New Seasonal Visas Are Coming! Your 3-Year New Zealand Adventure Starts December 8, 2025!

Get ready, future New Zealand seasonal workers! Immigration New Zealand is making a big move to simplify and secure your work prospects. Starting December 8, 2025, two brand-new seasonal visa options will open up under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.

This is more than just a visa change—it’s a chance to lock in your future working holidays with greater certainty, enjoy smoother travel planning, and minimize the annual paperwork hassle!

Introducing the Two New Pathways to NZ Work

The goal of these new visas is simple: make it easier for accredited employers to hire the best seasonal workers while still ensuring a robust and compliant system. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran looking for long-term commitment or aiming for a short-term peak role, there’s a new visa designed specifically for your goals.

1. The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – The 3-Year Game Changer for Experienced Workers

If you are an experienced and reliable seasonal worker, this is the visa that offers true stability and reward for your commitment. The GWSV is designed to bring unprecedented long-term planning and stability to your New Zealand work life.

3 Years of Certainty: Successful applicants will be granted a visa for an incredible three years! This means you can say goodbye to stressful annual re-applications, allowing you to focus on your work, travel, and enjoying New Zealand life.

Skip the Advertising Hassle (for Employers): For accredited employers, the GWSV is highly attractive because no Labour Market Test (LMT) is required for approved seasonal roles. This efficiency means faster hiring decisions and a stronger commitment from employers to reliable global workers.

What you need to qualify: To be eligible for this fantastic long-term visa, you must be able to demonstrate at least 3 seasons of relevant experience in the same or a similar role within the last 6 years.

The Seasonal Break: A key requirement is that you must spend a total of 3 months outside New Zealand each year. This ensures the visa remains strictly seasonal, but it also gives you a mandatory break to return home, explore other destinations, or simply rest before your next New Zealand season begins!

2. The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – The Quick Path for Targeted Work

The PSV is the perfect solution for focused, short-term work during New Zealand’s most demanding seasonal periods. It’s an excellent option for those starting their seasonal career or who prefer a shorter commitment.

Up to 7 Months: This visa allows you to work for up to 7 months to cover essential peak demands, giving you a substantial and productive period in New Zealand.

Lower Barrier to Entry: This is an accessible pathway for new seasonal workers, as you only need to show 1 season of relevant experience in the same or a similar role within the last 3 years to apply.

Crucial PSV Requirements:

• Local Market Test: Because this visa targets shorter periods, employers must still advertise the role locally (Labour Market Test applies) and engage with Work and Income before recruiting internationally.
• Health Insurance is Key: If your job offer is for longer than 3 months, you are required to hold comprehensive health insurance that covers your entire period of employment. Don’t overlook this—it’s essential for your security and visa compliance!

Your Client Checklist: Get Ready for December 8th!

Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! To make sure you’re first in line when the applications open, you need to start preparing your documents now.

1. Secure an AEWV Job Offer: You must have a signed job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer for an eligible seasonal role. The agreement must clearly state the pay rate, guaranteed hours, and dates.
2. Gather Your Proof of Experience: Be meticulous! Dig up your old employer letters, payslips, tax summaries, rosters, or certifications. You need clear, dated evidence of your previous seasonal work to meet the experience requirement for either the GWSV (3 seasons) or PSV (1 season).
3. Character and Health: Be proactive about your health and character checks (police and medical certificates). Since the GWSV is a 3-year visa, full medical and character checks are required for all applicants, so get these appointments booked now!

This is a phenomenal time to secure your future in New Zealand’s vibrant seasonal workforce. The countdown to December 8, 2025, is officially on—let’s get you ready!

Need Help Navigating the New Visas? The application process requires precision, especially with new regulations. Contact our team today for a consultation to ensure your application is perfect and submitted on time. Don’t risk delays—let us guide your way to New Zealand!