Appendix 19 – List of seasonal occupations
Lists occupations eligible for Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa, with specifications and restrictions.
- Status
- active
- Updated
- 2026-04-26
- Also known as
- seasonal occupations
- Sources
- A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations
At a glance
Immigration instructions at Appendix 19 define the occupations that can be filled under the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa. The appendix contains two separate lists, each specifying occupation titles, ANZSCO codes, and in some cases additional eligibility requirements (such as seasonal peaks, employer type, or specific duties). An applicant must hold a job offer in a listed occupation and meet any appended specifications before a seasonal work visa can be granted or maintained. [A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
Definition
Appendix 19 is part of Government immigration instructions made under section 22 of the Immigration Act 2009. It consists of:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa List – occupations that are eligible for a Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, specifying ANZSCO codes and, where applicable, limitations on the sub‑sector, seasonal timing, or employer type. [A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
- Peak Seasonal Visa List – occupations eligible for a Peak Seasonal Visa, also by ANZSCO code, with some occupations limited to particular roles on farms, in wineries, or in aquaculture. [A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa occupations
This list includes, but is not limited to:
| ANZSCO description (code) | Special conditions |
|---|---|
| Agricultural Technician (311111) | – |
| Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator (721111) | – |
| Shearers (361211) | – |
| Wine Makers (234213) | – |
| Winery Senior Cellar Hand (431914) | – |
| Flower grower (121212) – Tulip Growers only | Must be a large‑scale commercial tulip grower with seasonal peak September–May. |
| Mountain or Glacier Guide (452214) | – |
| Whitewater Rafting Guide (452217) | – |
| Outdoor Adventure Instructor (452215) | – |
| Mobile Plant Operators NEC (721999) – Snow Groomer only | – |
| Technicians and Trades workers NEC (399999) – Ski Technician and Surfboard Maker only | – |
| Snow Sports Instructor (452314) | – |
| Primary Products Inspectors NEC (311399) | – |
| Crane, Hoist or Lift Operator (712111) – Chairlift Operator | – |
| Stationary Plant Operators NEC (712999) – Snow Maker only | – |
| Horse Trainer (361112) – Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer only | Employed by a registered NZ thoroughbred breeder, for the purpose of training young horses for the Karaka Yearling Sales; season approximately August–March. |
| Slaughterer (831212) | – |
[A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
Peak Seasonal Visa occupations
| ANZSCO description (code) | Special conditions |
|---|---|
| Meat Process Worker (831311) | – |
| Seafood Process Worker (831313) | – |
| Winery Cellar Hand (831118) | – |
| Wool Handler (841517) | – |
| Forestry Worker (841311) | – |
| Dairy Cattle Farm worker (841512) – Calf Rearer and Relief Milker only | Calf Rearer: tasks related to daily calf rearing (feeding, mineral treatments, handling). Relief Milker: employed on a dairy farm to provide respite or cover for farmers/workers on leave or injured, involving routine dairy tasks such as herding and milking. |
| Meat Boner and Slicer (831211) | – |
| Aquaculture Worker (841111) – Mussel Oyster Farm Worker only | – |
[A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
Application in decisions
Immigration officers must refer to Appendix 19 when assessing an application for a Global Workforce Seasonal Visa or a Peak Seasonal Visa. The occupation offered to the applicant must match one of the listed ANZSCO descriptions and, where the list imposes specifications, must also meet those specifications. If the job does not appear on the relevant list, the application cannot succeed under these visa categories. [A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
Interpretation & edge cases
- Restricted entries override general ANZSCO codes. For example, "Flower grower (121212)" on the Global Workforce list is limited to tulip growers, and "Horse Trainer (361112)" to thoroughbred yearling preparers. INZ must verify the employer’s operations and seasonality criteria, not merely the job title. [A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
- Different visa, different list. An occupation may appear on both lists (e.g., winery cellar hands: 431914 under Global Workforce and 831118 under Peak Seasonal). The applicable list is determined by the visa category the applicant applies under; a Global Workforce Seasonal Visa holder cannot rely on a listing in the Peak Seasonal list.
- Seasonal timing and employer type are strict. For tulip growers, the seasonal peak must fall between September and May and the employer must be a large‑scale commercial grower. For thoroughbred yearling preparers, the training purpose and breeder registration are mandatory. INZ may request evidence from recognised industry bodies (e.g., NZ Thoroughbred Breeders Association).
- Dairy roles are narrowly defined. Calf Rearer and Relief Milker are the only dairy farm worker roles on the Peak Seasonal list. Other dairy farm positions (e.g., general farmhand, herd manager) are not covered even if they are seasonal in nature.
- Updates to the list are made by amendment to Appendix 19. Advisers should check the latest version of the operational manual to ensure the list is current, as new occupations or restrictions may be added.
[A-appendix-19-list-of-seasonal-occupations]
Citations
Appendix 17 – List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
Lists overseas qualifications that do not need NZQA assessment for skilled migrant residence (SR instructions) or work visa applications where the country is listed in Appendix 17.
Appendix 3 – List of Qualifications Exempt from Assessment
Lists overseas qualifications that do not require NZQA assessment for Skilled Migrant Category (SM) residence and some work visa applications; applies until the new SR instructions.