Two New Seasonal Visas Under the AEWV Framework from 8 December 2025

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

These visas are designed to make it easier for accredited employers to hire for genuine seasonal roles, while maintaining checks to prevent misuse. Most of their conditions are similar to the standard AEWV, and any change in job conditions will require a Job Change application.

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)This visa applies to roles that are genuinely seasonal and meet specific criteria:

• Employers do not need to advertise the role in New Zealand or prove they attempted to hire a New Zealander before recruiting internationally — no labour market test.
• Visas will be granted for up to three years.
• Applicants must meet health and character requirements, regardless of intended stay.
• Applicants must have at least three seasons of relevant experience within the last six years and spend three months outside New Zealand each year.
• English language testing is not required.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)This visa is designed for short peak-period roles and has its own set of requirements:

• Employers must advertise the role in New Zealand and prove they tried to hire a New Zealander before recruiting internationally — a labour market test applies.
• Employers must either engage with Work and Income in good faith or gain a PSV endorsement.
• Visas can last up to seven months, and applicants need at least one season of relevant experience within the last three years.
• For roles lasting longer than three months, comprehensive health insurance is required.
• English language testing is not required.

What Applicants Need to PrepareApplicants must provide clear and complete evidence that they meet the requirements for their chosen seasonal visa.
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1. Job Offer and Employment Agreement
   A job offer and 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, and work location.
2. Seasonal Work Experience
   • GWSV: At least three seasons in the same or a similar role within the last six years.
   • PSV: At least one season in the same or a similar role within the last three years.
     Acceptable proof includes employer letters, payslips, tax summaries, rosters, or certificates confirming the role, dates, and duties.
3. Proof of Seasonality
   • GWSV: Show that you can spend three months outside New Zealand each year.
   • PSV: Show that you can meet the four-month stand-down before applying again.
     Evidence can include travel itineraries, work and travel timelines, or employer letters confirming seasonal cycles.
4. Health Insurance (for PSV roles longer than three months)
   For PSV roles exceeding three months, health insurance must cover urgent and primary care, hospitalisation, prescription medicines, emergency dental care, and medical evacuation or repatriation. Applicants should include the policy certificate, benefits summary, and certified translations if not in English. The policy must be active for the entire employment period.
5. Standard AEWV Supporting Evidence
   Applicants must provide a valid passport and photo, health and character checks, and any supporting forms requested by INZ. Because GWSV visas are valid for up to 36 months, full medical and character checks are required for all applicants. A complete police certificate must be submitted with the application, not just proof of having applied, to avoid delays or possible refusal.

Why These Changes MatterThese new visa options support industries that rely on seasonal labour while ensuring the integrity of the immigration system. The GWSV allows accredited employers to recruit experienced international workers for ongoing seasonal needs, while the PSV addresses short-term peaks in demand.

Final ThoughtsFrom 8 December 2025, seasonal work opportunities in New Zealand will expand under these new visa categories. Applicants and employers should review the eligibility criteria carefully and ensure all required documents are ready before applying.

Source: Immigration New Zealand – New Seasonal Visas Open 8 December 2025

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