New Zealand is stepping into a new era of immigration policy with the launch of two highly targeted short-term work visa categories – the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – beginning 8 December 2025. Designed to support industries dependent on cyclical or peak production phases, these visas aim to balance foreign recruitment with local employment priorities.
If you are a skilled seasonal specialist or someone willing to take on physically demanding short-term jobs, these new visa pathways could offer effective routes into New Zealand’s thriving agricultural, tourism, wine production, forestry, and seafood processing sectors.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk through the eligibility criteria, application process, benefits, and differences between the GWSV and PSV – while giving you insider tips to make your application stand out.
Why Seasonal Work Visas Matter in New Zealand’s Economy
Key industries such as horticulture, viticulture, farming, forestry, and tourism experience fluctuating labour needs due to environmental changes, harvest cycles, and peak tourist seasons. Local workers remain a priority, but these sectors rely heavily on temporary international labour to maintain efficiency during peak demand.
The GWSV and PSV open doors for experienced overseas workers to contribute their skills while ensuring that New Zealand’s domestic workforce benefits from longer-term stability and fair recruitment practices.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – For Specialist Seasonal Talent
This visa is intended for highly skilled seasonal roles where expertise and precision are critical. With a stay period of up to three years, the GWSV supports industries that repeatedly require the same trained professionals during peak seasons.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Minimum three seasons of relevant work within the past six years.
- Must spend three consecutive months outside New Zealand each year while holding the visa.
- No requirement for an English language test.
- Labour Market Test not needed – employers do not have to prove the unavailability of local workers.
- Must be employed by an accredited employer under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework.
Examples of Eligible Roles:
- Mobile plant operators in agriculture and horticulture.
- Agricultural technicians (e.g., sheep or animal pregnancy scanners).
- Snow sports instructors, snow groomers, and chairlift operators.
- Winemakers and senior winery cellar hands.
- Experienced shearers and slaughterers.
- Mountain or glacier guides, adventure tourism instructors.
Why Choose the GWSV?
This visa is ideal if you want stability while maintaining flexible seasonal work arrangements. The three-year validity allows recurring employment without repetitive visa applications, and you can potentially transition into other visa categories if you meet the criteria.
Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – For Entry-Level & Short-Term Roles
If you are looking for quick seasonal work opportunities, the PSV is designed for jobseekers without advanced specialisation but with relevant seasonal experience. It caters to industries that need extra capacity during specific busy months.
Key Criteria:
- At least one season of related work experience in the past three years.
- Stay duration of up to seven months.
- Must have comprehensive health insurance during the stay.
- Required four-month gap outside New Zealand before reapplying.
- No English test obligation.
Eligible Roles Include:
- Mussel and oyster farm workers.
- Calf rearers, relief milkers.
- Forestry labourers.
- Meat boners, slicers, and other meat processing workers.
- Seafood processing staff.
- Winery cellar hands and wool handlers.
Important Limitations:
- No family sponsorship rights – partners and dependents cannot accompany you under this visa.
- Intended strictly for seasonal tasks, with no direct pathway to permanent residency.
- Changing employers is possible only within the same visa category.
GWSV vs PSV – Understanding the Differences
Feature | GWSV | PSV |
Skill Level | Skilled/Specialist Seasonal Workers | Entry-Level Seasonal Workers |
Duration | Up to 3 years | Up to 7 months |
Experience Required | 3 seasons in last 6 years | 1 season in last 3 years |
Time Outside NZ | 3 months yearly | 4-month gap before reapplying |
Health Cover | Not specified | Mandatory |
Pathway to Other Visas | Possible if eligible | Not intended as pathway |
Labour Market Test | Not required | Not required but employer must be linked to Work and Income |
Family Sponsorship | Not allowed | Not allowed |
Employer Obligations Before Hiring Seasonal Workers
To protect opportunities for New Zealanders, accredited employers are required to:
- Advertise roles locally before recruiting overseas labour.
- Collaborate with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to ensure no suitable local candidates are available.
- Align job descriptions to genuine peak-season demand rather than permanent employment positions.
Application Process for Seasonal Work Visas
While specific forms and fees will be available through Immigration New Zealand closer to the official launch date, applicants can prepare by ensuring:
- Proof of Experience – Document previous seasonal roles with contracts, letters from employers, or payslips.
- Accredited Employer Offer – Secure a valid job offer from a recognised employer under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework.
- Health Requirements – Arrange any required medical documentation, especially if applying for the PSV.
- Visa Timing – Plan your travel to meet the stay-length restrictions and mandatory return periods.
- Insurance – PSV applicants must show evidence of full health coverage.
Benefits of Seasonal Work in New Zealand
- Access to competitive pay rates aligned with skills and sector needs.
- Opportunity to experience New Zealand’s diverse landscapes through industries like tourism and farming.
- Chance to return seasonally without restarting the process (especially under GWSV).
- Exposure to specialised machinery and industry practices that enhance global employability.
Challenges and Considerations
While seasonal visas present strong opportunities, potential applicants should assess:
- Physical demands of certain industries such as meat processing, forestry, or farming.
- Seasonal climate conditions – winter tourism in alpine regions vs summer horticulture or seafood industries.
- Limited rights, including the lack of family sponsorship or residency pathways.
Tips for Successful Seasonal Visa Applications
- Target high-demand industries – Research which sectors urgently need workers.
- Maintain strong records of seasonal employment to meet experience criteria.
- Network with accredited employers before the application date.
- Prepare early for the December 2025 opening – high application volumes are expected.
- Be flexible with location and role to increase chances of placement.
Final Thoughts
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) represent New Zealand’s proactive response to workforce shortages without compromising opportunities for locals. If you are a seasonal work veteran or eager to build new experience in entry-level peak roles, these visas provide a legitimate, structured, and transparent pathway to participate in New Zealand’s economy.
From lush vineyards to snow-covered peaks and bustling meat processing plants, seasonal work in New Zealand is not just a job – it’s an immersive cultural experience. With the right preparation, you can secure your place in one of the world’s most scenic and industry-diverse seasonal labour markets.
