New Zealand to open new seasonal visa routes to ease peak worker shortages

To meet workforce demand during seasonal peaks, New Zealand will roll out two new visa categories, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework. Available from 8 December 2025, these visas are designed to give accredited employers more flexibility in hiring short-term staff for industries affected by environmental and production cycles, such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and food processing.

The government says the move will help fill urgent skill gaps while ensuring immigration rules remain fair and consistent. Both visas will list specific jobs considered seasonal, but immigration officials will still confirm that the role offered genuinely aligns with the industry’s peak season.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The GWSV targets skilled seasonal workers and offers a validity of up to three years. To qualify, applicants must have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least three seasons in the past six years. Visa holders must spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year to maintain eligibility.

This visa does not require a Labour Market Test or proof of English language skills. Importantly, holders can transition to other visa types if they meet the criteria.

Eligible roles include:

• Agricultural and horticultural mobile plant operators
• Agricultural technicians such as sheep or animal pregnancy scanners
• Chairlift operators, snow groomers, and snow makers
• Mountain or glacier guides, whitewater rafting guides, and outdoor adventure instructors
• Wine makers and winery senior cellar hands
• Shearers, slaughterers, and primary products inspectors
• Snow sports instructors and snowsport equipment technicians

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The PSV is designed for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal work and is valid for up to seven months. Applicants must have at least one season of relevant experience in the past three years and hold comprehensive health insurance. After completing the seven-month period, workers must take a four-month break before reapplying.

There is no English language requirement for this visa. Employers hiring under the PSV must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income.

Roles covered include:

• Mussel or oyster farm workers
• Calf rearers and relief milkers
• Forestry workers
• Meat boners, slicers, and other meat process workers
• Seafood process workers
• Winery cellar hands and wool handlers

Visa holders under both categories cannot sponsor partner or dependent visas and may change employers only within the same visa type. Those switching from a student or work visa will retain interim work rights while their seasonal visa application is processed.

The government emphasises that these visas are not a pathway to permanent migration and are meant strictly for genuine seasonal demand. Officials will assess contract durations, industry cycles, and other indicators to ensure compliance and prevent misuse as a substitute for filling permanent roles.