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New Zealand Set to Launch Two New Seasonal Work Visa Programs in December 2025

November 13, 2025 6:20 am

New Zealand Set to Launch Two New Seasonal Work Visa Programs in December 2025

Exciting changes are coming to New Zealand’s labor landscape this December. The country will introduce two seasonal work visas under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework. These new options aim to streamline the hiring process for employers while ensuring proper oversight.

Overview of the New Seasonal Visas

1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is designed for individuals seeking long-term seasonal employment opportunities. This visa allows employers to bypass local advertising and labor testing. Here are the key requirements for this visa:

Applicants must possess at least three seasons of relevant experience within the last six years.
Workers must spend three months outside New Zealand each year.
The visa remains valid for up to three years.
Applicants must fulfill health and character criteria.
An English test is not necessary.

2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) caters to short-term needs when businesses require additional support during peak seasons. Employers must demonstrate that they advertised the role locally before hiring foreign workers. Important requirements include:

Applicants need one season of experience from the past three years.
The visa lasts up to seven months.
If employment exceeds three months, comprehensive health insurance is mandatory.
Like the GWSV, no English test is required.

Application Process

If you’re interested in applying for either visa, you’ll need to gather relevant documents. Here’s what to prepare:

Job Offer and Employment Agreement: Obtain a job offer along with a signed agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer. This must outline:
- Start and end dates.
- Pay rate.
- Guaranteed hours.
- Work location.
Proof of Seasonal Work Experience: Provide evidence of your seasonal experience:
- For GWSV: Minimum of three seasons in the last six years.
- For PSV: At least one season in the last three years.
- Acceptable documents include employer letters, payslips, tax summaries, and work certificates detailing your roles and responsibilities.
Proof of Seasonality: Your work history should validate the seasonal nature of the visa:
- For GWSV: Evidence of spending three months outside New Zealand per year.
- For PSV: Show a four-month break before another PSV role.
- Travel itineraries or employer letters can help substantiate this.
Health Insurance (For Roles Over 3 Months): If your PSV position exceeds three months, secure health insurance covering your employment. The plan should include:
- Doctor visits, hospital care, and diagnostic tests.
- Prescription medications and follow-up treatments.
- Emergency dental care and medical evacuation if necessary.
- Attach your insurance policy certificate, coverage summary, and any translations required.
Standard AEWV Documents: Include the following essentials:
- A valid passport and a recent photo.
- Medical and police certificates.
- Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand.

For GWSV, comprehensive health and character checks are crucial. To avoid delays, ensure you submit a complete police certificate.

Conclusion

These new seasonal visa options present significant advantages for both employers and workers in New Zealand. They enhance employers’ ability to meet labor demands during peak seasons and offer seasoned workers a clear pathway to return. By simplifying the application process, these visas create fruitful opportunities in New Zealand’s flourishing seasonal industries.