Knowledgebase

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – Seasonal Work Opportunities

A short-term seasonal work pathway for eligible workers and accredited employers (policy-dependent).

Overview

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed to support key New Zealand industries during peak periods, for short-term seasonal work in essential entry-level and lower-skilled roles. The PSV has been described as allowing work in New Zealand for up to 7 months in a 12-month period, subject to eligibility and current settings.

Key benefits (as described)

  • Short-term employment aligned to seasonal demand
  • No English language test requirement described for this pathway
  • Roles across multiple primary industries (demand-dependent)
  • Designed to meet urgent seasonal labour needs

Common roles (examples)

  • Meat/seafood processing workers (boners, slicers, filleting workers)
  • Winery cellar hands
  • Forestry workers
  • Calf rearers and relief milkers
  • Mussel and oyster farm workers
  • Wool handlers

Role availability depends on employer demand and current policy settings.

Eligibility highlights (general)

  • Evidence of relevant seasonal experience (as required)
  • A valid job offer from a NZ accredited employer
  • Standard health and character requirements
  • Stand-down requirements may apply between periods of work (policy-dependent)
  • Health insurance may be required for longer employment agreements (policy-dependent)

Important information for employers

Employers supporting seasonal visa applications may need to complete labour market testing and other checks under current instructions.

  • Advertising / labour market testing (where required)
  • Engagement with relevant agencies (where required)
  • Job Check processes (where required)

FAQs

1) Who can apply?
Typically workers with prior seasonal experience (as required) and a job offer from an accredited employer, subject to age/health/character requirements.

2) How long can I work?
PSV has been described as allowing up to 7 months work in a 12-month period, with stand-down rules potentially applying.

3) Do I need an English test?
This pathway has been described as not requiring IELTS/PTE; confirm current requirements before applying.

4) What jobs are available?
Roles depend on seasonal demand and employer needs; common examples include processing, forestry, and farm-related roles.

5) How can Redwood help?
Eligibility assessment, experience evidence review, job offer compliance checks, and application preparation support.

Seasonal work support
Seasonal applications can be delayed by missing experience evidence or non-compliant documents. We can help you prepare a decision-ready file.
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Disclaimer: General information only. Seasonal visa settings can change and depend on the specific role, employer, and INZ instructions.