Seasonal work in New Zealand has always attracted thousands of applicants every year, but the system has often been tricky for workers and employers to navigate. That is about to change. From 8 December 2025, New Zealand will launch two new visas designed to bring in seasonal talent more efficiently and with clearer rules. These visas fall under the existing Accredited Employer Work Visa framework but introduce a more structured pathway for seasonal roles. For anyone considering short-term work in sectors like agriculture, food processing, or tourism, this update offers a more predictable route with specific entry requirements and defined expectations.
Key Takeaways
These changes were introduced to streamline seasonal hiring, support industries that struggle during peak periods, and reduce unnecessary paperwork for employers. Instead of relying on a patchwork of short-term visas, New Zealand has built a more transparent system that differentiates between experienced workers and those entering seasonal roles for the first time. If you are from overseas and hoping to secure seasonal employment in New Zealand in 2025 or beyond, this is the system you’ll be operating under.
See how to apply for the December 2025 seasonal visa openings!
We connect you with trusted immigration experts who simplify the entire process — from paperwork to approval.
New Zealand’s New Seasonal Visa System Explained
New Zealand’s new seasonal visa framework marks a big shift in how the country attracts and manages short-term workers. The government has been under pressure to better support industries that rely on predictable seasonal labour, especially agriculture, horticulture, and tourism. The introduction of the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa is intended to fix the gaps that existed in earlier temporary categories, while also ensuring employers meet clearer rules around job offers and worker welfare.
Also Read: Can You Switch from a Visit Visa to a Student Visa in Germany?
The new system goes live on 8 December 2025, starting with two visa types designed to cater to different worker profiles. Experienced seasonal workers who return regularly will find more stability under the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa. In contrast, newcomers and entry-level workers have their own structured option through the Peak Seasonal Visa. Together, the visas attempt to balance New Zealand’s seasonal workforce demand with a more transparent and safeguarded process for applicants.
Global Workforce Seasonal Visa: Who It’s For
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, or GWSV, is aimed at workers who are not new to seasonal employment. To qualify, an applicant must have completed at least three relevant work seasons in the past six years. This requirement ensures that the visa attracts individuals who understand the nature of seasonal labour and are ready to contribute right away. The visa can be granted for up to three years, making it one of the more stable seasonal options, although workers must spend a minimum of three months outside New Zealand each year.
One major advantage of the GWSV is that it removes some of the administrative hurdles employers previously dealt with. Employers do not need to conduct a labour market test, which normally involves proving that no New Zealand citizens or residents are available for the role. There is also no English-language test, which makes the visa more accessible for workers whose roles are labour-intensive rather than language-dependent. While the GWSV offers significant flexibility, workers must remain in seasonal roles and can only switch employers within the same visa category.
Peak Seasonal Visa: A Pathway for First-Time Workers
The Peak Seasonal Visa, or PSV, was created to support newcomers who want to experience seasonal work in New Zealand for the first time or who have limited experience in the field. The entry bar is lower compared to the GWSV, requiring only one relevant season of experience in the last three years. This makes the PSV a practical option for young workers, travellers, or individuals exploring seasonal sectors before committing long-term.
Also Read: Can You Switch from a Visitor Visa to a Student Visa (F-1) in the USA?
The PSV allows a stay of up to seven months, but applicants must be mindful of additional obligations. For instance, anyone staying more than three months must purchase comprehensive health insurance for the duration of their employment. Employers using this visa must work with Work and Income to ensure their roles genuinely qualify as seasonal, or they must obtain an endorsement confirming their need. Like the GWSV, the PSV does not require an English-language test, making it accessible to a wider pool of applicants who are willing to perform hands-on seasonal work.
What These Visas Allow — and Their Key Limitations
Both visas give workers the right to take up seasonal employment in New Zealand, but they come with clear boundaries. Workers can only switch employers within the same visa type, which means a GWSV holder cannot move to a PSV employer and vice versa. This rule ensures workers remain in the employment pathway that matches their level of experience. Neither visa provides a route to residency, and this point is crucial for applicants hoping to build a long-term future in New Zealand through seasonal work.
Another limitation is the restriction on family sponsorship. Holders of either visa cannot bring partners or dependent children with them. These visas are strictly for temporary purposes and are designed around sectors that expect high turnover and short-term commitments. The focus is on meeting seasonal labour shortages rather than settling workers long-term. While these rules may seem strict, they help maintain the clarity and purpose of each visa, keeping the system aligned with New Zealand’s short-term workforce strategies.
Which Industries Need Seasonal Workers in New Zealand
New Zealand’s seasonal economy is built around several key industries that experience predictable labour spikes throughout the year. Agriculture and horticulture remain at the top of the list, especially during planting and harvesting seasons. Roles in fruit picking, vineyard work, farm assistance, and packing facilities are expected to make up a significant portion of seasonal job offers. Tourism is another major employer during peak travel months, offering opportunities in hospitality, customer service, and adventure tourism.
Food processing and manufacturing industries also rely heavily on seasonal labour, particularly during surge periods when demand increases. These sectors often require workers for packaging, quality control, and factory line operations. As New Zealand continues to expand its export markets, seasonal labour has become increasingly important to keep production on track. These new visas are designed to ensure that these industries remain competitive without facing labour shortages during their busiest months.
How to Apply for New Zealand’s Seasonal Work Visas in 2025
Applying for either the GWSV or the PSV involves a straightforward process but requires coordination between the employer and the applicant. The first step is securing a job offer from an accredited employer who is approved to hire seasonal workers under the new framework. Once the employer issues a valid offer, they must complete their part of the accreditation and job-check requirements. For PSV roles, they may also need a Work and Income endorsement to confirm the position is genuinely seasonal.
Also Read: 30,000 Jobs in Romania for Indians – Here’s How to Apply and Get a Work Visa
Applicants will then complete their visa application online through Immigration New Zealand, uploading identity documents, proof of seasonal experience, evidence of insurance (if required), and the job offer letter. Processing times will vary, but applying early is crucial, especially around peak hiring periods. Workers should also plan their travel around visa validity dates and ensure they have accommodation arranged before arriving. With proper preparation, securing a seasonal job in New Zealand under this new system can be a smooth, rewarding process.
Reference: https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/news-centre/new-seasonal-visas-open-8-december-2025/
