New Zealand to launch two new seasonal work visas for international employees on December 8 

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has introduced two new seasonal visa classes underneath the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, providing extra alternatives for international employees searching for seasonal employment.

In keeping with Immigration New Zealand, the brand new seasonal visa choices goal to stability the nation’s labour calls for throughout peak manufacturing seasons whereas making certain that job alternatives for native residents stay protected.  

“From 8 December 2025 functions will open for two new seasonal visa choices underneath the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, the International Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV),” they said 

• The scheme permits accredited employers to rent expert and semi-skilled seasonal employees for particular roles throughout industries resembling agriculture, horticulture, and tourism.
• A lot of the guidelines governing these new visas stay per the present AEWV circumstances. Nonetheless, candidates who want to change their job circumstances might want to apply for a “Job Change” by Immigration New Zealand.

International Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) 

The International Workforce Seasonal Visa is focused at employees engaged in long-term, recurring seasonal roles.

Below this visa, employers are exempted from promoting vacancies regionally or present process a labour market take a look at, a requirement designed to hurry up the hiring course of for industries that rely closely on seasonal experience.

Key circumstances for candidates embrace: 

• Staff should have accomplished not less than three seasonal jobs throughout the previous six years.
• They have to spend not less than three months outdoors New Zealand every year.
• The visa will stay legitimate for 3 years.
• Candidates should meet commonplace well being and character necessities.
• No English language take a look at is required.

This pathway is meant to assist skilled seasonal employees return to New Zealand commonly with out repeating prolonged approval processes, creating stability for employers with recurring labour wants.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) 

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed for short-term, high-demand durations when employers require further assist throughout peak manufacturing cycles.

To make use of this visa possibility, employers should promote job openings regionally and display that they made real efforts to rent New Zealand residents earlier than searching for international employees.

Key necessities embrace: 

• Candidates should have not less than one season of related expertise throughout the previous three years.
• The visa is legitimate for as much as seven months.
• If the employment interval exceeds three months, employees should have complete medical insurance.
• No English take a look at is required.

This visa possibility helps sectors like farming, tourism, and meals processing throughout their busiest months, whereas nonetheless sustaining equity in native hiring practices.

Utility necessities and documentation 

Candidates for both the GWSV or PSV should meet a set of necessary circumstances to qualify for approval. These embrace:

• A job supply and signed employment settlement from an AEWV-accredited employer, stating begin and finish dates, pay price, assured hours, and work location.
• Proof of seasonal work expertise, resembling employer reference letters, payslips, tax summaries, or rosters verifying job duties and length.
• Proof of seasonality, together with journey data or employer letters displaying breaks between work seasons.
• Medical health insurance for PSV roles lasting greater than three months, with protection for physician visits, hospital care, and emergency medical evacuation.
• Commonplace AEWV paperwork, together with a legitimate passport, latest photograph, medical and police certificates, and different supporting proof required by INZ.
• Candidates for the GWSV, which lasts as much as three years, should additionally endure full well being and character assessments earlier than approval.

The governmnet defined that the brand new visa framework is a part of its broader effort to make sure the nation’s immigration system stays aware of trade wants whereas safeguarding employee welfare and nationwide pursuits.

The company mentioned it developed the GWSV and PSV after consultations with employers in agriculture, hospitality, and manufacturing sectors, which recognized the necessity for predictable and versatile seasonal hiring channels.

It added that the system contains checks and compliance measures to stop misuse of the visa program or the exploitation of migrant employees.