New Zealand to launch two new seasonal work visas for overseas staff 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 overseas staff in search of seasonal employment.
In keeping with Immigration New Zealand, the brand new seasonal visa choices goal to steadiness the nation’s labour calls for throughout peak production seasons whereas making certain that job alternatives for native residents stay protected.
“From 8 December 2025 purposes 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 acknowledged
The International Workforce Seasonal Visa is focused at staff engaged in long-term, recurring seasonal roles.
Beneath this visa, employers are exempted from promoting vacancies regionally or present process a labour market check, a requirement designed to hurry up the hiring course of for industries that rely closely on seasonal experience.
Key situations for candidates embody:
This pathway is meant to assist skilled seasonal staff return to New Zealand often with out repeating prolonged approval processes, creating stability for employers with recurring labour wants.
The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed for short-term, high-demand durations when employers require further assist throughout peak production cycles.
To make use of this visa choice, employers should promote job openings regionally and reveal that they made real efforts to rent New Zealand residents earlier than in search of overseas staff.
Key necessities embody:
This visa choice helps sectors like farming, tourism, and meals processing throughout their busiest months, whereas nonetheless sustaining equity in native hiring practices.
Candidates for both the GWSV or PSV should meet a set of obligatory situations to qualify for approval. These embody:
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 attentive to trade wants whereas safeguarding employee welfare and nationwide pursuits.
The company stated 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 consists of checks and compliance measures to stop misuse of the visa program or the exploitation of migrant staff.