New Zealand•OceaniaPSV — Peak Season Visa
At a Glance
4 weeks
NZD $1,540
7 months
Not renewable
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
No dependents
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Short-term New Zealand work visa (up to 7 months) for seasonal roles with an AEWV-accredited employer, NZD 1,540 fee.
The Peak Season Visa (PSV) is a temporary work visa issued by Immigration New Zealand under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. It addresses recurring labour shortages in seasonal industries such as horticulture, viticulture, meat and seafood processing, dairy, forestry, and aquaculture.
The PSV costs NZD 1,540 and allows up to 7 months total, after which the holder must spend 4 months outside NZ before another PSV. Applicants need a full-time offer from an AEWV-accredited employer for a listed seasonal role, one season of relevant experience in the last 3 years, and medical cover for contracts over 3 months. AEWV processing averages 4 weeks; no English test or dependents.
This visa is ideal for experienced seasonal workers with a confirmed offer in NZ primary industries who can travel solo and accept a mandatory off-season break.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 7 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must have a full-time job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer.
Job must be on the Peak Seasonal Visa job list.
Must have worked at least 1 season of relevant experience in the last 3 years.
Employer must have an approved job check for a Peak Seasonal Visa job.
Employer must have conducted a labor market test (advertised locally) and engaged with Work and Income.
Must be in good health and of good character.
Must have acceptable medical insurance if the job offer is over 3 months.
Must spend at least 4 months outside New Zealand after 7 months of work.
KEY CRITERIA
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport and photo.
Signed employment agreement.
Evidence of at least 1 season of relevant work experience.
Medical and police certificates (if required).
Proof of comprehensive health insurance (for contracts over 3 months).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Fast-track AEWV-stream processing — average ~4 weeks, most within 6 weeks
- Modest single fee of NZD 1,540 with no separate employer-paid surcharge to the worker
- Up to 7 months of full-time work (minimum 30 hours/week) at NZ market pay
- No English-language test required
- Repeatable each season after a 4-month stand-down — supports a circular-migration career
- Open across multiple primary sectors (horticulture, viticulture, dairy, seafood, forestry, aquaculture)
Worth Knowing
- Mandatory 4 consecutive months outside New Zealand between PSVs
- Requires at least one season of relevant experience in the last 3 years
- Comprehensive medical insurance required for any contract longer than 3 months
- Tied to a specific AEWV-accredited employer and listed Peak Seasonal occupation
- Job must come from an employer with an approved Peak Seasonal Visa job check
- Partners and dependent children cannot be included in the application
- No direct pathway to permanent residence
- Only available for occupations on the Peak Seasonal Visa job list
Application Process
Secure job offer
Gather documents
Apply online
Pay fee
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