The New Zealand Government will introduce two new seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system to support industries experiencing workforce shortages during peak periods.
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) will both be available from December 8th, 2025.
New Zealand Immigration says the new visas are meant to help approved employers hire short-term workers during busy seasonal periods, while keeping immigration rules consistent. The visas will support industries like farming, wine production, snow sports, and seafood processing that need extra workers at certain times of the year.
Visa for Skilled Seasonal Workers
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is targeted at skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to three years. Applicants must have worked in a relevant seasonal occupation for at least three seasons within the past six years.
They must also spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year while on this visa.
Employers must complete a seasonal job check before a worker can apply. There is no requirement for a Labour Market Test or proof of English language skills. Visa holders are allowed to transition into other visa types if eligible.
Eligible roles under the GWSV include:
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
- Wine Maker
- Snow Groomer
- Mountain or Glacier Guide
- Chairlift Operator
- Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor
- Snow Sports Instructor
- Whitewater Rafting Guide
- Shearer
- Slaughterer
- Primary Products Inspector
Visa for Lower-Skilled Seasonal Labour
The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) supports entry-level or lower-skilled positions and is valid for up to seven months. After this period, visa holders must leave New Zealand for four months before they can reapply.
Applicants must show at least one season of relevant work experience in the past three years and hold comprehensive health insurance. There is no English language requirement, but employers must be endorsed by or work in partnership with Work and Income.
Eligible PSV roles include:
- Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker
- Calf Rearer
- Relief Milker
- Forestry Worker
- Meat Process Worker
- Wool Handler
- Seafood Process Worker
- Winery Cellar Hand
Conditions and Limitations of Seasonal Visas
Visa holders under both GWSV and PSV cannot support visas for partners or dependents. They are also limited to changing jobs only within the same visa category.
Applicants transitioning from other visa types, such as student or work visas, will retain interim work rights while their new seasonal visa applications are processed.
Definition of Seasonal Employment
Immigration New Zealand says a seasonal job must match the busy period of an industry and be for a limited time. Each visa has a list of approved seasonal jobs, but employers still need to prove the job fits the seasonal requirements. This is to make sure short-term visas are not used for permanent jobs.
The new visa options form part of broader efforts to support sectors that rely on timely access to labour during high-demand periods without undermining long-term employment opportunities for New Zealanders.
