New Zealand 2025 Seasonal Visas: Global Workforce and Peak Seasonal Visa

New Zealand 2025 Seasonal Visas: Global Workforce and Peak Seasonal Visa

To meet critical workforce demands during New Zealand’s busiest seasons, two new visa categories: Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) will launch on 8 December 2025 under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. These targeted visas are designed to provide accredited employers with faster access to skilled and entry-level seasonal workers while upholding fair immigration practices.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

Purpose and Duration

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa caters to highly skilled seasonal workers in industries that experience defined environmental or operational peaks. Valid for up to 3 years, this visa enables returning seasonal workers to build long-term employment relationships in New Zealand while ensuring periodic breaks outside the country.

• Annual Exit Requirement: Visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year.

• Work Experience Criterion: Applicants must have worked in a relevant seasonal role for a minimum of 3 seasons in the past 6 years.

Application Process for Employers and Workers

1. Employer Job Check: Accredited employers must complete a seasonal role job check.

2. Worker Application: Eligible workers apply for the GWSV.

3. Visa Transition Options: GWSV holders can move to other visa types without reapplying from scratch.

Exemptions and Flexibility

• No Labour Market Test: Employers are not required to demonstrate a shortage before hiring.

• No English Language Requirement: Allows for broader recruitment.

Key Eligible Roles for GWSV

This visa is open to professionals across multiple seasonal industries:

Agriculture & Horticulture

• Operators of agricultural or horticultural mobile plant equipment

• Technicians specialising in livestock or crop diagnostics, including animal pregnancy scanning

• Tulip cultivation specialists

• Experienced wool shearers

Tourism, Snow & Outdoor Recreation

• Chairlift operation crews for ski fields

• Snow preparation experts such as groomers and snow-making technicians

• Mountain and glacier tour guides

• Snow sports instructors and snowsport equipment technicians

• Whitewater rafting and outdoor adventure instructors

Primary Industries & Processing

• Meat processing professionals, including slaughterers

• Primary product inspection specialists

• Winery roles such as winemakers and senior cellar hands

• Thoroughbred yearling preparation specialists

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

Purpose and Duration

The Peak Seasonal Visa addresses demand for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 7 months.

• Mandatory Break: After the 7-month period, visa holders must take a 4-month break before reapplying.

• Experience Requirement: Applicants must have at least 1 season of relevant experience within the past 3 years.

• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage is required for the entire visa period.

Employer Obligations

• Employers must be endorsed by Work and Income or engage directly with the agency to ensure fair recruitment practices.

Key Eligible Roles for PSV

The PSV covers roles with significant short-term workforce demand:

Seafood & Agriculture

• Mussel or oyster aquaculture workers

• Calf-rearing assistants

• Relief milkers supporting dairy operations

Forestry & Processing

• General forestry labourers

• Meat boners, slicers, and processing assistants

• Seafood production line workers

• Winery cellar hands in entry-level roles

• Wool handling staff for seasonal shearing cycles

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