Two New Seasonal Visa Options Announced by Immigration New Zealand15 Aug 2025

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced two new visa pathways to help accredited employers meet workforce demands during seasonal peaks. These visas – available from 8 December 2025 – are part of the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework and are designed to support short-term, seasonal roles across various industries.

What Counts as a Seasonal Role?

Seasonal roles are typically tied to peak periods in industries like agriculture, tourism, and food processing. INZ will assess whether a job is genuinely seasonal – looking at factors like duration and alignment with industry demand – to ensure these visas are used appropriately.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

This visa is for skilled seasonal roles and allows workers to stay in New Zealand for up to 3 years. However, visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year.

Key features:

  • Requires 3 seasons of relevant experience in the past 6 years
  • No English language requirement
  • No Labour Market Test
  • Employers must still complete a Job Check
  • Visa holders can transition to other visa types
  • Cannot support partner or dependent visas

      • Eligible roles:

      • 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


      Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

      This visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 7 months. After that, workers must leave New Zealand before applying again.

      Key features:

      • Requires at least 1 season of relevant experience in the past 3 years
      • Must hold comprehensive health insurance
      • No English language requirement
      • Employers must be endorsed by or engage with Work and Income
      • Change jobs within the same visa type
      • Cannot support partner or dependent visas

      Eligible roles:

      • 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


      What Employers Need to Know

      To support a worker under either visa, employers must:
      • Be accredited under the AEWV scheme
      • Complete a Job Check for the role
      • Ensure the role meets the definition of seasonal work


      Need Help Navigating These Changes?

      If you're an employer looking to hire seasonal workers or a migrant exploring seasonal work opportunities, we can help you understand your options and assist with an application. Call 0508PATHWAYS today for and speak to a Pathways® licensed immigration adviser today!