New Zealand's immigration authority has released the complete list of occupations that qualify foreign workers for the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), a pathway for short-term employment in the country's primary industries. The list includes nine roles, each assigned a code under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) or the National Occupation List (NOL).
Occupations Eligible for the Peak Seasonal Visa
The qualifying occupations span agriculture, forestry, food processing, and related industries. The full list is as follows:
- Aquaculture Worker (Mussel and Oyster Farm Worker only)
- Dairy Cattle Farm Worker (Calf Rearer)
- Dairy Cattle Farm Worker (Relief Milker)
- Forestry Worker
- Meat Boner and Slicer
- Meat Process Worker
- Seafood Process Worker
- Winery Cellar Hand
- Wool Handler
These roles reflect New Zealand's reliance on seasonal labour across its primary industries, particularly during peak harvest and production periods. Dairy farming, meat processing, seafood, and viticulture are among the country's most labour-intensive sectors, and the PSV is designed to help employers in these areas fill short-term workforce gaps with foreign workers.
Eligibility and Application Process
To be eligible, applicants must hold a job offer in one of the listed occupations. Each role is tied to a specific ANZSCO or NOL code, which helps immigration officials verify that a candidate's work falls within the defined scope of that occupation. Prospective applicants can review the full job list and begin their visa application through the New Zealand Immigration portal.
In a similar report, Legit.ng published that New Zealand explained how foreigners can check if their occupations qualify them for residency.
Exemption from Labour Market Test
Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that New Zealand listed two categories of jobs exempt from its Labour Market Test under the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme. These include roles paying at least NZ$67.12 per hour and eligible occupations on the country's Green List. For foreign workers, the rules could mean more than a simpler visa process. Income levels may also decide whether spouses and children can join them, work or study in New Zealand.
