New seasonal visas open 8 December 2025 :: Immigration New Zealand

From 8 December 2025 applications will open for 2 new seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).

We’re making it easier for employers to hire seasonal workers

Both visas make it easier for accredited employers to hire for genuine seasonal roles, while keeping checks in place to prevent misuse.

Most of the conditions of these visas will be the same as any Accredited Employer Work Visa and to change any conditions, applicants will need to apply for a Job Change.  

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

This visa is for roles that are genuinely seasonal and has specific requirements, including:

• employers do not need to advertise the role in New Zealand and show they have tried to hire a New Zealander before recruiting internationally for approved roles ie. a labour market test
• visas will be granted for 3 years
• applicants are required to meet health and character requirements, regardless of their intended stay
• applicants must have at least three seasons of relevant experience within the last 6 years and spend 3 months outside New Zealand each year
• English language testing is not required.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

This visa is designed for short peak periods and has specific requirements, including:

• employers must advertise the role in New Zealand and show they have tried to hire a New Zealander before recruiting internationally for approved roles ie. a labour market test
• employers must either engage with Work and Income in good faith for the proposed roles or gain PSV endorsement from Work and Income
• visas can last up to 7 months, and applicants need at least one season of relevant experience within the last 3 years
• if the job runs longer than 3 months, comprehensive health insurance is required
• English language testing is not required.

What applicants need to prepare

Applicants must provide clear, complete evidence that they meet the requirements for their chosen seasonal visa. This includes:

1. Job offer and employment agreement

You will need a job offer and a signed employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer for an eligible seasonal role. The agreement should clearly state:

• start and end dates
• pay rate
• guaranteed hours
• location of work.

2. Seasonal work experience

Your application must show recent, relevant experience:

• GWSV: At least 1 season in the same or a similar role within the last 6 years
• PSV: At least 1 season in the same or a similar role within the last 3 years
• Acceptable proof includes employer letters, payslips, tax summaries, rosters, or certifications confirming your role, dates, and duties.

3. Proof of seasonality

You must show that your work pattern fits the seasonal nature of the visa:

• GWSV: Demonstrate you can spend three months outside New Zealand each year
• PSV: Demonstrate you can meet the four-month stand-down before applying for another PSV
• Useful evidence includes travel plans or itineraries, dated timelines of work and travel, and employer letters confirming seasonal cycles and stand-down periods.

 4. Health insurance (PSV roles longer than three months)

If your PSV role is expected to run for more than three months, you’ll need acceptable health insurance that fully covers your period of employment with no gaps. “Acceptable” generally means the policy:

• covers primary/urgent care (GP visits and after-hours clinics) and hospitalisation, including specialist care and diagnostics, except where there are permitted exemptions
• includes prescription medicines and any medically necessary rehabilitation or follow-up care
• covers emergency dental treatment
• provides emergency evacuation/repatriation to your home country, including in the case of death due to any circumstances, if required
• has a reasonable excess/deductible and does not exclude foreseeable risks related to your work.

When you submit your application, include:

• the policy certificate (showing your name, coverage dates, and the New Zealand leg of your trip)
• a benefits summary outlining inclusions and exclusions
• any endorsements confirming coverage for pre-existing conditions (if applicable)
• certified translations if your documents are not in English.

Make sure the policy is active for the full length of your employment offer and renew or extend it if your employment dates change.

 5. Standard AEWV supporting evidence

As with all AEWV applications, you will need:

• a valid passport and photo
• health and character checks (including medical and police certificates) where relevant
• any supporting forms requested by Immigration New Zealand.

Because GWSV visas are granted for 36 months, full medical and character checks are required regardless for all applicants. This includes providing a valid police certificate to demonstrate good character, except where this has been provided in the previous 24 months and character has not changed.

Applicants must submit a complete police certificate with your application – not just proof of having applied – to avoid delays or possible refusal.