New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas 2025: Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa Explained
The New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas 2025 program introduces two structured visa pathways under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) system: the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). Effective from 8 December 2025, these visas aim to support employers in hiring overseas workers for seasonal roles while ensuring compliance and worker protections.
Why New Zealand Introduced New Seasonal Work Visas
Previously, the Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV) was used for seasonal work. From December 2025, this visa is discontinued for new hires. The New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas 2025 framework aligns seasonal work with the AEWV system to make hiring predictable, transparent, and role-specific.
The new system ensures that seasonal roles remain temporary and compliant, while accredited employers can access overseas labour during peak seasons. For official reference, visit the Immigration New Zealand visa page.
Overview of GWSV and PSV
| Visa Type | Primary Purpose | Key Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) | Recurring skilled or semi-skilled seasonal roles across multiple seasons | • Valid for up to 3 years (up to 3 seasons) • Work up to 9 months per year • Must spend 3 months outside NZ each year • No English or labour market test required • Dependents not allowed |
| Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) | Short-term labour peaks in lower-skilled seasonal roles | • Visa duration up to 7 months • Labour market test required • Stand-down period before reapplying • Health insurance required if role exceeds 3 months |
Who Should Consider These Visas
The New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas 2025 may suit overseas workers with prior seasonal work experience and employers seeking temporary, compliant staff. Key candidates include:
- Workers with experience in agriculture, tourism, or seasonal processing roles
- Employers with AEWV accreditation aiming for lawful seasonal recruitment
- Individuals intending to work temporarily and return home after each season
Eligible Jobs and Sectors
Immigration New Zealand provides official job lists for GWSV and PSV. Only these listed roles are eligible. Examples include:
GWSV Roles
- Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operators
- Snow groomers, ski technicians, chairlift operators
- Mountain, glacier, and outdoor adventure guides
- Whitewater rafting instructors
- Wine makers and senior winery cellar staff
- Primary products inspectors, shearers
PSV Roles
- Harvest and crop processing workers
- Seafood and meat processing staff
- Wool handling and livestock seasonal roles
- Factory-based seasonal labour during peak demand
Application Requirements
1. Job Offer from an AEWV-Accredited Employer
Applicants must hold a signed employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer, including a valid job token for GWSV or PSV.
2. Proof of Seasonal Work Experience
- GWSV: Minimum three seasons in last six years
- PSV: Minimum one season in last three years
Acceptable evidence includes reference letters, payslips, tax records, and rosters; CV alone is insufficient.
3. Evidence the Job Is Genuinely Seasonal
Roles must have fixed seasonal start and end dates. Workers must comply with mandatory stand-down or offshore periods.
4. Health and Character Checks
- Medical examinations and chest X-rays may be required
- Police certificate for character assessment
- Health insurance required for PSV roles longer than three months
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Receive a job offer from an accredited employer
- Gather documents (passport, work experience proof, medical/police records)
- Submit an online AEWV application
- Upload all supporting documents
- Pay the applicable visa fee
- Wait for Immigration NZ decision
- Receive eVisa with conditions if approved
Employer Responsibilities
Employers must discontinue SPWV for new hires after December 2025, maintain AEWV accreditation, hold valid job tokens, and provide compliant employment agreements. Costs cannot be transferred to workers.
Key Differences: GWSV vs PSV
- Duration: GWSV supports multi-season; PSV is short-term
- Experience: Higher threshold for GWSV
- Labour Market Test: Required only for PSV
- Dependents: Not allowed under GWSV
Why These Seasonal Work Visas Are Useful
The New Zealand Seasonal Work Visas 2025 system provides a structured, transparent pathway for temporary work, protecting both employers and overseas workers. For official reference, interested readers may visit Immigration New Zealand.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Visa rules, eligibility, and fees may change. Always verify on the official Immigration New Zealand website or consult a licensed immigration adviser.
Intrasted
Glad to hear that, Sagar! Please go through the information available on the webpage and do apply, if eligible.
If u have any job for fresher horticulture graduate
Sure, Sandip! Stay tuned for relevant jobs. All the best!