New Seasonal Visa Pathways in New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand has introduced two new visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework to address seasonal labour shortages:

1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV): a pathway for skilled seasonal roles.
2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV): designed for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles.

These pathways are set to support workforce demand by offering structured, time-limited, and role-specific border entry options. Visa holders under both pathways will not be able to support partner or dependent visas. 

These visas will be available from 8 December 2025.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The GWSV is intended for skilled seasonal roles, particularly those requiring technical or specialized experience.

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 

Key Features:

• The GWSV can be granted for up to 3 years.
• Applicants are required to have at least 3 seasons of relevant work within the past 6 years.
• Visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand per year.
• Employers must obtain a job check before the worker can apply for a visa.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The PSV is intended for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles.

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 

Key Features:

• The PSV can be granted for up to 7 months.
• Visa holders must spend at least 4-months outside New Zealand before reapplying.
• Applicants are required to have at least 1 season of relevant work in the past 3 years.
• Applicants must maintain comprehensive health insurance.

These pathways complement, but do not instantly replace, existing visa options like the RSE and Specific Purpose Work Visas. If you are an employer navigating seasonal workforce shortages, now is the time to seek tailored legal guidance.

Our team can assist with ensuring compliance with the new Global Workforce Seasonal and Peak Seasonal Visa requirements, including employer job checks and worker eligibility and providing ongoing immigration strategy to safeguard continuity for workers.

Sarah Caulton, Senior Associate
sarah@mcmillanco.nz