What Are New Zealand’s New Seasonal Work Visas?
Starting December 8, 2025, New Zealand introduces two new visa pathways designed to address critical workforce shortages during peak seasonal periods. These visas operate under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework and provide clear options for both skilled and entry-level seasonal workers.
The Two New Visa Types:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – 3-year visa for highly skilled seasonal roles
- Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – 7-month visa for entry-level seasonal positions
These pathways support New Zealand’s agriculture, horticulture, forestry, seafood processing, tourism, and winter sports industries during recurring high-demand cycles.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – Detailed Guide
Overview
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa allows experienced seasonal workers to remain in New Zealand for up to three years while requiring three months outside the country annually.
Key Benefits
✓ No labour market test required
✓ No advertising requirement
✓ No English language requirement
✓ 3-year visa duration
✓ Access to highly skilled seasonal roles
Eligibility Requirements
Work Experience:
- Minimum 3 seasons of relevant experience in the last 6 years
- Experience must directly relate to the role being applied for
Job Offer Requirements:
- Valid job offer in an approved seasonal occupation
- Employer must hold Accredited Employer Work Visa accreditation
- Approved Job Check from employer for the seasonal role
Documentation:
- Complete and valid police certificate (proof of application NOT accepted)
- Full medical certificates
- Valid passport and recent photograph
Annual Offshore Period:
- Must spend 3 continuous months outside New Zealand each year
- Failure to meet this requirement affects visa validity
Eligible Occupations for GWSV
Agriculture & Horticulture:
- Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operator
- Agricultural technician (sheep/animal pregnancy scanner)
- Tulip grower
- Shearer
Wine Industry:
- Wine maker
- Winery senior cellar hand
Winter Sports & Tourism:
- Chairlift operator
- Snow groomer
- Mountain or glacier guide
- Outdoor adventure instructor
- Snow sports instructor
- Snow maker
- Snowsport equipment technician
- Whitewater rafting guide
Meat & Livestock Processing:
- Slaughterer
- Thoroughbred yearling preparer
Quality Control:
- Primary products inspector
Important Limitations
❌ Cannot support partner or dependent visas
❌ Job changes only within same visa type
✓ May transition to another visa if eligible
Application Process for GWSV
Step 1: Secure Employment
- Obtain job offer from accredited employer
- Ensure occupation is on eligible list
- Sign employment agreement with clear terms
Step 2: Gather Documentation
- Obtain police certificates from all countries lived in for 12+ months since age 17
- Complete medical examinations
- Collect proof of 3 seasons experience (employment letters, contracts, pay records)
Step 3: Submit Application
- Complete online application via Immigration New Zealand
- Upload all required documents
- Pay application fee
Processing Notes:
- If applying from within New Zealand on another visa, you retain interim work rights during processing
- All documents must be in English or include certified translations
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – Complete Guide
Overview
The Peak Seasonal Visa enables employers to hire workers for up to 7 months to support short seasonal peaks. Workers must spend 4 continuous months outside New Zealand before reapplying.
