New Zealand to Launch New Seasonal Visa Pathways to Address Peak Workforce Shortages

This might also apply to people who are looking forward to getting a New Zealand PR Visa in the future – although these seasonal visas do not lead directly to permanent residency, they can provide beneficial work experience and networks.

Why New Zealand is Doing This

Some industries work in cycles. Crops don’t wait for paperwork, ski resorts can’t delay the snow, and seafood doesn’t last long in the water. For these time-sensitive peaks, employers need staff fast. From December 2025, two visas will be available under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework:

• Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – for skilled seasonal workers, valid up to 3 years
• Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – for entry-level seasonal work, valid up to 7 months

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

Think of this as the “specialist” track. It’s for workers with proven seasonal skills — the kind of expertise you can’t learn from a YouTube video. Key details:

• Validity: Up to 3 years
• Eligibility: At least 3 seasons of relevant work in the last 6 years
• Must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year
• No Labour Market Test or English language proof required
• Can transition to other visa types if eligible

Roles include:

• Agricultural/horticultural mobile plant operators
• Agricultural technicians (e.g., animal pregnancy scanners)
• Chairlift operators, snow groomers, and snow makers
• Adventure guides (mountain, glacier, rafting)
• Wine makers, senior winery cellar hands
• Shearers, slaughterers, product inspectors
• Snow sports instructors, snowsport equipment technicians

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

This one is for those who bring energy, reliability, and hands-on skills to short bursts of seasonal demand. Key details:

• Validity: Up to 7 months
• Eligibility: At least 1 season of relevant experience in the last 3 years
• Comprehensive health insurance required
• Four-month gap before reapplying
• No English requirement
• Employers must be engaged with or endorsed by Work and Income

Roles include:

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

A Few Rules to Remember

• Not allowed to sponsor your partner or dependents
• You are permitted to change employers only if you are staying within the same visa category
• Temporary work rights for those who changed from other work or student visas
• These visas are limited to seasonal needs only — should not be used as a back door to permanent roles

Final Word

For workers, this is a unique opportunity to earn, learn, and experience New Zealand at its busiest seasons. For employers, it is a practical solution to help keep the business operating at 100% capacity when they understand the spikes in demand for the business. If you are thinking of applying, some expert advice can take a lot of the pain out of the process. Work Visa Consultants in India can guide you to assess your eligibility, prepare your documents, and ensure you adequately match the requirements for each seasonal role. At Abhinav Immigration Services, we excel at making that journey as plain sailing as possible – and be there for you from understanding the rules to ensuring every form is correctly filled and every opportunity has been evaluated. For over 30 years, we have helped people and businesses navigate the immigration maze. If you are ready to consider seasonal work options in New Zealand, contact the Best Immigration Consultants in India, “Abhinav Immigration Services” today.