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.

New Zealand sets date for seasonal visas

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 said the initiative is designed to close essential skill gaps while keeping the integrity and fairness of New Zealand’s immigration system.

New Zealand seasonal visas: eligibility for Nigerians

Experts said 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 said 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.

Seasonal visa categories explained ahead of date

Reports said 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 by New Zealand seasonal visa

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 for seasonal visa in NZ

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.

BusinessDay 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.

The report disclosed that the roles covered under the visa include mussel or oyster farm workers, calf rearers, relief milkers, forestry workers, meat boners and slicers, meat process workers, seafood process workers, winery cellar workers, and wool handlers.

Individuals with the visas are not permitted to sponsor visas for partners or dependents.

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 had halted the issuance of new Health and Care Worker visas, effective July 22, 2025, according to the Home Office.

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 countries.