New Seasonal Visa Pathways to Address Labour Shortages
The government has announced two new seasonal visa pathway options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, which will be available from 08 December 2025.
• The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
• The Peak Season Visa (PSV)
These visas are designed to help accredited employers bring in workers for short-term roles during peak seasons within their industries.
More About the Visas
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
This visa is for skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 3 years.
Employers are required to get a job check for a seasonal role. Then a worker applies for the seasonal visa, and visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year.
Applicants need to have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least 3 seasons in the past 6 years.
There is no Labour Market Test or English language requirement, and visa holders can transition to other visa types.
Roles covered under this visa
Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
Agricultural Technician (for example sheep or animal pregnancy scanner)
Chairlift Operator
Tulip Grower
Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
Snow Groomer
Mountain or Glacier Guide
Outdoor Adventure Instructor
Primary Products Inspector
Shearer
Slaughterer
Snow Sports Instructor
Snow Maker
Snowsport Equipment Technician
Whitewater Rafting Guide
Wine Maker
Winery Senior Cellar Hand
Wool Handler
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
This visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 7 months. After reaching the 7-month limit, visa holders must take a 4-month break before reapplying.
Applicants need at least 1 season of relevant experience in the past 3 years and must hold comprehensive health insurance.
There is no English language requirement, but employers must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income.
Roles covered under this visa
Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker
Calf Rearer
Relief Milker
Forestry Worker
Meat Boner and Slicer
Meat Process Worker
Seafood Process Worker
Winery Cellar Hand
Wool Handler
Visa holders under both pathways cannot support partner or dependent visas. They can only change jobs within the same visa type. Applicants moving from a student or work visa will retain interim work rights while their new visa application is being processed.
What is a 'Seasonal Role'?
Each visa includes a list of jobs that are considered seasonal. However, INZ will still need to confirm that the job being offered genuinely fits that definition.
One way to assess this is by looking at how long the job lasts — for example, whether it aligns with the industry’s peak season. This helps ensure the visas are used for genuine short-term needs, not as a way to fill permanent roles.
{Article original source: INZ}
