New Zealand Introduces New Seasonal Workers’ Visas

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced two new seasonal visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, offering additional opportunities for foreign workers seeking seasonal employment.

According to INZ, the new visa options were designed to balance the country’s labour demands during peak production periods while protecting job opportunities for residents. Applications for the visas will open on 8 December, 2025.

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) enable accredited employers to hire skilled and semi-skilled seasonal workers across various industries, including agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.

Most rules governing these visas align with existing AEWV conditions, although applicants wishing to change job roles must apply for a “Job Change” through INZ.

The GWSV targets workers engaged in long-term, recurring seasonal roles. Employers hiring under this visa are exempt from advertising vacancies locally and from undergoing a labour market test, thereby expediting recruitment for industries that rely heavily on seasonal expertise.

Applicants must have completed at least three seasonal jobs in the past six years, spend at least three months outside New Zealand each year, meet standard health and character requirements, and the visa is valid for three years. No English test is required.

The PSV is intended for short-term, high-demand periods when additional labour is needed during peak production cycles. Employers must advertise job openings locally and show genuine efforts to hire New Zealand residents.

Applicants for this must have at least one season of relevant experience in the past three years. The visa is valid for up to seven months, requires comprehensive health insurance if employment exceeds three months, and does not require an English test.

Applicants for either visa must provide a job offer and signed employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer, proof of seasonal work experience, evidence of seasonality, and standard AEWV documentation, including a valid passport, medical and police certificates, and a recent photograph. GWSV applicants must also undergo full health and character assessments.

INZ said the new framework is part of efforts to make the immigration system responsive to industry needs while safeguarding worker welfare and national interests.

The agency stated that it developed the GWSV and PSV after consulting employers in agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing, and included checks to prevent misuse of the visas or exploitation of migrant workers.