Seasonal workers looking to work in New Zealand, here is exciting news. Immigration New Zealand (INZ) just announced the launch of new seasonal visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework.

• Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
• Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

These new visa options allow accredited employers in New Zealand to hire for seasonal jobs, while maintaining checks to prevent misuse of the visa.

Most of the conditions for these visas will be the same as those for any Accredited Employer Work Visa. If applicants want to change any conditions, they will need to apply for a Job Change.  

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is designed for workers in long-term seasonal jobs. Employers using this visa don’t have to advertise locally or go through a labour market test.

Key requirements:

• Workers must have at least 3 seasons of relevant experience in the last 6 years.
• They must spend 3 months outside New Zealand each year.
• The visa will be valid for 3 years.
• Applicants must meet health and character requirements.
• No English test is required.

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is for short-term peak seasons when businesses need additional help. Employers must advertise the job opening and show they tried to hire locally before bringing in workers from other countries.

Key requirements:

• Workers need 1 season of experience within the last 3 years.
• The visa lasts for up to 7 months.
• If the role lasts longer than 3 months, workers must have comprehensive health insurance.
• No English test is required for this visa either.

What You’ll Need to Apply

If you’re planning to apply for any of New Zealand’s new seasonal visas, you’ll need to show clear proof that you meet all the requirements. Here’s what to prepare:

1. Job Offer and Employment Agreement

You’ll need a job offer and a signed employment agreement from an AEWV-accredited employer. The document should mention:

• Start and end dates
• Pay rate
• Guaranteed hours
• Work location

2. Proof of Seasonal Work Experience

You must show recent, relevant seasonal experience:

• GWSV: At least 3 seasons in the last 6 years
• PSV: At least 1 season in the last 3 years

Acceptable evidence includes employer letters, payslips, tax summaries, rosters, or certificates confirming your role, dates, and duties.

3. Proof of Seasonality

Your work pattern must match the seasonal nature of the visa:

• GWSV: Show that you can spend 3 months outside New Zealand each year
• PSV: Prove a 4-month stand-down period before taking another PSV role

You can use travel itineraries, dated work records, or employer letters to show this.

4. Health Insurance (Roles Over 3 Months)

If your Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) job lasts more than 3 months, you’ll need to apply for health insurance that covers your entire employment period. The policy should include:

• Doctor visits, hospital care, and diagnostic tests
• Prescription medicines and follow-up treatment
• Emergency dental care
• Medical evacuation or repatriation if needed

When applying, attach your policy certificate, coverage summary, and translations (if not in English). Make sure your insurance stays valid for your full job term.

5. Standard AEWV Documents

All AEWV applicants must also provide:

• A valid passport and photo
• Medical and police certificates
• Any additional documents requested by Immigration New Zealand

Because GWSV visas last up to 3 years, full health and character checks are mandatory.

Also, to avoid any processing delays, make sure that you include a complete police certificate, not just proof of application.

Why It Matters

These new visa options give NZ employers more flexibility during busy seasons and open more opportunities for experienced seasonal workers to return year after year. For visa applicants, it’s a clear and structured way to work in New Zealand’s growing seasonal industries.