AEWV Update: New Seasonal Visas Opening on 8 December 2025

AEWV Update: New Seasonal Visas Opening on 8 December 2025

From 8 December 2025, New Zealand introduces two major additions to its Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). These visas are designed to streamline seasonal hiring, strengthen workforce flexibility, and ensure fair recruitment practices for accredited employers across the country.

Understanding New Zealand’s New Seasonal Visas Framework

With the upcoming 2025 visa reforms, employers will find it easier to recruit overseas talent for genuine seasonal roles. Both the GWSV and PSV maintain robust integrity checks to prevent system misuse while ensuring workers enjoy fair and transparent employment conditions.

Both visas fall under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) structure, meaning standard employer accreditation, job approval, and applicant criteria continue to apply. However, the new seasonal visa pathways introduce distinct provisions to address industry-specific workforce needs.

1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV): Key Details

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa caters to workers engaged in recurring, time-specific roles such as in agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, and food processing.

Main Features and Benefits

• No labour market test required: Employers are not obligated to advertise the role domestically or prove attempts to hire a New Zealander before recruiting internationally.

• Visa duration: Up to 3 years, offering long-term seasonal employment stability.

• Experience requirement: Applicants must have at least 3 seasons of relevant experience within the past 6 years.

• Mandatory 3-month absence: Visa holders must spend a minimum of 3 months outside New Zealand each year.

• No English language testing: Simplifies the process for experienced international workers.

• Health and character checks: Compulsory for all applicants due to the extended visa duration.

This pathway is designed for skilled, repeat seasonal professionals who return each year to New Zealand’s critical industries.

2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV): Tailored for Short-Term Workforce Demand

The Peak Seasonal Visa is intended for short-duration peak periods, addressing urgent seasonal demands across various sectors.

Key Conditions

• Labour market test required: Employers must advertise locally and prove efforts to hire a New Zealander before seeking international workers.

• Engagement with Work and Income: Employers must either collaborate with Work and Income in good faith or obtain PSV endorsement from the same agency.

• Visa duration: Up to 7 months, depending on job length and employer needs.

• Experience requirement: Applicants need at least 1 season of relevant work in the past 3 years.

• Health insurance: Mandatory for PSV roles exceeding 3 months, ensuring comprehensive medical coverage during employment.

• No English test requirement: Language proficiency testing is not a barrier to application.

This visa is ideal for employers facing short-term labour surges and for workers seeking temporary, high-demand seasonal roles.

3. Application Requirements for GWSV and PSV

All applicants must demonstrate their eligibility with complete and verifiable documentation. Immigration New Zealand emphasises clarity and accuracy in evidence submission to avoid processing delays.

a. Job Offer and Employment Agreement

Applicants must provide a formal job offer and a signed employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer.The agreement should specify:

• Start and end dates

• Pay rate and guaranteed hours

• Work location

These details ensure transparency and compliance with New Zealand’s labour standards.

b. Evidence of Seasonal Work Experience

Applicants must demonstrate recent, relevant experience:

• GWSV: At least 3 seasons within 6 years

• PSV: At least 1 season within 3 years

Acceptable proof includes:

• Employer reference letters

• Payslips and tax summaries

• Rosters or work logs

• Certifications confirming role and duration

Such documentation verifies the applicant’s competency and familiarity with seasonal roles.

c. Proof of Seasonality

Each applicant must confirm that their employment follows a seasonal pattern.

• GWSV: Evidence of spending 3 months outside New Zealand annually.

• PSV: Demonstration of the 4-month stand-down period between seasonal roles.

Supporting evidence may include:

• Travel itineraries

• Employer confirmation letters

• Dated work and travel schedules

This ensures that roles truly align with seasonal workforce cycles.

d. Health Insurance for PSV Roles

For PSV roles lasting more than 3 months, valid health insurance is mandatory. The policy must:

• Cover GP visits, hospitalisation, and specialist care

• Include prescription medicines and emergency dental

• Provide repatriation or evacuation coverage in case of emergencies

• Remain active throughout employment

Applicants must include:

• Policy certificate with coverage dates

• Benefits summary and exclusions

• Endorsements for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)

Failure to provide active, complete coverage can delay or jeopardise visa approval.

Also read: What are Acceptable Standards of Health Criteria for NZ Visa Approvals

e. Standard AEWV Supporting Documents

Applicants under both seasonal visas must submit:

• Valid passport and photograph

• Health and character checks, including police and medical certificates

• Any additional forms requested by Immigration New Zealand (INZ)

Because GWSV visas last for up to 36 months, comprehensive medical and police certificates are required for all applicants, even if similar documents were submitted previously (unless provided within the last 24 months and no change in character).

This given blog is originally published here