New Zealand will launch two new visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework starting 8 December 2025. These visas—the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)—are designed to meet the country’s recurring demand for seasonal workers in agriculture, food processing, and tourism.
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Why New Zealand Is Introducing Seasonal Visas
New Zealand’s economy relies heavily on international workers during peak production and tourism periods. From fruit harvesting to seafood processing and glacier guiding, demand spikes at predictable times of the year. The current visa system has not been flexible enough to handle these surges.
The new seasonal visas address this gap by offering short-term, targeted solutions without creating permanent migration pathways.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
The GWSV is for skilled seasonal workers who have prior experience in New Zealand or abroad.
Key Details:
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- Valid for 36 months
- Requires three seasons of experience in the past six years
- Applicants must spend at least 90 days outside New Zealand each year
- No labor market test or English language requirement
- Pathway to another visa possible if eligible
Typical Roles:
- Agricultural machinery operators
- Sheep and livestock pregnancy scanners
- Snow groomers, chairlift operators
- Whitewater rafting and mountain guides
- Winemakers and senior cellar hands
- Shearers, meat inspectors, slaughterers
- Snowsport instructors and equipment technicians
This visa enables employers to quickly hire specialized workers without lengthy recruitment checks.
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
The PSV is aimed at entry-level seasonal workers in industries requiring extra labor during peak months.
Key Details:
- Valid for 7 months
- Requires at least one season of experience within the past 36 months
- Mandatory health insurance
- Four-month stand-down period before reapplying
- No English language requirement
- Employers must be approved by Work and Income
Typical Roles:
- Oyster and mussel farming
- Seafood processing
- Calf rearing and relief milking
- Wool handling and winery cellar work
- Meat processing (slicers, boners)
Common Conditions for Both Visas
- Family sponsorship is not permitted
- Workers can only change employers within the same visa type
- Applicants with valid student or work visas retain interim work rights while applications are processed
- Neither visa offers a direct path to permanent residency
Why This Matters
These visas streamline seasonal hiring, reduce paperwork, and provide more flexibility for both workers and employers. For skilled and entry-level workers, they offer structured short-term opportunities, while businesses gain reliable access to labor during high-demand periods.
