By Deborah Nnamdi
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced the introduction of two new seasonal visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, expanding opportunities for foreign workers seeking temporary employment across key industries.
According to the agency, the new Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) will open for applications on December 8, 2025. The initiative aims to balance New Zealand’s seasonal labour demands while ensuring that local job opportunities remain protected.
The GWSV is designed for workers engaged in recurring seasonal roles, allowing accredited employers to hire experienced seasonal workers without the need for local job advertising or labour market tests. Applicants must have completed at least three seasonal jobs within the past six years, spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand annually, and meet standard health and character requirements. The visa will be valid for up to three years, and no English test is required.
The PSV, on the other hand, targets short-term, high-demand periods when industries such as agriculture, tourism, and food processing require additional workforce support. Employers must first advertise locally and prove genuine efforts to hire New Zealand residents. Applicants must have at least one season of relevant experience within the past three years, and the visa will be valid for up to seven months. Workers employed for more than three months must also have comprehensive health insurance.
Both visa types require a valid job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer, evidence of previous seasonal work, and standard documentation such as medical and police certificates. Applicants for the GWSV must also undergo full health and character assessments before approval.
INZ said the new visa framework was developed after consultations with employers in agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors to create a predictable and flexible system that supports seasonal industries. The agency added that compliance checks and safeguards have been built into the system to prevent worker exploitation and ensure fair labour practices.
