Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV):

Written By Joanne Doyle

New Zealand’s Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed to help employers meet labour shortages during busy seasonal periods. For industries that experience predictable peaks in demand, this visa provides a way to bring in experienced workers for short periods while still ensuring New Zealanders are given the first opportunity to apply.

If you are an employer planning for seasonal labour, or a migrant worker with relevant experience, here’s what you need to know.

What is the Peak Seasonal Visa?

The Peak Seasonal Visa allows migrants with previous seasonal work experience to work in New Zealand for a limited period in specific seasonal occupations.

The visa is intended to fill short-term labour gaps where genuine seasonal work exists and where employers have been unable to find suitable New Zealand workers.

Length of the Visa

A Peak Seasonal Visa can be granted for up to 7 months.

After this period, they must spend 4 months outside New Zealand before they can apply for another Peak Seasonal Visa.

Importantly, any time spent holding a PSV counts toward the continuous stay period, whether the person is physically in New Zealand or not.

Labour Market Requirements

Before hiring a migrant under the Peak Seasonal Visa, employers must show they have made genuine efforts to recruit New Zealand workers.

This includes:

  • Advertising the role

  • Either obtaining an upfront endorsement from Work and Income, or

  • Engaging with Work and Income for each role as part of the labour market test

These steps ensure that New Zealanders are given the first opportunity to apply for available roles.

Work Experience Requirements

Applicants must have at least one season of relevant work experience within the last three years in the occupation they are applying for.

This requirement helps ensure workers are familiar with the demands of seasonal work and can contribute quickly when the season begins.

English Language Requirements

Unlike many other visa categories, there is currently no English language test requirement for the Peak Seasonal Visa.

Health Insurance Requirements

Applicants must hold comprehensive medical insurance that covers the entire length of the visa.

The insurance must:

  • Be provided by an insurer experienced in medical or travel insurance

  • Have a credit rating of at least A (Standard & Poor’s) or B+ (AM Best)

The policy must guarantee coverage for:

  • Medical expenses

  • Dental care

  • Return travel home in the event of serious illness or disability

  • Repatriation of remains

More Peak Seasonal Visa Requirements

To apply for a PSV, the following conditions must be met:

  • The role must be genuinely seasonal

  • Employer must be AEWV accredited and have an approved PSV job check token

  • The occupation must appear on the Peak Seasonal Visa occupation list

  • The employer must advertise the role

  • The employer must provide evidence of engagement with Work and Income or endorsement

  • The applicant must have at least one season of relevant work experience in the last 3 years

  • Applicants must meet health and character requirements

  • If the job offer is longer than three months, the applicant must hold acceptable medical insurance for the full visa period

Occupations Eligible for the Peak Seasonal Visa

Current eligible occupations include:

  • Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker

  • Seafood Process Worker

  • Meat Boner and Slicer

  • Meat Process Worker

  • Winery Cellar Hand

  • Calf Rearer

  • Relief Milker

  • Wool Handler

  • Forest Worker

These roles reflect industries where seasonal labour demand can be difficult to meet locally.

Can PSV Holders Apply for Other Visas?

Yes. Individuals holding a Peak Seasonal Visa may apply for another visa if they meet the relevant criteria, meaning there may be opportunities to transition to another visa type if a suitable job becomes available.

Need Help with Seasonal Worker Visas?

Understanding labour market tests, employer requirements, and visa conditions can be complex. If you’re unsure whether the Peak Seasonal Visa is the right option for your business, contact me at Navigate Immigration Services.

👩‍💻 www.navigateimmigration.co.nz

📧 jo@navigateimmigration.co.nz

📞 0274772088

Joanne Doyle
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Accredited Employer Responsibilities Under the AEWV