New Seasonal Visa Options Opening 8 December 2025
by | December 15, 2025 | News
From 8 December 2025, applications will open for two new seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
- Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
These new visas are designed to make it easier for AEWV-accredited employers to hire overseas workers for genuine seasonal roles, while maintaining safeguards to protect workers and the New Zealand labour market.
🔗 INZ announcement:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-seasonal-visas-open-8-december-2025
Most visa conditions align with the AEWV. Any changes to visa conditions will require a Job Change application.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
The GWSV is intended for roles that are genuinely seasonal and recurring.
Key features:
- No labour market test required for approved roles
- Visas granted for up to 3 years (36 months)
- Applicants must have at least 3 seasons of relevant experience in the last 6 years
- Applicants must spend 3 months outside New Zealand each year
- Full health and character checks required, regardless of length of stay
- No English language test required
🔗 Global Workforce Seasonal Visa:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/global-workforce-seasonal-visa
🔗 Eligible GWSV jobs:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/global-workforce-seasonal-visa-jobs-list
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
The PSV supports employers during short, high-demand seasonal peaks.
Key features:
- Labour market test required
- Employers must engage with Work and Income or obtain PSV endorsement
- Visas granted for up to 7 months
- Applicants must have at least 1 season of relevant experience in the last 3 years
- Health insurance required if employment exceeds 3 months
- No English language test required
🔗 Peak Seasonal Visa:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/visas/peak-seasonal-visa
🔗 Eligible PSV jobs:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/requirements-for-work-visas/peak-seasonal-visa-jobs-list
What Applicants Need to Prepare
Applicants must submit clear and complete evidence, including:
1. Job Offer & Employment Agreement
A signed agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer confirming:
- Start and end dates
- Pay rate
- Guaranteed hours
- Work location
🔗 https://www.immigration.govt.nz/work/accredited-employer-work-visa
2. Seasonal Work Experience
- GWSV: 3 seasons in the last 6 years
- PSV: 1 season in the last 3 years
Evidence may include employer letters, payslips, tax records, rosters, or certifications.
3. Proof of Seasonality
- GWSV: Evidence you can spend 3 months outside NZ each year
- PSV: Evidence you can meet the 4-month stand-down before reapplying
4. Health Insurance (PSV roles over 3 months)
Insurance must fully cover the employment period with no gaps.
5. Standard AEWV Requirements
- Valid passport and photo
- Health and character checks
- Police certificates where required
⚠️ Important:
Because GWSV visas are granted for 36 months, full medical and police certificates must be submitted with the application, not just proof of application.
More Information
- Hiring migrants for seasonal peaks:
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/employ-migrants/hiring-migrants-for-seasonal-peaks