New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa for Indians: Jobs and Process

These are employer-led visas: you cannot apply on spec and look for work after landing. This guide explains which jobs qualify, how the two visas differ and how the process runs from India. Facts are as published on the official sources, checked on 2026-10-15. INZ's visa pages were read from archived copies dated August to October 2026, so re-check the details on the live INZ site before you apply. For all New Zealand visa types, see our New Zealand visa guide for Indians.

Which seasonal work visas can Indians apply for?

INZ runs two employer-led seasonal visas. INZ's published requirements for both set no nationality restriction.

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa suits experienced seasonal workers who want to return year after year. The Peak Seasonal Visa suits someone with one recent season behind them.

Which jobs qualify for a seasonal visa?

Only jobs on INZ's relevant seasonal job list qualify. INZ publishes those lists on the visa pages, and you should check your role against the current list before accepting an offer. The job offer itself must be:

• Full-time, meaning 30 hours or more a week.
• At or near an industry seasonal peak.
• Paid at least the market rate.
• From an employer accredited for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) that holds an approved seasonal job check.

You must also meet the ANZSCO/NOL skill level for the job and be of good health and character.

Do not confuse these visas with the main AEWV. INZ states the AEWV is not available for horticulture or viticulture crop work, fishing crew or self-employment.

How does the process work from India?

1. Get a qualifying offer. Secure a full-time offer for a role on the seasonal job list from an AEWV-accredited employer with an approved seasonal job check.
2. Check your experience. Collect proof of your past seasons in the same or a similar job: 3 seasons in 6 years for the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, or 1 season in 3 years for the Peak Seasonal Visa.
3. Apply online to INZ. Applications go to Immigration New Zealand online. The New Zealand High Commission does not assist with visa enquiries.
4. Pay the fee. The INZ visa page shows a 'from' cost of NZD 1,540, paid to INZ.
5. Meet health and character checks. Provide medical and police documents if INZ asks for them.
6. Send your passport only if asked. VFS Global runs centres in New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai. For online applications, VFS charges a passport handling fee of INR 1,460.00 only when INZ requests the passport.
7. Travel and arrive. Complete the New Zealand Traveller Declaration before your journey. AEWV holders may need to show evidence of their job offer at the border.

What does it cost, and how long does it take?

The INZ fee is from NZD 1,540 for either seasonal visa. The page shows a single figure, not split into fee and levy. The optional VFS passport handling fee is INR 1,460.00 for online applications, and a paper application costs INR 2,085.00 at VFS, both non-refundable.

Medical and police certificate costs are not published by INZ. Under INZ's general temporary-visa rules, a chest X-ray is needed if you will be in New Zealand more than 6 months, because India is not a low-TB country, and police certificates are needed once your total time in New Zealand reaches 24 months or longer.

The archived INZ pages read did not give a headline processing timeframe for the two seasonal visas, so check the figure on each live visa page. For comparison, the AEWV page showed 80% within 5.5 weeks. Apply well ahead of the season start.

Can your family come, and is English required?

Partners and children are not eligible for visas based on a Global Workforce Seasonal or Peak Seasonal Visa. INZ's partner rules also list Recognised Seasonal Employer Limited and Supplementary Seasonal Employment work visas among visas that cannot support a partner.

On English, the Beehive announced that from 1 June 2026 the AEWV minimum English requirement (IELTS 4.0 or equivalent) extends to skill level 3 roles. That change does not cover Global Workforce Seasonal or Peak Seasonal AEWV applications.

What if you have no seasonal experience yet?

Without past seasons, neither visa fits. The alternatives in INZ's current system are limited:

• Working holiday: not available to Indian citizens as at October 2026, because India is not on INZ's list of working holiday countries.
• NZ-India Free Trade Agreement: entering into force on 20 October 2026, it commits New Zealand to a working holiday scheme of up to 1,000 places a year and the equivalent of 1,667 three-year temporary employment entry visas a year. INZ had not published application details as of October 2026.
• AEWV: for non-seasonal, full-time jobs with an accredited employer, subject to its own experience and English rules.

How do you avoid seasonal job scams?

INZ's AEWV guidance says employers or agents cannot charge you for a job or for recruitment costs. INZ declines applications where money was offered for a job offer, and it warns that job offer scams are common in India and South Asia. Treat any request for a 'placement fee' as a red flag, and confirm the employer's accreditation and job check before you pay INZ.

Yatra For Fun does not arrange jobs or work visas. Our India office in Gurugram prepares flight reservations, hotel bookings, travel itineraries and cover letters for visa files, with packages from INR 1,000 for a flight reservation to INR 3,000 for a reservation, hotel, itinerary and cover letter. WhatsApp +91 95230 91018 or contact us.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours a week must a New Zealand seasonal job offer?

At least 30 hours a week. INZ requires a full-time offer at or near an industry seasonal peak, paid at least the market rate, for a job on the relevant seasonal job list.

Do I need medical insurance for a Peak Seasonal Visa?

Yes, if your job offer is for more than 3 months. INZ lists acceptable medical insurance as a requirement for the Peak Seasonal Visa in that case.

Where do Indian applicants submit their passport for a New Zealand work visa?

Only if INZ asks for it. VFS Global runs New Zealand visa centres in New Delhi, Chandigarh and Mumbai, and charges INR 1,460.00 for passport handling on online applications. Appointments are required.

Can I stay in New Zealand all year on a Global Workforce Seasonal Visa?

No. The visa is valid for 3 years, but you can work up to 9 months each year and must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand in any 12 months.