The New Zealand Government (through Immigration NZ) is introducing two new temporary visa categories under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework: the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).
From December 8, 2025, INZ are allowing 2 new temporary visas designed to provide Accredited Employers with greater flexibility in filling critical roles across seasonal labour markets, notably dairy farming and horticulture.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) Overview
As the two visas are designed to meet different workforce needs and have difference characteristics, here’s a summary comparison of the two new seasonal visas:
| New Seasonal Visas | Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) | Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) |
|---|---|---|
| General | Longer duration and multiple renewals and fewer application requirements in exchange for bringing more experience in the role | This visa's short length and high cost would have limited appeal to candidates other than as a potential bridge to meet AEWV requirements |
| Employer Accreditation | Required | Required |
| Employer Job Check | Required | Required |
| Length of Visa | Up to 9 months in a year (for a duration of 3 years) | Up to 7 Months (guided by INZ's definition of allowable "season" duration) |
| Max. Continuous Stay | Visa can be renewed without a stand down period. | 4 months stand down period before applying for another PSV |
| Restrictions to changing to another visa | None as long as that visa’s requirements are met | None as long as that visa’s requirements are met |
| Work experience required | Minimum of 3 seasons experience in the last 6 years | Minimum of 1 season in the last 3 years |
| Health / Health Insurance | Health insurance not required Medicals required as part of application (as well as police clearance) | Comprehensive health insurance is required if employment is more than 3 months |
| Ability to support partners/children | No | No |
| Costs | NZ $1,540 | NZ $1,540 |
Seasonal Visa Eligible Occupations
As with how they’re defining season which would be specific to each occupation, INZ has left the definition of some of the roles ambiguous.
| GWSV | PSV |
|---|---|
| Chairlift Operator | Aquaculture Worker (Oyster and Mussel |
| Snow Groomer | Seafood Process Worker |
| Snow Sports Instructor | Meat Boner and Slicer |
| Snow Maker | Meat Process Worker |
| Snowsport Equipment Technician | Winery Cellar Hand |
| Mountain or Glacier Guide | Dairy Farm Calf Rearer |
| Outdoor Adventure Instruction | Dairy Farm Relief Milker |
| Whitewater Rafting Guide | Wool Handler |
| Rural Machine Operators (silage, tractors & combine harvester drivers) | Forestry Worker |
| Agricultural Technician | |
| Primary Products Inspector | |
| Shearer | |
| Slaughterer | |
| Flower Grower | |
| Horse Trainer | |
| Wine Maker | |
| Winery Senior Cellar Hand |
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has set a launch date but still needs to clarify the exact definitions for a “season” across eligible occupations and the specific details for some of the eligible roles.
Talk to a Licensed Immigration Adviser
Whether you’re an employer with seasonal workforce need, or a job seeker who have experience in the seasonal occupations and need a visa, our experienced Licensed Immigration Advisers can give tailored guidance based on your personal circumstances.
Get in touch:
Email our adviser team or call 021 711 071 .
