Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has announced two new seasonal visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, offering more opportunities for foreign workers seeking seasonal employment.
According to Immigration New Zealand, the new seasonal visa options aim to balance the country’s labour demands during peak production seasons while ensuring that job opportunities for local residents remain protected.
“From 8 December 2025 applications will open for 2 new seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV),” they stated
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is targeted at workers engaged in long-term, recurring seasonal roles.
Under this visa, employers are exempted from advertising vacancies locally or undergoing a labour market test, a requirement designed to speed up the hiring process for industries that rely heavily on seasonal expertise.
Key conditions for applicants include:
This pathway is intended to help experienced seasonal workers return to New Zealand regularly without repeating lengthy approval processes, creating stability for employers with recurring labour needs.
The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed for short-term, high-demand periods when employers require additional support during peak production cycles.
To use this visa option, employers must advertise job openings locally and demonstrate that they made genuine efforts to hire New Zealand residents before seeking foreign workers.
Key requirements include:
This visa option supports sectors like farming, tourism, and food processing during their busiest months, while still maintaining fairness in local hiring practices.
Applicants for either the GWSV or PSV must meet a set of mandatory conditions to qualify for approval. These include:
The governmnet explained that the new visa framework is part of its broader effort to ensure the country’s immigration system remains responsive to industry needs while safeguarding worker welfare and national interests.
The agency said it developed the GWSV and PSV after consultations with employers in agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors, which identified the need for predictable and flexible seasonal hiring channels.
It added that the system includes checks and compliance measures to prevent misuse of the visa program or the exploitation of migrant workers.