Wellington – New Zealand is set to introduce two new visa categories aimed at addressing labor shortages during seasonal peaks. Beginning 8 December 2025, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) will become available under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework, providing accredited employers with greater flexibility in filling short-term roles.
The initiative comes in response to urgent workforce demands in industries shaped by environmental and production cycles, including agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and food processing. Authorities emphasize that the new visas will not only ease staffing pressures but also maintain fairness and consistency within immigration rules.
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is structured for experienced seasonal workers. Valid for up to three years, it requires applicants to demonstrate a track record of at least three relevant seasons within the past six years. Holders must spend a minimum of three months outside the country each year to remain eligible, but they may transition to other visa types should they meet the necessary criteria.
Unlike many traditional work visas, the GWSV does not mandate a Labour Market Test or English language requirement. Eligible roles range from agricultural technicians and plant operators to wine makers, shearers, and snow sports instructors. Immigration officials will continue to assess whether positions genuinely align with peak industry demands.
The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), on the other hand, is tailored for entry-level or lower-skilled roles. Valid for up to seven months, it requires at least one season of experience within the past three years as well as comprehensive health insurance. Workers under this category must take a four-month break between applications. Employers hiring PSV holders are required to engage with or gain endorsement from Work and Income.
Roles covered under the PSV include seafood processing workers, forestry staff, relief milkers, and meat processors, among others. Similar to the GWSV, this visa type excludes family sponsorship and restricts employer changes to the same visa category.
Officials have stressed that both visas are designed solely to address short-term needs and will not serve as a pathway to permanent migration. Assessments will consider contract lengths, industry patterns, and other indicators to prevent misuse of the system as a substitute for long-term employment solutions.
The seasonal visa rollout reflects New Zealand’s broader strategy to balance economic resilience with immigration integrity while ensuring that industries most vulnerable to workforce shortages can sustain operations during critical periods.
