may only switch employment within the same visa category.
Those moving from a student or work visa will continue to hold interim work rights while their visa application is under review.
UK ends health worker visas
Legit.ng earlier reported that in a sweeping move, the UK government has halted the issuance of new Health and Care Worker visas, effective Monday, July 22, 2025.
The visa, once a lifeline for the UK's embattled care sector, had offered a relatively smooth entry route for thousands of foreign nationals, especially from developing nations.
Now, the UK’s Home Office says no new overseas applications under this category will be processed.
Source: Legit.ng
