New Seasonal Work Visas: Addressing Labour Shortages For Specific Roles
New Zealand's New Seasonal Work Visas: Addressing Labour Shortages with Targeted Solutions
Starting 8 December 2025, New Zealand will introduce two new visa pathways designed to tackle seasonal labour shortages. The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) represent a strategic approach to filling short-term roles during environmental peak seasons across various industries.
Understanding the Two-Tier System
The Government has created a thoughtful distinction between skilled and entry-level seasonal work through these two visa categories, each with tailored requirements and conditions.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV): For Skilled Seasonal Workers
The GWSV targets experienced professionals in specialised seasonal roles, offering longer-term flexibility with a validity period of up to three years. This visa recognises that skilled seasonal work often requires significant expertise and experience.
Key Features:
Valid for up to 3 years
Can work for up to 9 months in each season (must leave New Zealand for a minimum of 3 months each year)
No Labour Market Test required
No English language requirement
Ability to transition to other visa types (such as an AEWV).
Eligibility Requirements: applicants must demonstrate at least 3 seasons of relevant work experience within the past 6 years. This ensures visa holders bring genuine expertise to their roles.
Covered Occupations:
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): For Entry-Level Seasonal Work
The PSV addresses immediate, short-term labour needs in entry-level positions with a more restrictive but accessible framework.
Key Features:
Valid for up to 7 months
Can re-apply for this visa however mandatory 4 month break between applications
Requires comprehensive health insurance
Employer must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income
No English language requirement
Eligibility Requirements: The barrier to entry is lower, requiring just 1 season of relevant experience within the past 3 years, making this visa accessible to workers with limited but relevant experience.
Covered Occupations:
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
Important Limitations and Considerations
Both visa types include significant restrictions that applicants and employers should understand:
Family Limitations: Neither visa allows holders to support partner or dependent visas, emphasizing their temporary, work-focused nature.
Employment Flexibility: Job changes are restricted to roles within the same visa category, preventing workers from moving between GWSV and PSV positions or transitioning to non-seasonal work.
Genuine Seasonal Work Requirement: Immigration New Zealand will scrutinise applications to ensure roles are genuinely seasonal rather than permanent positions disguised as seasonal work. The duration and timing of work relative to industry peak seasons will be key assessment factors.
What This Means for Employers
Accreditation and Job Check Requirements: Before utilising either visa pathway, employers must be accredited under the and obtain valid job checks for their seasonal roles. This ensures only legitimate employers with proper systems in place can access seasonal workers through these visa categories.
Accredited employers will then need to obtain job checks specific to their seasonal roles before workers can apply. The requirement for Work and Income engagement or endorsement for PSV roles adds an additional compliance layer but also provides support for workforce planning.
The absence of Labour Market Tests for GWSV positions streamlines the process for skilled roles, whilst the Work and Income requirement for PSV ensures entry-level positions are offered to domestic workers first.
Transition Provisions
A practical benefit for current visa holders is the retention of interim work rights while transitioning from student or work visas to these new seasonal options. This prevents employment gaps during application processing.
Strategic Implications
These visas represent a nuanced approach to seasonal labour needs, acknowledging that different industries and skill levels require different immigration solutions. The mandatory absence periods ensure these remain genuinely temporary work arrangements rather than backdoor pathways to residence.
The limited roles for these visa may mean for some employers it is still best to continue down the AEWV pathway as this visa can also be used for fixed term employment.
The timing of the December 2025 launch allows employers and potential applicants to prepare for the upcoming seasonal peaks in agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.
Advice for Potential Applicants
For GWSV applicants: Start documenting your seasonal work experience now. The 3-seasons in 6-years requirement means comprehensive records of previous employment will be crucial.
For PSV applicants: Ensure you have comprehensive health insurance arrangements and verify that potential employers have the necessary Work and Income engagement.
For all applicants: Remember that these visas are designed for genuine seasonal work. Applications should align with established industry peak seasons and demonstrate clear temporary employment needs.
These new visa pathways offer valuable opportunities for both workers seeking seasonal employment and employers needing specialised seasonal staff. However, success will depend on careful preparation, genuine seasonal work arrangements, and compliance with all visa conditions.
As we approach the December launch date, expect further guidance from Immigration New Zealand on application processes and assessment criteria. Licensed Immigration Advisers will play a crucial role in helping both employers and workers navigate these new pathways successfully. If you are an employer or migrant who might fall into this category, get in touch with us today to understand your options.