To address seasonal workforce shortages—particularly in industries such as agriculture, tourism, and food processing—the New Zealand Government has introduced two new visa pathways under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). These aim to improve flexibility and meet peak labour demands efficiently (immigration.govt.nz, beehive.govt.nz).
Both the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and the Peak Seasonal Visa will open for applications from 8 December 2025.
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
- Validity: Up to 3 years.
- Eligible roles: Highly skilled seasonal positions such as:
Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator – Vận hành máy móc nông nghiệp
Agricultural Technician (for example sheep or animal pregnancy scanner) -Kỹ thuật viên nông nghiệp
Chairlift Operator – Vận hành ghế nâng
Tulip Grower – Trồng hoa Tulip
Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer – Chăn nuôi ngựa
Snow Groomer – Vệ sinh Tuyết
Mountain or Glacier Guide – Hướng dẫn du lịch Núi hoặc sông băng
Outdoor Adventure Instructor – Huấn luyện viên dịch vụ phiêu lưu
Primary Products Inspector – Thanh tra sản phẩm chính
Shearer – Người cắt lông
Slaughterer – Người giết mổ
Snow Sports Instructor – Huấn luyện viên thể thao tuyết
Snow Maker – Vận hành máy làm tuyết
Snowsport Equipment Technician – Kỹ thuật viên thiết bị trượt tuyết
Whitewater Rafting Guide – Hướng dẫn viên chèo bè vượt thác
Wine Maker – Sản xuất rượu
Winery Senior Cellar Hand – Nhân viên hầm rượu cao cấp
- Re-entry rule: Must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year.
- Experience requirement: At least three seasons of relevant work within the past six years.
- No labour market test or English language requirement.
- Pathway flexibility: Can transition to other visa types if eligible.
- Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
- Validity: Up to 7 months.
- Eligible roles: Short-term seasonal work such as:
Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker – Công nhân trại nuôi trai/hàu
Calf Rearer – Chăn nuôi bê
Relief Milker – Người vắt sữa cứu trợ
Forestry Worker – Công nhân lâm nghiệp
Meat Boner and Slicer – Công nhân Pha lóc và cắt thịt
Meat Process Worker – Công nhân chế biến thịt
Seafood Process Worker – Công nhân chế biến hải sản
Winery Cellar Hand – Nhân viên hầm rượu
Wool Handler – Người xử lí len
- Experience requirement: At least one relevant season of experience.
- Re-entry rule: Must spend at least 4 months outside New Zealand before reapplying.
- Health insurance: Required if the visa is longer than 3 months.
- Designed to complement and enhance the existing Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme.
- Key Benefits of These Visa Changes
- Makes it easier for employers to re-hire experienced seasonal workers without restarting the entire application process.
- Retains focus on hiring New Zealanders first, with overseas recruitment only when no suitable local candidates are available.
- Provides flexibility for industries to meet seasonal economic needs effectively.
These changes to New Zealand Visa policy are a strategic move to support seasonal industries while maintaining opportunities for local workers. The GWSV and PSV create new opportunities for skilled seasonal professionals and help businesses manage peak workloads more efficiently.
>>>>> How New Zealand Evaluates Foreign Qualifications for Visa Applications
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If you’re considering applying for one of these new visas, CONTACT KOROOfor expert advice and step-by-step application support.
