The New Zealand Government will open applications this December for two new work visas designed to support key sectors including agriculture, forestry and tourism.
Announced by Immigration Minister Erica Stanford on the Q+A programme, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa will be a three-year visa targeting specialised and highly skilled seasonal roles such as rural contractors, winemakers and chairlift operators.
“This visa is a short-term lever to help improve the economy,” Stanford said, explaining the visa will allow holders to enter and leave New Zealand multiple times within the three-year period, provided they spend at least three months overseas every year.
Alongside this, the Peak Seasonal Visa will offer up to seven months’ stay for lower-skilled workers in roles like meat and seafood processing, calf-rearing and wool handling. Applicants must have at least one season of relevant experience and are required to leave New Zealand for four months before renewing the visa.
“Businesses have been asking for easier ways to surge capacity during busy times,” Stanford said, noting this visa will help fill labour gaps when unemployment is low or locals are unavailable.
Employers must first advertise roles locally before recruiting overseas under the Peak Seasonal Visa, but this requirement does not apply to the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa. Holders of the latter will also qualify for publicly funded healthcare, while Peak Seasonal Visa holders must have comprehensive health insurance.
Both visas will replace the interim Specific Purpose Work Visa introduced last year, which allowed workers to stay for up to nine months.
Applications open on 8 December 2025, under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, ensuring fair and consistent immigration settings while addressing seasonal labour demands.
How the visas work:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV):
Valid for three years for skilled seasonal roles. Applicants must have worked at least three seasons in relevant roles over the past six years. No Labour Market Test or English language requirement. Visa holders must spend three months abroad annually. - Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV):
Valid for up to seven months for lower-skilled roles, requiring one season of relevant experience in the past three years. Health insurance is mandatory, and visa holders must take a four-month break before reapplying.
Both visas are strictly for genuine seasonal jobs linked to industry peak periods, preventing their use for permanent positions. Visa holders cannot support partner or dependent visas and can only change jobs within the same visa category.
These changes aim to provide New Zealand businesses with reliable access to temporary overseas workers while maintaining balanced immigration policies.
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