New Zealand To Launch Two New Seasonal Work Visas For Foreign Workers On December 8

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced two new seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.
The new visas aim to provide temporary employment opportunities for foreign workers in New Zealand.
These visas are intended to assist industries in meeting labor demands during peak seasons.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has unveiled two fresh seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme, expanding opportunities for foreign workers seeking temporary employment in New Zealand.

“Starting 8 December 2025, applications will open for two new seasonal visa types under the AEWV framework: the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV),” Immigration New Zealand stated.

These visas allow accredited employers to hire skilled and semi-skilled seasonal workers for roles in sectors like agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. While most conditions mirror the existing AEWV rules, workers wishing to change roles will need to submit a “Job Change” request through INZ.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The GWSV targets workers in long-term, recurring seasonal roles. This visa allows employers to hire without advertising locally or conducting labor market testing, speeding up recruitment for industries reliant on experienced seasonal staff.

Eligibility and requirements for the GWSV include:

Completion of at least three seasonal jobs over the last six years.
Spending a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year.
Validity of up to three years.
Meeting standard health and character requirements.
No English language test required.

This pathway is aimed at experienced seasonal workers who frequently return to New Zealand, providing stability for employers with ongoing seasonal labor needs.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The PSV caters to short-term, high-demand periods when additional workers are needed for peak production. Unlike the GWSV, employers must first advertise roles locally and demonstrate efforts to hire New Zealand residents.

Key requirements for PSV applicants:

At least one season of relevant experience in the past three years.
Visa validity of up to seven months.
Comprehensive health insurance for assignments exceeding three months.
No English language test required.

This visa helps industries such as farming, tourism, and food processing manage busy periods while maintaining fair local hiring practices.

Application Process and Documentation

Applicants for either visa must provide:

A job offer and signed employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer, including employment dates, pay, hours, and work location.
Proof of seasonal work experience via references, payslips, tax records, or work rosters.
Evidence of seasonal breaks, such as travel records or employer letters.
Health insurance for PSV roles longer than three months, covering medical treatment, hospitalization, and emergency evacuation.
Standard AEWV documents like a valid passport, recent photo, medical and police certificates, and other INZ-required supporting documents.

GWSV applicants must additionally complete full health and character assessments due to the visa’s three-year duration.

Background and Purpose

The government emphasized that these visas form part of broader efforts to make New Zealand’s immigration system responsive to industry needs while safeguarding worker welfare and national interests.

The GWSV and PSV were developed after consultations with employers in agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing, highlighting the need for predictable, flexible seasonal hiring. INZ confirmed that the framework incorporates compliance measures to prevent misuse and protect migrant workers from exploitation.