New Zealand Seasonal Visa Under Accredited Employer Work Visa

Key Point  

• New Zealand will open applications for two new seasonal visas under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework on 8 December 2025 

Seasonal Work Visas  

New Zealand announced that from 8 December 2025, employers can hire workers under two new visa categories: the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).  

Both visas are designed to facilitate the recruitment of genuine seasonal workers by accredited employers, while maintaining compliance checks to prevent misuse. 

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) 

• Purpose: For roles that are genuinely seasonal. 
• Key features: 
  • No labor market test required (employers do not need to advertise locally first). 
  • Visa valid for three years. 
  • Applicants must meet health and character requirements. 
  • Requires at least three seasons of relevant experience within the last 6 years. 
  • Applicants must spend three months outside New Zealand each year. 
  • No English language testing required.  

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) 

• Purpose: For short peak periods. 
• Key features: 
  • Labor market test required (employers must advertise locally first). 
  • Employers must engage with Work and Income or obtain PSV endorsement. 
  • Visa valid for up to seven months. 
  • Applicants need at least one season of relevant experience within the last three years. 
  • If the job runs longer than three months, comprehensive health insurance is required. 
  • No English language testing required. 

Application Requirements 

Applicants must provide: 

• A job offer and signed employment agreement from an AEWV‑accredited employer. 
• Evidence of seasonal work experience (letters, pay slips, tax summaries, rosters). 
• Proof of seasonality (travel plans, employer letters, timelines). 
• Health insurance for PSV roles longer than three months. 
• Standard AEWV supporting documents: valid passport, photo medical and police certificates. 

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