New Zealand to Launch New Seasonal Visa Program Starting December 2025

In efforts to meet the workforce shortages, specifically during the seasonal peaks, New Zealand plans to introduce two new visa categories, namely -

1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

Starting December 8, 2025, these new visas will be issued under the accredited Employer Work Visa framework with the aim of giving accredited employers more flexibility in hiring short-term staff for industries impacted by environmental and production cycles, such as agriculture, horticulture, tourism, and food processing.

The government states that this initiative aims to address urgent skill gaps while ensuring fair and consistent immigration rules. Both visas will be listing eligible seasonal roles, with immigration officials verifying that each position genuinely aligns with the industry’s peak demand period.

Read Next: New Zealand to Double International Student Market by 2034, Relaxes Work Rules

1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV), New Zealand

This visa type is designed for skilled seasonal workers and has a validity of up to 3 years. Applicants must have experience working in a relevant seasonal role for at least 3 seasons within the past 6 years and must spend a minimum of 3 months outside New Zealand every year to maintain their eligibility.

*No Labour Market Test or proof of English language is required, and the holders are eligible to switch to other visa types if they meet the required criteria

List of Eligible Roles Under GWSV

• Agriculture and horticulture mobile plant operators
• Agricultural technicians (e.g. sheep or animal pregnancy scanners)
• Chairlift operators, snow groomers, and snow markers
• Mountain or glacier guides, whitewater rafting guides, and outdoor adventure instructors
• Winemakers and senior winery cellar hands
• Shearers, slaughterers, and primary products inspectors
• Snow sports instructors and snow sport equipment technicians

2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), New Zealand

The PSV categories target entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and would have a validity of 7 months. The eligible applicants must have at least one season of relevant experience in the last 3 years and must also have comprehensive health insurance.

After completion of the visa term, workers would mandatorily need to take a 4-month break before reapplying.

No English language requirements apply to applicants, but the employers must be engaged with or endorsed by Work and Income.

List of Eligible Roles Under PSV

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

Holders of both GWSV and PSV types will not be able to sponsor visas for partners or dependents and will only be able to change employers within the same visa category. Applicants migrating from a student or work visa will retain interim work rights while their seasonal visa application is being processed.

Immigration officials will review factors such as contract length, industry cycles, and other factors such as contract length, industry cycles, and other indicators to ensure the scheme is used appropriately and not as a substitute for filing permanent positions.

Also Read: Indian Student Enrolment in New Zealand Jumps 34% in a Year, Find Out Why

Explore Your Opportunities Abroad With GetGIS

If you are also considering applying for GWSV or PSV programs in NZ, reach out to GetGIS for immigration assistance and the visa process. Our team provides personalised guidance tailormade to maximise your chances of success and ensure a stress-free visa journey.

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