Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced two significant new seasonal visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, creating expanded opportunities for foreign workers seeking seasonal employment in New Zealand. These new visa pathways—the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)—are designed to address New Zealand’s labour shortages during peak production seasons while maintaining protections for local job seekers. According to Immigration New Zealand, the new seasonal visa options aim to strike a careful balance between meeting the country’s workforce demands during critical periods and ensuring that employment opportunities for New Zealand residents remain safeguarded.

Applications for both visa categories officially opened on 8 December 2025, providing accredited employers across key industries with access to skilled and semi-skilled seasonal workers when they need them most. The scheme particularly benefits sectors experiencing predictable seasonal peaks, including agriculture, horticulture, viticulture, tourism, hospitality, and related industries that rely heavily on temporary workforce expansion during their busiest periods.

The Two New Seasonal Visa Categories

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is designed for international workers seeking seasonal employment opportunities with accredited New Zealand employers. This visa category enables workers to fill temporary positions during peak demand periods across various industries, particularly those with predictable seasonal fluctuations in workforce requirements.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The Peak Seasonal Visa complements the GWSV by specifically targeting the highest demand periods within seasonal industries. This visa pathway allows employers to bring in additional workers during critical production windows when local labour supply cannot meet the temporary surge in workforce needs.

Eligible Industries and Sectors

The new seasonal visa categories are available to accredited employers operating in industries that experience regular seasonal workforce demands, including:

• Agriculture: Crop planting, harvesting, livestock management during peak seasons
• Horticulture: Fruit picking, pruning, thinning, packing operations
• Viticulture: Grape harvesting, vineyard maintenance, wine production support
• Tourism: Peak tourist season accommodation, guiding, and hospitality services
• Hospitality: Seasonal restaurants, cafes, and event catering during busy periods
• Related Seasonal Industries: Any sector with documented seasonal workforce fluctuations

Requirements for Applicants

While Immigration New Zealand has kept most rules consistent with existing AEWV conditions, applicants must meet several key requirements:

General Requirements

• Valid job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
• Position must be genuinely seasonal in nature
• Role must align with the employer’s accredited seasonal workforce needs
• Meet health and character requirements as per standard visa conditions
• Demonstrate relevant skills or experience for the seasonal role
• Comply with all AEWV framework conditions

Accredited Employer Requirements

Employers must:

• Hold current accreditation status with Immigration New Zealand
• Demonstrate genuine seasonal workforce needs
• Prove efforts to recruit New Zealand residents first
• Provide employment terms compliant with New Zealand employment law
• Offer wages and conditions meeting or exceeding minimum standards
• Comply with all AEWV framework obligations

Key Visa Conditions and Rules

Consistency with AEWV Framework

Most rules governing the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa remain consistent with existing Accredited Employer Work Visa conditions, including:

• Work rights limited to the accredited employer who sponsored the visa
• Employment must be for the specific seasonal role approved
• Visa duration tied to the seasonal period required
• Standard health and character requirements apply
• Compliance with New Zealand employment laws mandatory

Job Change Applications

An important new condition that applicants must be aware of: Any worker wishing to change their job conditions while in New Zealand must apply for a formal “Job Change” through Immigration New Zealand. This requirement ensures proper oversight of seasonal worker movements and maintains the integrity of the accredited employer system.

Job changes may be necessary when:

• Moving to a different accredited employer
• Changing roles or responsibilities outside the original job description
• Extending employment beyond the initially approved seasonal period
• Transitioning from one seasonal industry to another

Benefits of the New Seasonal Visa Categories

For Workers

• Expanded Opportunities: More pathways to gain New Zealand work experience
• Seasonal Flexibility: Work during specific peak periods aligned with your availability
• Industry Diversity: Access to roles across multiple seasonal sectors
• Skill Development: Gain experience in New Zealand’s world-class agricultural and tourism industries
• Pathway Potential: Seasonal work may lead to longer-term opportunities
• Streamlined Process: Applications through the established AEWV framework

For Employers

• Workforce Solutions: Address labour shortages during critical peak seasons
• Accredited Framework: Work within a trusted, regulated system
• Predictable Planning: Secure seasonal workers in advance of peak periods
• Quality Candidates: Access skilled and semi-skilled workers when needed
• Business Continuity: Maintain production levels during seasonal surges
• Compliance Support: Clear framework with established rules and processes

For New Zealand

• Economic Growth: Ensure seasonal industries can operate at full capacity
• Labour Market Balance: Meet workforce demands while protecting local jobs
• Industry Support: Strengthen key export sectors like agriculture and tourism
• Managed Migration: Controlled seasonal worker programs with clear conditions
• Regional Development: Support rural and regional economies dependent on seasonal industries

How the System Protects Local Workers

Immigration New Zealand has emphasized that the new seasonal visa categories are designed with built-in protections for New Zealand residents:

• Labour Market Testing: Employers must demonstrate efforts to recruit locally first
• Genuine Seasonal Needs: Visa approvals based on verified seasonal workforce requirements
• Accreditation Standards: Only trusted employers meeting high standards can participate
• Monitoring and Compliance: Regular oversight ensures the system operates as intended
• Priority for Residents: Local workers maintain priority for employment opportunities
• Temporary Nature: Seasonal visas are time-limited, ensuring workers don’t displace residents long-term

