New Seasonal Visas for New Zealand 2025 Simplify Hiring for Accredited Employers

Empowering Employers, Supporting Workers

By introducing the new seasonal visas for New Zealand, the Government aims to balance the employer requirements along with fair recruitment practices. These visas make the process much easier for accredited employers, bring and support ethical hiring and to make sure that overseas workers can meaningfully contribute to New Zealand’s industries on a seasonal basis. It is a progressive step, one that strengthens seasonal industries, safeguards integrity and creates opportunities that are advantages to all. Visas are made to make it easier for certain employers to hire for genuine roles that need to be filled seasonally, all the while creating fair and practical opportunities for experienced international workers. Whether it’s in horticulture, agriculture, or tourism, the new seasonal visas for New Zealand 2025 aim to strengthen industries that depend on seasonal labour. It is definitely a forward-looking move that dwells on both efficiency with integrity, so that the right kind of people are here to contribute when needed most, while still maintaining strong checks to prevent misuse.

That is why New Zealand is introducing a bold new chapter in its approach to seasonal employment. From 8 December 2025, two new visa categories, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), will open under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.

A New Chapter in Seasonal Employment

The new seasonal visas for New Zealand 2025 offer flexibility and structure for employers and applicants...the possible employees. Both these visas are set within the AEWV framework, meaning they follow most of the same rules, but with different targets showcasing the nature of seasonal work.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

This visa is tailored for roles that are genuinely seasonal and require specialised skills or recurring work experience.

Key features include:

• No need for employers to advertise the role locally or prove efforts to hire New Zealanders, meaning, no labour market test required.

• Valid for 3 years, offering long-term seasonal employment opportunities.

• Applicants must meet health and character standards, regardless of intended stay.

• Experience requirement: At least 3 seasons of relevant experience within the past 6 years.

• Seasonal balance: Applicants must spend 3 months outside New Zealand each year.

• English language testing is not required.

This option ensures experienced seasonal workers can return each year, supporting stability for both employers and employees.Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed for short-term, high-demand periods — perfect for sectors that need extra hands during peak times.

Key features include:

• Employers must advertise roles in New Zealand first and complete a labour market test.

• Engagement with Work and Income is required — either through good faith consultation or by gaining a PSV endorsement.

• Visa duration: Up to 7 months, with at least 1 season of experience within the past 3 years.

• Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for roles lasting more than 3 months.

• English language testing is not required.

The PSV helps meet short-term demand while keeping opportunities open for New Zealanders first.

What Applicants Need to Prepare

Applying for the new seasonal visas for New Zealand 2025 requires clear and complete documentation.

1. Job Offer and Employment Agreement

Applicants must secure an offer from an AEWV-accredited employer for an eligible seasonal role. The employment agreement must clearly state:

• Start and end dates

• Pay rate

• Guaranteed hours

• Location of work

2. Seasonal Work Experience

Evidence of relevant seasonal work is crucial.

GWSV: 3 seasons of relevant experience in the last 6 years.

PSV: 1 season of relevant experience in the last 3 years.

Acceptable proof includes:

Employer letters, payslips, rosters, tax summaries, or certified records confirming your role, dates and duties.

3. Proof of Seasonality

Applicants must demonstrate that their work pattern fits seasonal requirements:

GWSV: Must show 3 months spent outside New Zealand each year.

PSV: Must show a 4-month stand-down period before applying for another PSV.

Evidence may include travel itineraries, employer confirmations or dated work timelines.

4. Health Insurance (For PSV roles exceeding 3 months)

If the role of PSV is longer than 3 months, the applicants must have acceptable health insurance covering their entire employment period in New Zealand.

Policies must cover:

• Primary and urgent care necessities

• Hospitalisation services

• Prescription medicines and follow-up care

• Dental treatment including emergency

• Repatriation or evacuation to home country

• Any other policy certificates

5. Basic AEWV Supporting Documents

Applicants must submit:

• Valid passport and photo

• Required health and character certificates

• Any other supporting forms/ documents required by Immigration New Zealand

Whereas, for GWSV holders, which is valid for 36 months, requires a full medical and character checks regardless of previous applications. Lastly, to avoid further delays it is best to also produce Police certificates along with other documents.