Talent Management
New Zealand to launch two new seasonal work visa options from December 8
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa aim to give accredited employers more flexibility to fill genuine short-term roles while maintaining worker protections.
New Zealand will open applications for two new seasonal work visa categories — the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) — starting December 8, 2025, under its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.
The move is designed to make it easier for accredited employers to hire overseas talent for genuine seasonal roles while ensuring strong compliance measures remain in place.
Under the GWSV, employers can bring in workers for up to three years without the need for a labour market test, provided the role is approved as a long-term seasonal position. Applicants must have completed at least three seasons of relevant work in the past six years and spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year. English testing will not be required for this visa type.
The PSV, meanwhile, covers short-term peak periods of up to seven months. Employers must advertise locally and prove efforts to recruit New Zealanders before hiring overseas. Applicants must have at least one season of experience within the past three years, and for jobs exceeding three months, full health insurance will be mandatory.
Both visa applicants will need a job offer and signed agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer, specifying pay, hours, and work period. They must also meet health and character requirements.
Immigration New Zealand said the new categories are part of its ongoing effort to balance industry needs with fair employment practices, especially in sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, and hospitality, where seasonal labour plays a vital role.
The move is designed to make it easier for accredited employers to hire overseas talent for genuine seasonal roles while ensuring strong compliance measures remain in place.
Under the GWSV, employers can bring in workers for up to three years without the need for a labour market test, provided the role is approved as a long-term seasonal position. Applicants must have completed at least three seasons of relevant work in the past six years and spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year. English testing will not be required for this visa type.
The PSV, meanwhile, covers short-term peak periods of up to seven months. Employers must advertise locally and prove efforts to recruit New Zealanders before hiring overseas. Applicants must have at least one season of experience within the past three years, and for jobs exceeding three months, full health insurance will be mandatory.
Both visa applicants will need a job offer and signed agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer, specifying pay, hours, and work period. They must also meet health and character requirements.
Immigration New Zealand said the new categories are part of its ongoing effort to balance industry needs with fair employment practices, especially in sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, and hospitality, where seasonal labour plays a vital role.
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