Key Features
✓ Up to 7 months employment
✓ No English language requirement
✓ Entry-level roles accepted
✓ Clear reapplication pathway
Eligibility Requirements
Work Experience:
- Minimum 1 season of relevant experience within the last 3 years
- Less stringent than GWSV requirements
Job Offer Requirements:
- Valid job offer in eligible seasonal occupation
- Employer must be accredited under AEWV
- Employer must engage with Work and Income in good faith OR obtain Peak Seasonal Visa endorsement
Labour Market Test:
- Advertising required (unlike GWSV)
- Employer must demonstrate genuine effort to recruit locally
Health Insurance:
- Mandatory for roles longer than 3 months
- Must cover:
- Primary and urgent care
- Hospital care
- Prescription medicines
- Emergency dental treatment
- Medical evacuation or repatriation
Insurance Validity:
- Policy must remain active for full employment period
- Must be from acceptable provider
Eligible Occupations for Peak Seasonal Visa
Aquaculture:
- Mussel farm worker
- Oyster farm worker
Dairy Farming:
- Calf rearer
- Relief milker
Forestry:
- Forestry worker (various roles)
Meat Processing:
- Meat boner and slicer
- Meat process worker
Seafood Processing:
- Seafood process worker
Wine Industry:
- Winery cellar hand
Wool Industry:
- Wool handler
Important Restrictions
❌ Cannot support partner or dependent visas
❌ Job changes only within same visa type
❌ Must spend 4 months offshore before reapplying
Application Process for PSV
Step 1: Employer Preparation
- Obtain AEWV accreditation
- Complete advertising requirements
- Engage with Work and Income OR secure PSV endorsement
- Secure Job Check approval
Step 2: Worker Documentation
- Valid job offer with signed employment agreement
- Proof of 1 season relevant experience
- Evidence work aligns with seasonal patterns
- Health insurance policy (if role exceeds 3 months)
- Valid passport and photo
- Medical certificates
- Police certificates
Step 3: Application Submission
- Apply online through Immigration New Zealand
- Provide complete documentation
- Pay application fees
Comparing GWSV vs Peak Seasonal Visa
| Feature | Global Workforce Seasonal Visa | Peak Seasonal Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | Up to 3 years | Up to 7 months |
| Skill Level | Highly skilled | Entry-level to lower-skilled |
| Experience Required | 3 seasons in 6 years | 1 season in 3 years |
| Offshore Period | 3 months annually | 4 months before reapplication |
| Labour Market Test | No | Yes |
| Advertising | Not required | Required |
| English Requirement | No | No |
| Health Insurance | Not specified | Mandatory (roles over 3 months) |
| Partner Visa Support | No | No |
| Job Changes | Same visa type only | Same visa type only |
Industries Benefiting from New Seasonal Visas
Agriculture & Horticulture
Peak Demand: Spring planting, summer/autumn harvest seasons
Common Roles:
- Fruit picking and packing
- Crop maintenance
- Mobile plant operation
- Agricultural technical services
Visa Recommendation: GWSV for experienced operators, PSV for harvest workers
Wine Industry
Peak Demand: February-May (vintage), year-round cellar work
Common Roles:
- Wine makers (GWSV)
- Senior cellar hands (GWSV)
- Cellar hands (PSV)
Seasonal Pattern: Vintage period requires experienced staff; ongoing cellar work needs rotation
Winter Sports & Tourism
Peak Demand: June-October (winter season)
Common Roles:
- Snow sports instructors
- Chairlift operators
- Snow groomers
- Mountain guides
- Equipment technicians
Visa Recommendation: GWSV for most roles due to skill requirements
Meat & Seafood Processing
Peak Demand: Year-round peaks based on farming cycles
Common Roles:
- Slaughterers (GWSV)
- Meat process workers (PSV)
- Seafood process workers (PSV)
Processing Notes: Fast-paced environment requiring reliable seasonal workforce
Forestry
Peak Demand: Variable based on weather and market conditions
Common Roles:
- Forestry workers (various specializations)
Visa Recommendation: PSV for most roles
Dairy Farming
Peak Demand: Calving season (July-September), relief milking
Common Roles:
- Calf rearers
- Relief milkers
Visa Recommendation: PSV due to cyclical nature
Employer Requirements & Responsibilities
Step 1: Obtain AEWV Accreditation
Requirements:
- Demonstrate good employment history
- Meet immigration compliance standards
- Show genuine business operations
- Commit to employing migrant workers responsibly
Accreditation Duration: Typically 12-24 months, renewable
Step 2: Secure Job Check Approval
For Each Role:
- Submit Job Check application
- Demonstrate genuine seasonal need
- Confirm role aligns with approved occupations
