Do Seasonal Jobs Qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in NZ?
- iclegalnz
- Nov 13
- 5 min read
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is New Zealand’s primary pathway for employers to hire skilled migrants from overseas. As immigration policies evolve, many workers and employers alike are asking, can seasonal jobs qualify for the AEWV? Understanding how seasonal work fits within the AEWV framework is essential for both applicants and employers seeking to remain compliant with Immigration New Zealand (INZ) requirements.
Understanding the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) was introduced to simplify New Zealand’s work visa system and ensure that employers meet high standards when hiring migrants.
To employ a foreign worker, a business must first become an accredited employer with Immigration New Zealand. This accreditation demonstrates that the employer:
Is financially stable and compliant with employment law.
Has a genuine need to hire migrants.
Provides fair wages and safe working conditions.
Has systems in place to support migrant employees.
Once accredited, the employer can apply for a Job Check to confirm that no suitable New Zealanders are available for the role and that the position meets wage and job requirements. After a successful Job Check, the employer can invite a migrant worker to apply for an AEWV.
Are Seasonal Jobs Covered Under the AEWV?
In general, seasonal work does not qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa, because the visa is primarily designed for ongoing or permanent employment rather than short-term or temporary roles. Seasonal jobs, such as those in horticulture, viticulture, tourism, or hospitality during peak seasons, typically do not meet the criteria for the AEWV due to their temporary nature.
Immigration New Zealand requires AEWV-approved roles to be full-time (at least 30 hours per week) and offer consistent employment. Seasonal contracts that last only a few months, or are tied to specific harvesting or tourist seasons, often fail to satisfy these requirements.
Seasonal Employment Pathways in New Zealand
While AEWV may not be suitable for seasonal roles, New Zealand provides alternative visa pathways designed specifically for such work. These include:
1. Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Visa
The Recognised Seasonal Employer Visa allows approved employers in the horticulture and viticulture sectors to recruit workers from eligible Pacific nations for short-term seasonal work, typically up to 7 months per year. Employers must be RSE-approved, ensuring they meet strict standards around accommodation, pay, and worker welfare.
2. Working Holiday Visa
Young travellers from eligible countries can work in New Zealand under the Working Holiday Scheme, often taking up temporary or seasonal roles. This visa is ideal for backpackers seeking short-term employment during their stay.
3. Specific Purpose or Event Visa
This visa caters to individuals entering New Zealand for a particular short-term project or event, such as seasonal agricultural work, festivals, or sporting events.
4. Supplementary Seasonal Employment (SSE) Visa
The SSE Visa allows temporary visa holders already in New Zealand to work in approved horticulture or viticulture roles during busy seasons when additional labour is needed.
Why Seasonal Roles Don’t Typically Qualify for AEWV
The AEWV focuses on addressing long-term skill shortages rather than temporary labour gaps. To qualify under AEWV, roles must:
Be permanent or at least 12 months in duration.
Offer market-rate pay that meets or exceeds the median wage (unless exempt under a sector agreement).
Provide consistent working hours.
Most seasonal positions are short-term, less than full-time, or fluctuate with the season, making them ineligible for AEWV consideration. Additionally, seasonal employers often hire many workers for a brief period, which conflicts with the AEWV’s intention of ensuring stable, ongoing employment for migrants.
Exceptions and Special Considerations
In limited cases, seasonal roles may qualify for AEWV if the position meets all visa requirements, particularly if the role:
Extends for 12 months or more with consistent hours.
Falls under a sector agreement that provides specific concessions for employers (such as the meat, seafood, or construction sectors).
Involves skilled or supervisory seasonal work that continues across multiple seasons.
For instance, a viticulture operations supervisor or cold storage technician with year-round responsibilities could qualify under AEWV, while a harvest picker or packhouse assistant likely would not.
Sector Agreements and Seasonal Labour
To address workforce shortages in key industries, the New Zealand Government has introduced sector agreements under the AEWV framework. These agreements balance the need for migrant labour with commitments to hire and train New Zealanders.
Industries currently covered include:
Construction
Meat processing
Seafood processing
Dairy
Tourism and hospitality
Some sector agreements allow employers to hire workers below the median wage for specific roles, but these positions are typically limited to a maximum stay of two years and may include residence restrictions.
While horticulture and viticulture have not yet been fully integrated into AEWV sector agreements, discussions are ongoing to ensure these industries have sufficient labour supply without compromising local employment opportunities.
How Employers Can Prepare for Seasonal Recruitment
Even though seasonal roles may not qualify for AEWV, employers can still plan effectively by aligning their hiring strategies with immigration requirements. Here’s how:
Apply for RSE Approval Early
Seasonal employers in horticulture or viticulture should apply for RSE accreditation well before the peak season to secure access to overseas labour.
Maintain Compliance with Employment Standards
Employers must provide fair wages, safe housing, and proper worker welfare, ensuring compliance with INZ and employment legislation.
Use Multiple Visa Pathways
Combining RSE workers, local hires, and Working Holiday Visa holders can ensure a balanced and compliant workforce.
Consider Long-Term Roles for Skilled Staff
Supervisory or operational roles that extend year-round can be transitioned to AEWV-based employment, offering stability and growth potential.
How Workers Can Identify the Right Visa
For migrants seeking seasonal work in New Zealand, selecting the correct visa pathway is crucial. Workers should:
Confirm whether the employer is RSE-approved or accredited.
Assess the duration and type of work offered.
Review visa conditions related to hours, location, and employer restrictions.
Seek guidance from licensed immigration advisers for clarity on eligibility.
Recent AEWV Updates Affecting Seasonal Employment
As of December 2025, Immigration New Zealand announced updates under the AEWV framework that introduce new seasonal visa options aligned with the AEWV system. These upcoming visas aim to streamline short-term labour recruitment while maintaining worker protection standards.
The updates suggest that certain seasonal employers may soon be able to recruit under simplified AEWV-linked seasonal categories, provided they meet specified wage and welfare conditions. These changes reflect the government’s ongoing efforts to create a flexible yet fair immigration system that supports economic growth.
Wrapping up
In summary, seasonal jobs do not typically qualify for an Accredited Employer Work Visa in New Zealand, as the AEWV is intended for long-term, stable employment. However, dedicated seasonal visa pathways, such as the RSE Scheme, Working Holiday Visa, and SSE Visa, offer legitimate and accessible routes for temporary work.
Employers seeking to fill seasonal positions should pursue RSE accreditation or sector-specific agreements, while workers should choose the visa that best aligns with the nature and duration of their employment.
At Immigration Chambers, we assist both employers and workers in identifying the most suitable visa pathways, ensuring compliance and maximizing opportunities under New Zealand’s evolving immigration system.
Get expert guidance from an experienced Immigration Lawyer in New Zealand to secure the right visa pathway for your seasonal or long-term employment goals.
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