New Zealand Opens Seasonal Hiring with 2 New Work Visas

New Zealand Immigration has unveiled two new visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework to make the recruitment of seasonal workers easier and more efficient.

Applications for the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) are now open, starting December 8, 2025.

This initiative aims to help Acrylic employers to fill vital seasonal roles more easily while maintaining strong safeguards to protect the integrity of the immigration system. The new visas are specifically tailored for sectors that rely heavily on seasonal labour, including horticulture, agriculture, tourism, and hospitality.

Both the GWSV and PSV are designed to simplify the recruitment process for short-term, yet essential roles that support New Zealand's economic rhythm. By reducing administrative hurdles, the government seeks to offer employers faster access to qualified seasonal workers during peak demand periods. At the same time, the policy ensures that hiring practices remain fair, transparent, and well-regulated.

Key Features of the New Seasonal Visas

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) supports industries that need long-term seasonal labour, while the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) addresses short-term labour needs during the peak busy periods. The key features of the visa types include:

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Eligible Roles for GWSV and PSV Visas in New Zealand

The new seasonal visa categories apply to various occupations across essential industries, including:

• Mussel or oyster farm workers
• Calf rearers and relief milkers
• Forestry workers
• Meet boners, slicers, and other meat processing staff
• Seafood processing workers
• Winery cellar hands and wool handlers

Eligibility Requirements for New Zealand New Seasonal Visa Categories

To be eligible for either of the visa categories, applicants must submit a clear and comprehensive list of documents. The initial process starts with securing a job offer and an assigned employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer, detailing the job's start and end dates, pay rates, guaranteed hours, and work location.

The applicants are also required to provide proof of seasonal work experience - GWSV, a minimum of three relevant seasons within the past six years, and for PSV at least one season within the past three years. Evidence for the same may include employer reference letters, pay slips, tax records, rosters, or certifications.

Applicants are also required to provide proof of seasonality - for GWSV, evidence of spending three months outside New Zealand annually, and for PSV, proof of a four-month stand down. between applications. The list of acceptable documents for proof includes travel itineraries or employer confirmations.

For PSV roles, specifically longer than 3 months, applicants must submit comprehensive health insurance documentation that covers general care emergencies, hospitalisation, specialist services, medicines, follow-up care, and emergency evacuation or repatriation.

Also, all applicants are required to provide standard AEWV documents such as a valid passport, recent photographs, health and character records, including medical and police certificates, etc. Due to the longer validity of GWSB, full medical and character checks are mandatory, even for applicants who provided these documents previously.

How GetGIS Can Help You Navigate the NZ Immigration Seamlessly?

With the introduction of New seasonal work visas, New Zealand is taking a decisive step towards strengthening the Seasonal workforce while ensuring fair and transparent recruitment practices. As applicants prepare the required documents and navigate the new visa process, seeking expert guidance from GetGIS can help ensure a smooth and error-free visa application experience

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