New Zealand Launches Two New Seasonal Work Visas

To tackle critical labour shortages 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)—as part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework. These visas, set to launch on 8 December 2025, aim to provide accredited employers with greater flexibility in hiring short-term workers for industries driven by environmental and production cycles.

Sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, food processing, and other season-sensitive fields are expected to benefit most from these changes. Government officials say the move will help fill urgent skill gaps while ensuring immigration rules remain fair, transparent, and consistent.

New Zealand: Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The GWSV is tailored for skilled seasonal workers and offers a validity period of up to three years. To qualify, applicants must have completed at least three seasonal roles in the relevant industry over the past six years. One key condition is that visa holders must spend at least three months outside New Zealand each year to maintain eligibility.

Unlike many other work visas, the GWSV does not require a Labour Market Test or proof of English language proficiency. Holders can also transition to other visa types if they meet the necessary requirements.

Eligible GWSV roles include:

• Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operators

• Agricultural technicians (e.g., sheep or animal pregnancy scanners)

• Chairlift operators, snow groomers, and snow makers

• Mountain and glacier guides, whitewater rafting guides, and outdoor adventure instructors

• Winemakers and senior cellar hands

• Shearers, slaughterers, and primary products inspectors

• Snow sports instructors and equipment technicians

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The PSV caters to entry-level and lower-skilled seasonal work and has a maximum validity of seven months. Applicants must have at least one season of relevant experience within the past three years and hold comprehensive health insurance.

Once their PSV expires, workers are required to take a four-month break before reapplying. There is no English language requirement, but employers must be endorsed by or engage with Work and Income.

Eligible PSV roles include:

• Mussel and oyster farm workers

• Calf rearers and relief milkers

• Forestry workers

• Meat boners, slicers, and other meat process workers

• Seafood processing staff

• Winery cellar hands and wool handlers

New Zealand: Important Conditions for Both Visas

Holders of the New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas under either category:

• Cannot sponsor partner or dependent visas.

• Can change employers only within the same visa type.

• Will retain interim work rights if switching from a student or work visa while their application is processed.

The government has clarified that these visas are not a pathway to permanent residency. Immigration officials will closely review employment contracts, seasonal cycles, and industry data to ensure these categories are used only for genuine seasonal demand, not as a substitute for permanent workforce needs.

Industry Reaction

Industry groups across agriculture, tourism, and food production have welcomed the move, saying it will help address labour shortages that peak during specific months. “This policy recognises the reality of seasonal labour demands without compromising the integrity of New Zealand’s immigration system,” one agricultural representative noted.

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