- Provide employment agreement details
GWSV Job Checks:
- No advertising required
- Focus on seasonal nature and skill requirements
PSV Job Checks:
- Must complete advertising
- Engage with Work and Income
- OR obtain Peak Seasonal Visa endorsement
Step 3: Employment Agreement Standards
Must Include:
- Clear start and end dates
- Hourly pay rate or salary
- Guaranteed minimum hours
- Work location
- Job duties and expectations
Compliance Requirements:
- Meet minimum wage standards
- Comply with Employment Relations Act
- Provide safe working conditions
- Honor visa conditions
Ongoing Responsibilities
✓ Notify Immigration NZ of employment changes
✓ Maintain employment records
✓ Support visa holder compliance
✓ Report concerns about visa misuse
Application Checklist: What You Need
For Global Workforce Seasonal Visa
Employment Documents:
- Signed job offer letter
- Employment agreement with dates, pay, hours, location
- Employer’s Job Check approval confirmation
Experience Evidence:
- 3 seasons proof (employment letters, contracts, payslips)
- References from previous seasonal employers
- Evidence of skill level and role relevance
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport (6+ months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photo
- Complete police certificates (all countries)
- Medical examination certificates
Additional:
- Proof of funds for offshore period
- Travel plans for annual 3-month absence
For Peak Seasonal Visa
Employment Documents:
- Signed job offer letter
- Employment agreement with full details
- Employer’s Job Check approval
- Evidence of advertising/Work and Income engagement
Experience Evidence:
- 1 season proof within last 3 years
- Employment verification documents
- Evidence work matches seasonal patterns
Personal Documents:
- Valid passport
- Recent photo
- Police certificates
- Medical certificates
Insurance (roles over 3 months):
- Acceptable health insurance policy
- Coverage confirmation for full employment period
- Policy covers all required categories
Common Application Mistakes to Avoid
Documentation Errors
❌ Submitting proof of police certificate application instead of actual certificate (GWSV applicants)
- Immigration NZ requires complete certificates, not request confirmations
❌ Incomplete employment agreements
- Must include start date, end date, pay rate, guaranteed hours, work location
❌ Insufficient experience evidence
- Provide detailed proof spanning required seasons with dates and role descriptions
Eligibility Mistakes
❌ Applying for wrong visa type
- Check occupation lists carefully – some roles only qualify for one visa type
❌ Not meeting offshore period requirements
- GWSV: Must genuinely spend 3 months outside NZ annually
- PSV: Must plan for 4-month gap before reapplication
❌ Inadequate health insurance (PSV)
- Policy must cover ALL required categories
- Must be valid for entire employment period
Employer-Related Issues
❌ Employer not properly accredited
- Verify accreditation status before accepting job offer
❌ Job Check not approved
- Employer must have approved Job Check before worker applies
❌ Role doesn’t match seasonal definition
- Immigration NZ assesses whether role genuinely fits seasonal patterns
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bring my family on a seasonal visa?
No. Neither GWSV nor PSV allows you to support partner or dependent visas. Family members must qualify for their own visas independently.
Can I switch jobs while on a seasonal visa?
Limited. You can only change jobs to another role covered by the same visa type (GWSV to GWSV, or PSV to PSV). This requires a Job Change application and employer approval.
What happens if I can’t complete the offshore period?
GWSV: Failure to spend 3 months outside NZ annually may affect visa conditions and future applications.
PSV: Must spend 4 continuous months offshore before reapplying. No exceptions specified.
Do I need English language skills?
No. Neither visa requires English language testing or certification. However, practical English skills help with daily work and living.
How long does visa processing take?
Processing times vary based on application completeness and Immigration NZ workload. Incomplete applications cause significant delays. If applying from within NZ on another visa, you retain interim work rights during processing.
Can I transition to permanent residence?
GWSV: May transition to other visa types if eligible, but seasonal visas don’t typically create direct pathways to residence.
PSV: Short duration makes residence pathways unlikely, but you may qualify for other visas.
What if my employer loses accreditation?
