Farm Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship 2025, Are you seeking overseas job opportunities with visa sponsorship? Farm jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship in 2025 are an excellent choice for foreigners looking to work in a peaceful, scenic country and earn a competitive wage. With the government actively supporting the agriculture sector and simplifying immigration procedures, farm jobs in New Zealand offer NZD 26 per hour, free or subsidized housing, and pathways to permanent residency.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover the types of farm jobs available, eligibility criteria, visa sponsorship details, and step-by-step instructions for applying in 2025.
Why Choose Farm Jobs in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s agriculture sector is a major contributor to its economy, employing thousands of local and foreign workers annually. From dairy farming and fruit picking to sheep shearing and general farm labor, there’s a high demand for workers year-round.
Key Benefits:
- High hourly wage (NZD 26/hour and up)
- Free or low-cost accommodation
- Seasonal and long-term job contracts
- Visa sponsorship provided by approved employers
- Opportunity for permanent residency after two years
Types of Farm Jobs Available in New Zealand (2025)
Whether you’re looking for seasonal work or full-time employment, there are various options in different regions of New Zealand:
1. Fruit Picking and Harvesting
- Apples, kiwis, grapes, cherries, berries
- Peak season: November to April
- Regions: Hawke’s Bay, Marlborough, Bay of Plenty
2. Dairy Farm Workers
- Milking, feeding cows, cleaning sheds, maintaining equipment
- Full-time, year-round positions
- High demand in Waikato, Taranaki, Southland
3. Vegetable Farm Laborers
- Planting, weeding, irrigating, harvesting crops like potatoes, onions, carrots
- Often paid hourly with bonus incentives
4. Vineyard Workers
- Pruning, thinning, harvesting grapes
- Popular in Marlborough and Central Otago
5. Sheep & Cattle Farming
- Herding, feeding, shearing sheep, fencing
- Requires some physical strength and training
Visa Sponsorship for Farm Jobs in New Zealand
To legally work on a New Zealand farm as a foreigner, you must have the appropriate work visa. Many employers offer visa sponsorship, meaning they will support your work visa application.
Common Work Visas:
1. Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
- Must have a job offer from an accredited employer
- Allows stay up to 3 years
- Pathway to permanent residency
- Most common for farm jobs in 2025
2. Seasonal Work Visa (Recognised Seasonal Employer Scheme – RSE)
- Short-term work visa (up to 7 months)
- For fruit and vegetable picking
- Only available to applicants from selected countries (e.g., Fiji, Tonga, Samoa)
3. Working Holiday Visa
- Age 18–30 (up to 35 for some countries)
- Valid for 12 months (or 23 months for UK & Canada)
- Can work short-term jobs including farm work
Eligibility Criteria for Farm Jobs in New Zealand 2025
To apply for farm jobs with visa sponsorship, you must meet these requirements:
General Requirements:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Basic knowledge of English
- Physically fit for outdoor labor
- Willingness to work long hours, including weekends
- No criminal record
For AEWV:
- Valid job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer
- Employer must provide proof of labor market test (if applicable)
- You must meet health and character requirements
- Provide proof of relevant work experience or training
Salary and Working Conditions
Farm workers in New Zealand enjoy fair wages and good working conditions under New Zealand labor laws.
| Position | Average Pay (NZD/hour) |
|---|---|
| Fruit Picker | NZD 26.00 |
| Dairy Farm Worker | NZD 26 – NZD 30 |
| General Farm Assistant | NZD 26.00 |
| Sheep Shearer | NZD 30 – NZD 35 |
| Tractor Driver | NZD 28 – NZD 32 |
Most contracts include:
- 40–60 working hours per week
- Overtime pay after 40 hours
- Weekly pay schedule
- Subsidized accommodation (NZD 80–150/week)
How to Apply for Farm Jobs in New Zealand with Visa Sponsorship
Here is a step-by-step process to apply for a farm job in 2025:
Step 1: Search for Accredited Farm Employers
Look for New Zealand farm employers listed in the Accredited Employer Register on www.immigration.govt.nz These employers are authorized to sponsor foreign workers.
Step 2: Apply for Job Offers Online
Use trusted job portals such as:
- Work the Seasons – worktheseasons.co.nz
- Pick NZ – picknz.co.nz
- Trade Me Jobs – seek.co.nz › Trade-Me-jobs
- Seek NZ – indeed.com › q-new-zealand-jobs
Upload your CV, work experience, and availability.
Step 3: Receive Employment Offer
Once selected, your employer will provide:
- Offer letter
- Job description
- Visa sponsorship documents
Step 4: Apply for the Work Visa (AEWV)
Visit the www.govt.nz › browse › immigration-and-visas to apply online. Upload:
- Passport
- Job offer
- Medical certificate
- Police clearance
- Visa application fee (~NZD 750 for AEWV)
Step 5: Wait for Visa Approval
Processing time: 20–30 business days
Once approved, you can book your flight and travel to New Zealand to start work.
Can Farm Jobs Lead to Permanent Residency in New Zealand?
Yes. If you work in New Zealand under the AEWV for 2 years and earn the median wage (NZD 29.66/hour as of 2025) or higher, you may qualify for:
- Residence Visa under the Green List or Skilled Worker pathway
- Family reunification options
- Permanent Residency after 2–3 years
Tips to Succeed as a Foreign Farm Worker
- Be punctual and reliable
- Work efficiently to qualify for bonus pay
- Stay in touch with immigration updates
- Learn basic Kiwi English expressions
- Build a strong reference from your employer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is experience required for farm jobs in New Zealand?
No, many roles are entry-level and provide on-the-job training.
Q2: Can couples or friends apply together?
Yes. Some farms accommodate group applications and provide shared housing.
Q3: Is food provided on the farm?
Not always. Some employers provide meals, while others offer kitchen access for self-cooking.
Q4: Can I switch farms or employers after arrival?
Only with approval from Immigration New Zealand and a new job offer from an accredited employer.
Q5: What is the best time to apply for seasonal farm jobs?
Apply at least 2–3 months before the harvest season (October to January).
Conclusion
Farm jobs in New Zealand with visa sponsorship in 2025 are a golden opportunity for foreigners seeking overseas employment with good wages, legal status, and a chance at permanent residency. With hourly wages starting at NZD 26, simple visa pathways, and high demand in agriculture, now is the perfect time to begin your job search.