To help address labor shortages during peak seasons, effective December 8, 2025, the government is introducing two new visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework: the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
This visa is for skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to three years. Employers need to obtain a job check for a seasonal role, then a worker applies for the seasonal visa, and visa holders must spend at least three months outside New Zealand each year.
Applicants need to have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least three seasons in the past six years. There is no Labor Market Test or English language requirement, and visa holders can transition to other visa types.
Roles covered under this visa:
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
- Agricultural Technician (for example sheep or animal pregnancy scanner)
- Chairlift Operator
- Tulip Grower
- Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
- Snow Groomer
- Mountain or Glacier Guide
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor
- Primary Products Inspector
- Shearer
- Slaughterer
- Snow Sports Instructor
- Snow Maker
- Snowsport Equipment Technician
- Whitewater Rafting Guide
- Wine Maker
- Winery Senior Cellar Hand
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
This visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to seven months. After reaching the seven-month limit, visa holders must take a four-month break before reapplying.
Applicants need at least one season of relevant experience in the past three years and must hold comprehensive health insurance. There is no English language requirement, but employers must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income.
Roles covered under this visa:
- Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker
- Calf Rearer
- Relief Milker
- Forestry Worker
- Meat Boner and Slicer
- Meat Process Worker
- Seafood Process Worker
- Winery Cellar Hand
- Wool Handler
Visa holders under both pathways cannot support partner or dependent visas. They can only change jobs within the same visa type. Applicants moving from a student or work visa will retain interim work rights while their new visa application is being processed.
Erickson Insights & Analysis
Erickson Immigration Group will continue monitoring developments and sharing updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or if you have case-specific questions.