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 seasonal 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
- Employer Job Check: Accredited employers must complete a seasonal role job check.
- Worker Application: Eligible workers apply for the GWSV.
- 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 Global Workforce Seasonal Visa
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 Peak Seasonal Visa
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
Key Restrictions for Both Visa Types
- No Dependent or Partner Sponsorship: Visa holders cannot support applications for family members.
- Job Type Lock-in: Workers can only change employers within the same visa category.
- Interim Work Rights: Applicants moving from a student or work visa maintain work rights while their new application is processed.
What is Seasonal Role
Seasonal roles are defined by their alignment with industry peak periods rather than permanent employment needs. Jobs must be time-bound and directly linked to seasonal demand, such as agricultural harvests, winter tourism, or seafood processing cycles.
Comparative Overview of GWSV vs PSV
| Feature | GWSV | PSV |
|---|---|---|
| Skill Level | Skilled / Specialised | Entry-level / Lower-skilled |
| Duration | Up to 3 years | Up to 7 months |
| Mandatory Break | 3 months outside NZ annually | 4 months after visa expiry |
| Experience Requirement | 3 seasons in past 6 years | 1 season in past 3 years |
| Labour Market Test | Not required | Not required |
| English Language Requirement | None | None |
| Health Insurance Requirement | Not specified | Mandatory |
| Employer Obligation | Job check by accredited employer | Endorsement or engagement with Work and Income |
| Eligible Occupations | Skilled seasonal roles | Entry-level seasonal roles |
Wrapping up
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa create streamlined pathways for bringing seasonal talent into New Zealand. By catering to both skilled professionals and entry-level workers, these seasonal visas aim to secure essential labour during peak demand periods, supporting industries like agriculture, horticulture, tourism, forestry, and food processing while maintaining immigration integrity.
How Immigration Chambers Supports Your 2025 Seasonal Visa Application
Immigration Chambers provides end-to-end guidance for securing your New Zealand 2025 Seasonal Visas, whether you’re aiming for the GWSV or PSV. Our team ensures your application meets all eligibility criteria, prepares strong supporting documents, and navigates you through employer requirements. From role verification to timely submission, we streamline the process so you can focus on your seasonal work plans. Let our licensed immigration lawyer for New Zealand help you take the first step towards your New Zealand seasonal job.
FAQs
1. What are the main types of New Zealand 2025 Seasonal Visas?
The 2025 Seasonal Visas option include the GWSV (Green List Work Seasonal Visa) and the PSV (Primary Sector Visa), each with specific eligibility and employer requirements.
2. Who is eligible for the 2025 Seasonal Visa?
Eligibility depends on factors such as job offer, role verification, employer accreditation, and meeting immigration health and character standards.
3. How can Immigration Chambers help with my Seasonal Visa application?
We provide complete guidance, from verifying job roles and preparing documentation to ensuring timely and accurate application submission.
4. Do I need a job offer before applying for a Seasonal Visa?
Yes. A valid job offer from an approved employer is a key requirement for both GWSV and PSV pathways.
5. How long does the Seasonal Visa process take?
Processing times vary, but with complete and correct documentation, Immigration Chambers can help streamline the process to avoid delays.
6. Can my family join me on a Seasonal Visa?
Seasonal Visas are generally designed for temporary work and may not include family sponsorship options. Specific rules apply depending on the visa type.
7. What documents are required for a Seasonal Visa application?
Common requirements include proof of job offer, identity documents, health checks, character certificates, and role verification documents.