New Zealand Opens 3-Year Work Visa for Nigerians

Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad now have a new pathway, as New Zealand has unveiled seasonal work visas that run for up to three years. 

The move is part of a broader effort by the New Zealand government to tackle seasonal labour shortages while giving foreign workers including Nigerians, a chance to work in key industries.

Two new visa options

The programme introduces two new categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa scheme:

• Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – tailored for skilled workers in specific seasonal roles, valid for up to three years.
  
• Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – designed for entry-level or lower-skilled workers, valid for seven months, with a four-month break before reapplication.
  

Both visa types are meant to provide short-term labour support in industries like agriculture, horticulture, food processing, tourism, and outdoor adventure, which depend heavily on peak seasons.

Eligibility for Nigerians

To qualify, applicants must have prior experience in relevant seasonal roles. For the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, workers are expected to show at least three completed seasons in the last six years. 

For the Peak Seasonal Visa, the requirement is at least one completed season in the past three years.

Other conditions include:

• Visa holders spending a minimum of three months outside New Zealand annually to remain eligible.
  
• No English language test requirements for either visa.
  
• Comprehensive health insurance (for PSV applicants).
  
• Workers may only change jobs within the same visa category.
  

Jobs Nigerians can apply for

The visas cover a range of roles across industries. Some of the approved positions include:

• Agriculture and horticulture mobile plant operators
  
• Forklift operators
  
• Tulip growers
  
• Slaughterers and shearers
  
• Primary products inspectors
  
• Snow sports instructors
  
• Mussel and oyster farm workers
  
• Meat processing staff
  
• Winery cellar workers
  
• Forestry workers and calf rearers
  

The flexibility of the GWSV also means that successful applicants could later transition to other visa categories if they meet the criteria.

Why New Zealand introduced the scheme

Authorities in Wellington say the initiative is not just about filling vacancies but also about protecting the integrity of the immigration system. 

By setting clear eligibility standards, New Zealand hopes to strike a balance between attracting global seasonal talent and ensuring fair treatment of local workers.

The visas officially take effect from December 6, 2025, and are expected to ease workforce shortages during periods of high demand. 

For many Nigerians, this announcement provides an alternative route to international work opportunities, at a time when traditional destinations like the UK have begun restricting certain categories of visas.

What you should know

This development comes as global migration policies continue to shift. With the UK recently halting new Health and Care Worker visas, and the US tightening rules for certain job categories, New Zealand’s seasonal scheme could emerge as an attractive option for Nigerians looking to work legally abroad.

For young, energetic Nigerians with experience in seasonal industries, this is a chance to not only earn abroad but also gain international exposure in sectors that play a vital role in New Zealand’s economy.