Great news for seasonal workers and New Zealand employers. Two brand new seasonal visa options opened for applications on December 8, 2025. If you’ve been considering experiencing life in New Zealand while working in tourism, hospitality, or agriculture, this could be your perfect opportunity.
Understanding the Two New Visa Options
Immigration New Zealand has introduced two distinct pathways under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework, each designed for different types of seasonal work:
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) targets skilled seasonal workers and offers impressive flexibility. This visa is valid for up to three years, allowing experienced workers to return season after season. To qualify, you’ll need to demonstrate at least three seasons of relevant work experience within the past six years. The key requirement is spending at least three months outside New Zealand each year, giving you time to work other seasonal cycles internationally or simply enjoy extended time at home.
The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) caters to entry-level and lower-skilled seasonal roles. This visa lasts up to seven months, perfect for those intense peak periods in tourism and agriculture. You’ll need at least one season of relevant experience from the past three years, and there’s a four-month stand-down period before you can apply for another PSV.
What Makes These Visas Attractive?
These new visas come with several advantages that make them stand out. For the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, there’s no labour market test required, meaning employers don’t need to prove they tried hiring New Zealanders first for approved roles. There’s also no English language testing requirement for either visa, removing a common barrier for many applicants.
Both visas allow you to bring the skills you’ve gained internationally to support New Zealand businesses during their busiest times. Whether you’re an experienced ski instructor, harvest supervisor, agricultural technician, or hospitality professional, your expertise is valued.
Health Insurance and Practical Requirements
If your role extends beyond three months, you’ll need comprehensive health insurance. Your policy must cover primary and urgent care, hospitalization, prescription medicines, and emergency evacuation or repatriation. This ensures you’re protected throughout your stay and won’t face unexpected medical costs.
When applying, be prepared to provide clear evidence of your experience. This might include employment references, work contracts from previous seasons, or letters from past employers confirming your seasonal work history. For the GWSV, you’ll also need to demonstrate how you’ll manage the three-month annual period outside New Zealand through travel itineraries, letters from employers confirming seasonal cycles, or plans for work in other countries can all serve as evidence.
Who Should Consider These Visas?
These visas are ideal if you’re someone who enjoys seasonal work and wants the flexibility to travel between seasons. Think ski instructors who work New Zealand winters then head to the Northern Hemisphere for their summer season, or agricultural workers who follow harvest cycles around the world.
Tourism and hospitality professionals who thrive during busy periods will find these visas particularly suited to their lifestyle. The longer validity of the GWSV means you can build relationships with New Zealand employers over multiple seasons, potentially leading to more permanent opportunities down the track.
Taking the Next Step
With applications now open, this is the perfect time to get your documentation in order. Gather your employment references, ensure your passport is valid, and prepare evidence of your seasonal work experience.
Whether you’re an experienced seasonal worker or trying it for the first time, these new visa options open exciting possibilities to experience New Zealand’s stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming communities while earning and building your international work experience.