Your visa remains valid, but you cannot continue working for that employer. You must either:
- Find another accredited employer (Job Change application required)
- Leave New Zealand
- Apply for a different visa if eligible
Is health insurance mandatory?
GWSV: Not explicitly required, but strongly recommended.
PSV: Mandatory for roles exceeding 3 months. Must be from acceptable provider covering all required categories.
Can I work for multiple employers?
Only if you have approved Job Checks for each employer. All employment must be within your visa occupation category and conditions.
What documents need certified translation?
Any documents not in English must include certified translations. Acceptable translations come from:
- Licensed translation services
- Diplomatic missions
- Immigration NZ approved translators
Key Dates & Implementation Timeline
December 8, 2025: New seasonal visa pathways launch
Preparation Timeline:
3-4 months before: Employers should:
- Verify or obtain AEWV accreditation
- Identify seasonal workforce needs
- Begin Job Check applications
2-3 months before: Workers should:
- Research eligible occupations
- Gather experience documentation
- Obtain police and medical certificates
1-2 months before: Complete applications:
- Submit employer Job Checks
- Prepare complete worker applications
- Arrange health insurance (if required)
How These Visas Strengthen New Zealand Businesses
Workforce Planning Certainty
The 3-year GWSV duration allows employers to develop relationships with skilled seasonal workers, reducing training costs and improving productivity across multiple seasons.
Reduced Administrative Burden
GWSV Benefits:
- No labour market testing saves time and resources
- No advertising requirements for skilled roles
- Streamlined process for returning workers
Industry-Specific Solutions
Each visa addresses different seasonal workforce needs:
GWSV: Skilled roles requiring experience and expertise (wine makers, mountain guides, agricultural technicians)
PSV: Essential entry-level roles during peak demand (harvest workers, processing staff)
Quality Assurance
Experience requirements ensure workers arrive with necessary skills:
- GWSV: 3 seasons = proven competency
- PSV: 1 season = basic familiarity with role
Competitive Advantage
Access to reliable seasonal workforce helps New Zealand businesses:
- Meet production deadlines
- Maintain quality standards
- Compete in international markets
- Reduce seasonal labour shortages
Resources & Next Steps
Official Information Sources
Immigration New Zealand:
- Visit: www.immigration.govt.nz
- Search: “Global Workforce Seasonal Visa” or “Peak Seasonal Visa”
Accredited Employer Work Visa Information:
- AEWV framework details
- Employer accreditation process
- Job Check requirements
Work and Income:
- Seasonal employment support
- Labour market information
Getting Started
For Workers:
- Determine which visa matches your experience level
- Search for accredited employers in your industry
- Begin gathering documentation (police certificates take time)
- Research health insurance options (PSV applicants)
For Employers:
- Verify or apply for AEWV accreditation
- Review eligible occupation lists
- Assess seasonal workforce needs
- Prepare Job Check applications
- Understand advertising requirements (PSV roles)
Professional Assistance
Consider licensed immigration advisers for:
- Complex applications
- Previous visa declines
- Unusual circumstances
- Business visa planning
Verify adviser licensing: www.iaa.govt.nz
Conclusion: New Opportunities for Seasonal Work in New Zealand
The introduction of the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa represents significant progress in addressing New Zealand’s seasonal workforce challenges. These pathways provide clear options for both experienced professionals and entry-level workers while maintaining immigration integrity through employer accreditation and appropriate checks.
Key Takeaways:
✓ Two distinct pathways match different skill levels and seasonal patterns
✓ Reduced barriers for skilled workers (no labour market test for GWSV)
✓ Clear eligibility criteria help workers and employers plan effectively
✓ Multiple industries supported from agriculture to winter sports
✓ December 8, 2025 launch provides time for preparation
Whether you’re an experienced agricultural technician, skilled wine maker, snow sports instructor, or seeking entry-level seasonal opportunities, these new visas open doors to work in one of the world’s most beautiful countries.
Start preparing your application now to take advantage of these opportunities from December 2025.