Application Process

For Workers

1. Secure Job Offer: Obtain a genuine seasonal job offer from an INZ-accredited employer
2. Gather Documentation: Prepare all required supporting documents
3. Submit Application: Apply for either GWSV or PSV through Immigration New Zealand
4. Wait for Assessment: INZ reviews application against visa criteria
5. Receive Decision: If approved, receive visa with specific conditions
6. Travel to New Zealand: Commence seasonal employment as approved

For Employers

1. Maintain Accreditation: Ensure current accreditation status with INZ
2. Identify Seasonal Needs: Document genuine seasonal workforce requirements
3. Recruit Locally First: Demonstrate efforts to hire New Zealand residents
4. Offer Employment: Provide compliant job offers to suitable candidates
5. Support Applications: Assist workers with their visa applications
6. Comply with Conditions: Meet all obligations as an accredited employer

Important Considerations

Job Change Requirements

Workers must understand that changing jobs while on a seasonal visa requires formal approval. Applicants who wish to change their job conditions will need to apply for a “Job Change” through Immigration New Zealand. This process:

• Requires a new application to INZ
• Must be approved before commencing new employment
• Ensures the new role meets visa conditions
• Maintains accredited employer framework integrity
• Protects both workers and employers

Visa Duration

Seasonal visas are typically granted for the specific seasonal period required, which varies by industry:

• Horticulture/Agriculture: Often 3-9 months aligned with harvest seasons
• Tourism: May align with summer or winter peak seasons
• Other Industries: Duration based on demonstrated seasonal workforce needs

Compliance and Obligations

Both workers and employers must comply with all conditions:

• Workers must only work for their sponsoring accredited employer (unless job change approved)
• Employers must provide conditions as stated in job offers
• Both parties must adhere to New Zealand employment law
• Immigration conditions must be respected at all times
• Any changes must be reported to Immigration New Zealand

How to Apply

Application Timeline

• Opening Date: 8 December 2025
• Application Method: Through Immigration New Zealand online portal
• Processing Times: Vary based on application volume and individual circumstances
• Planning Advice: Apply well in advance of intended travel dates

Required Documentation

Typical documentation may include:

• Valid passport
• Job offer letter from accredited employer
• Evidence of skills/experience relevant to the role
• Health and character certificates
• Proof of employer’s accreditation status
• Any additional documents requested by INZ

Application Support

• Immigration Advisers: Licensed advisers can assist with applications
• Employer Support: Accredited employers often provide application guidance
• INZ Resources: Immigration New Zealand website offers comprehensive information
• Official Channels: Always use official INZ channels for applications

Why These Visa Categories Matter

The introduction of the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa represents a significant development in New Zealand’s immigration policy, offering several important benefits:

Economic Impact

• Supports Key Industries: Ensures agriculture, horticulture, and tourism can meet production demands
• Protects Export Earnings: Seasonal industries contribute significantly to New Zealand’s economy
• Regional Prosperity: Rural communities dependent on seasonal work benefit from stable workforce supply
• Business Confidence: Employers can plan seasonal operations with greater certainty

Worker Opportunities

• Legitimate Pathways: Creates official channels for seasonal work in New Zealand
• Fair Treatment: Framework ensures workers receive proper employment conditions
• Experience Gain: International workers develop valuable skills in NZ industries
• Cultural Exchange: Promotes international understanding through work experiences

Balanced Approach

• Labour Market Protection: Local workers remain prioritized for opportunities
• Managed Migration: Controlled system with clear rules and oversight
• Flexibility: Responds to genuine seasonal workforce fluctuations
• Accountability: Accredited employer framework ensures responsible participation

Looking Ahead

The new seasonal visa categories demonstrate Immigration New Zealand’s commitment to responsive immigration policy that balances economic needs with social responsibilities. As applications open from 8 December 2025, both workers and employers should:

• Stay Informed: Monitor INZ announcements for any updates or clarifications
• Plan Ahead: Begin application processes early to ensure timely approvals
• Understand Obligations: Familiarize yourself with all visa conditions and requirements
• Seek Guidance: Consult licensed immigration advisers if needed
• Maintain Compliance: Adhere to all conditions throughout your visa period

Conclusion

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) represent important new pathways for seasonal workers seeking opportunities in New Zealand while providing critical workforce solutions for accredited employers. With applications opening from 8 December 2025, eligible workers and employers should prepare their applications, ensuring they understand the requirements and conditions.

While most rules remain consistent with the existing AEWV framework, the requirement for formal job change applications ensures proper oversight and maintains the integrity of the system. This balanced approach protects New Zealand’s labour market while supporting the seasonal industries that are vital to the country’s economy.

For workers, these visas offer legitimate pathways to gain valuable New Zealand work experience in thriving industries. For employers, they provide solutions to meet critical seasonal workforce demands. For New Zealand, they represent a managed approach to seasonal migration that supports economic prosperity while safeguarding local employment opportunities.

For More Information:

• Visit the official Immigration New Zealand website
• Contact licensed immigration advisers
• Consult with accredited employers in your industry of interest
• Review the complete AEWV framework guidelines

Important Reminder: Always ensure you’re working with INZ-accredited employers and following official immigration channels for your applications. The seasonal visa categories are designed to create fair, transparent opportunities for both workers and employers within New Zealand’s managed migration framework.