New Specific Purpose Work Visa for Seasonal Roles.

On 15 August 2024, the New Zealand Government introduced a new subcategory under the Specific Purpose Work Visa, aiming to provide short-term relief to employers in industries with seasonal peaks. This initiative, reminiscent of the former Essential Skills Work Visa category, offers a pathway for accredited employers to address immediate staffing needs during critical periods. However, while the announcement brings potential benefits, the stringent job requirements may render this option impractical for many employers.

Who Can Benefit?

This new subcategory is now available to accredited employers seeking to hire migrants for roles that meet the definition of seasonal activity. It targets sectors where work is dictated by seasonal factors, such as agriculture, tourism, and other industries with peak periods influenced by weather or natural cycles.

To qualify, the roles you are hiring for must meet the following criteria:

• Wage Requirements: The position must offer at least NZD $29.66 per hour.

• Work Hours: The role must guarantee a minimum of 30 hours per week.

• Start Date: The employment must commence on or before 31 May 2025.

Application Process

1. Advertise the Role:
You must first advertise the role for at least two weeks on a national job listing platform where suitable New Zealanders will likely apply. Evidence of the job listing, including platform, dates, location, and job description, must be provided.

2. Find a Migrant Worker:
If no suitable New Zealand applicants are found, you can offer the role to a migrant worker who meets the experience requirements. The migrant worker you wish to hire should have at least four months of prior experience in a role with tasks or responsibilities similar to the position you offer.

3. Complete the Employer Supplementary Form:
Download and complete the Employer Supplementary Form (INZ 1113) and provide it to the migrant worker, along with evidence of your job advertisement.

4. Migrant Applies for the Visa:
The migrant worker can then apply for the Specific Purpose Work Visa, including all necessary documentation.

5. Immigration New Zealand Processes the Application:
Immigration New Zealand will process the application and inform the migrant of the decision.

Eligible Roles

The roles covered under this subcategory include:

• Rural Contractors: Required during harvest seasons, where timing often depends on weather conditions.

• Ski Instructors and Snow Groomers: Needed once there is sufficient snow to open the ski season.

• Winemakers: Essential when grapes are ready for harvest, a time-sensitive process.

• Tree Planters: Required during the narrow planting window when weather conditions are optimal.

• Jet Boat or Bungee Operators: Typically in high demand during warmer seasons.

Ineligible Roles

Specific roles are excluded from this visa subcategory:

• Horticulture and Viticulture: Tasks such as planting, maintaining, harvesting, and packing crops are not covered.

• Non-Seasonal Work: Positions unrelated to seasonal activities, such as baristas or waitstaff at a ski resort, are ineligible.

• Permanent Roles with Seasonal Peaks: Jobs such as dairy farm workers arriving before the calving season are excluded.

• Foreign Fishing Crews: Work as part of a foreign crew on a fishing vessel is not eligible.

Practical Considerations

While this new subcategory mirrors the old Essential Skills Work Visa process, it may not be a viable solution for most employers. The high wage threshold, combined with the requirement for the role to start by 31 May 2025, limits its applicability to a narrow range of seasonal jobs. Consequently, although this visa could benefit some employers facing specific seasonal demands, the strict requirements may prove too restrictive for many others.