Wellington, NZ – In response to growing labour demands during busy periods, the New Zealand Government has announced the introduction of two new visa categories — the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) — set to open on 8 December 2025.
Both visas will operate under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework and are designed to help accredited employers bring in experienced seasonal workers for short-term, high-demand roles across key industries such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, food processing, and rural contracting.
Two Visas, Different Skill Levels
The GWSV will cater to highly skilled seasonal workers who have completed at least three relevant work seasons in the past six years. It offers a visa period of up to three years, with holders required to spend at least three months outside New Zealand in every 12-month cycle before returning. Roles covered under this visa may include winemaking, rural contracting, sheep scanning, and snow instruction.
The PSV, on the other hand, is aimed at entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles, such as meat and seafood processing, calf-rearing, and wool handling. It allows a stay of up to seven months, requiring at least one season of relevant experience within the last three years. Renewal will require workers to leave New Zealand for at least four months before reapplying.
Both visas remove the English language requirement and Labour Market Test. However, employers must still advertise these roles and work with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to ensure New Zealand citizens and residents are given priority for available jobs.
Protecting Jobs for New Zealanders While Meeting Industry Needs
Immigration Minister Erica Stanford said the new visas are about striking the right balance between supporting employers and protecting opportunities for New Zealand workers.
“We know the success of our seasonal industries is critical to growing the economy. These new visas will make it easier for employers to bring back experienced seasonal workers and to fill short-term roles that are hard to fully staff locally,” she said.
“We are making sure businesses can access the right people at the right time, while also protecting opportunities for Kiwis.”
For seasonal visa holders staying more than three months, a new requirement for health insurance will apply. Both visas will come with strict eligibility rules, seasonal timing requirements, and conditions designed to ensure that the system is fair and beneficial for both workers and employers.
Why These Visas Matter
Industry leaders have long called for more flexible seasonal work options to address labour shortages, particularly in regions heavily dependent on seasonal trade. Whether it’s a ski instructor teaching a first-time snowboarder or a wine expert overseeing harvest season, these visas aim to keep vital seasonal industries running smoothly without long-term immigration commitments.
