New Zealand to open applications for two new seasonal visa categories — who will benefit from this?

In a major development aimed at streamlining the process for hiring seasonal workers, New Zealand Immigration has announced that applications will open on 8 December 2025 for two new visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework - the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).The move, announced by New Zealand Immigration, is designed to help accredited employers fill genuine seasonal roles more efficiently, while maintaining safeguards to prevent the misuse of the system. As per the announcement, these new visas will cater specifically to industries that rely heavily on seasonal labour, such as horticulture, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.According to this, the GWSV and PSV will simplify the process for hiring roles that may be temporary and seasonal in nature, but are critical to the country’s economic cycles.Most of the standard AEWV conditions will still apply, including employer accreditation and compliance with employment laws. However, each new visa comes with unique eligibility criteria to reflect the different types of seasonal work patterns they are intended to support.

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is specifically designed for workers engaged in roles that are genuinely seasonal in nature. It eliminates the requirement for employers to undertake a labour market test, meaning they do not have to prove they have tried to hire a New Zealander before recruiting internationally, provided the job is on an approved seasonal list.

Key features of the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa

No labour market test: As mentioned above, employers are not required to advertise the position locally before hiring from overseas.Visa duration: This visa is valid for a period up to three years. It offers longer stability for seasonal operations.Experience requirement: At the time of applying, the applicant must have completed at least three seasons of relevant experience within the past six years.Seasonal break requirement: The visa holders must spend three months outside New Zealand each year to maintain seasonal integrity.No English test: Applicants are not required to undertake English language testing.Health and character checks: All applicants must meet standard health and character requirements, regardless of their stay duration.This visa will be particularly advantageous for industries with ongoing seasonal labour demands, such as fruit picking, viticulture, and seafood processing. The longer three-year validity period, combined with streamlined employer obligations, is expected to reduce administrative burdens and help businesses plan their seasonal workforce more efficiently.

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The Peak Seasonal Visa is designed to support businesses during short-term peak periods when labour demand spikes sharply. Unlike the GWSV, the PSV still requires employers to complete a labour market test.This step is in place to prove that they have made genuine efforts to recruit locally before hiring international workers.

Key features of the Peak Seasonal Visa

Labour market test required: Employers must advertise the role and engage with Work and Income in good faith or obtain PSV endorsement from the agency.Visa duration: This visa is valid for up to seven months, and is more suitable for shorter seasonal projects.Experience requirement: Applicants need at least one season of relevant experience within the last three years.Health insurance: If the role exceeds three months, applicants must have comprehensive health insurance covering their entire employment period.No English test required.This visa category is expected to cater to employers needing additional hands for short-term harvests, tourism surges, or seasonal events.

By ensuring that local hiring options are exhausted first, it helps balance workforce needs with domestic employment priorities.

What applicants need to prepare

Prospective applicants must provide clear and complete documentation demonstrating that they meet all requirements for their chosen visa category. The process includes several key components such as:1. Job offer and employment agreementApplicants must secure a job offer and signed employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer for an eligible seasonal role.

The agreement must specify the start and end dates, pay rate and guaranteed hours, and the location of work.2. Proof of seasonal work experienceTo qualify, applicants must show relevant experience: In case of GWSV, at least three seasons in a similar role within the past six years, and in case of PSV, at least one season in a similar role within the past three years. For both, acceptable proof includes employer reference letters, payslips, tax records, work rosters, or certifications confirming the applicant’s role, duties, and employment dates.3. Evidence of seasonalityApplicants must demonstrate that their work follows a seasonal pattern: For GWSV, the applicant will need to show proof of spending three months outside New Zealand each year. For PSV, the applicant will need to show proof of observing a four-month stand-down period between PSV applications. For this, supporting evidence can include travel itineraries, work schedules, or letters from employers confirming seasonal cycles and off-periods.4. Health insurance (PSV roles longer than three months)For PSV roles extending beyond three months, comprehensive health insurance is mandatory. The policy must cover general and emergency healthcare, hospitalisation, and specialist services. And also Include prescription medicines and follow-up care. The insurance also provides coverage for emergency evacuation or repatriation, including in case of death.

Applicants must submit the insurance certificate, benefit summary, and translations if necessary.

The coverage must remain valid for the full employment period.5. Standard AEWV documentationAll applicants must also provide a valid passport and recent photo, health and character documents, including medical and police certificates, and any other forms requested by Immigration New Zealand. Since the GWSV grants a three-year stay, full medical and character checks are mandatory for all applicants, even if they have previously submitted them.