What is the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)?

 

The Accredited Employer Work Visa is a temporary work visa pathway for individuals who have secured a job offer from an accredited New Zealand employer. This visa system ensures that foreign workers are employed by legitimate businesses that meet specific standards set by Immigration New Zealand.

For more information about employer accreditation requirements, visit our dedicated guide.

The Two New Seasonal Visa Pathways Explained

Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) – For Skilled Seasonal Workers

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa targets experienced seasonal professionals and offers extended validity of up to 3 years. This visa category recognizes the value of skilled seasonal workers who contribute specialized expertise to New Zealand’s economy.

GWSV Key Features and Benefits

• Duration: Up to 3 years validity
• Pathway Options: May transition to other visa types
• Experience Recognition: Values seasoned professionals
• Streamlined Process: No labour market testing required

GWSV Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Essential Requirements

• Work Experience: Minimum of 3 seasons in the past 6 years in a relevant seasonal role
• Travel Requirement: Must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand annually
• Job Check: Employer must obtain an approved job check confirming the role’s seasonal nature
• Health and Character: Must meet standard health requirements and character requirements

What You DON’T Need for GWSV

• Labour market tests
• English language requirements

GWSV Eligible Occupations

The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa covers specialized roles including:

Agricultural and Technical Roles:

• Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
• Agricultural Technician (e.g., sheep or animal pregnancy scanner)
• Tulip Grower
• Primary Products Inspector
• Shearer
• Slaughterer

Winter Sports and Tourism Roles:

• Chairlift Operator
• Snow Groomer
• Snow Maker
• Snow Sports Instructor
• Snowsport Equipment Technician
• Mountain or Glacier Guide
• Outdoor Adventure Instructor
• Whitewater Rafting Guide

Specialized Industry Roles:

• Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
• Wine Maker
• Winery Senior Cellar Hand

 

Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) – For Entry-Level Seasonal Workers

The Peak Seasonal Visa addresses labour needs for entry-level and lower-skilled seasonal positions, valid for up to 7 months. This visa category provides essential workforce support during New Zealand’s peak production periods.

PSV Key Features and Limitations

• Duration: Maximum 7 months
• Stand-down Period: Mandatory 4-month break before reapplication after reaching the 7-month limit
• Target Audience: Entry-level seasonal workers
• Insurance Requirement: Comprehensive health insurance for stays exceeding 3 months

PSV Eligibility Requirements

Essential Requirements

• Work Experience: Minimum of 1 season in the past 3 years in a relevant role
• Employer Engagement: Employers must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income New Zealand
• Job Check: Approved job check confirming seasonal nature
• Health Insurance: Comprehensive coverage required for stays longer than 3 months
• Character Requirements: Must meet standard character requirements

What You DON’T Need for PSV

• English language requirements

PSV Eligible Occupations

The Peak Seasonal Visa covers entry-level positions including:

Primary Industry Roles:

• Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker
• Calf Rearer
• Relief Milker
• Forestry Worker
• Wool Handler

Processing Industry Roles:

• Meat Boner and Slicer
• Meat Process Worker
• Seafood Process Worker
• Winery Cellar Hand

Important Restrictions for Both GWSV and PSV

Family and Partner Restrictions

Neither the GWSV nor PSV allows for:

• Dependent visas
• Partner work visas
• Family reunification provisions

This restriction is crucial for applicants to understand when planning their seasonal work in New Zealand. For family visa options, consult our partnership visa guide.

Transitional Work Rights

Applicants transitioning from:

• Student visas
• Other work visas

Will retain interim work rights while their new seasonal visa application is being processed, ensuring continuous employment authorization.

 

 

Why These New Visa Categories Matter

Addressing Labour Market Needs

The GWSV and PSV provide targeted, flexible pathways that:

• Reduce pressure on the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) Limited Visa programme
• Enable smoother workforce inputs during critical peak seasons
• Support New Zealand’s primary industries and tourism sector
• Provide certainty for both employers and workers

Benefits for Employers

• Streamlined recruitment processes
• Access to experienced seasonal workers
• Reduced administrative burden
• Greater workforce planning flexibility

 

How to Apply: Next Steps for Employers and Workers

 

For Employers

1. Obtain employer accreditation if not already accredited
2. Apply for job check approval for seasonal roles
3. Engage with Work and Income (for PSV roles)
4. Recruit suitable candidates meeting visa requirements

For Workers

1. Ensure you meet experience requirements
2. Gather evidence of previous seasonal work
3. Obtain necessary health insurance (PSV)
4. Prepare health and character documentation
5. Apply through an licensed immigration adviser or directly with INZ

Timeline and Implementation

 

• Announcement Date: 10 August 2025
• Application Opening: 8 December 2025
• First Visa Grants: Expected from late December 2025

 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I bring my family on these visas?

No, both GWSV and PSV do not allow for dependent or partner visas.

2. Can I change employers on these visas?

You can change employers, but only to another accredited employer with an approved job check for a role within your visa category.

3. Do I need to prove English proficiency?

No, neither visa requires English language testing.

4. Can I apply for residence from these visas?

GWSV holders may transition to other visa types that could lead to residence. PSV holders would need to meet standard residence pathway requirements.

 

Get Professional Immigration Advice & Assistance

The introduction of the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa represents a significant evolution in New Zealand’s approach to seasonal labour. These targeted pathways offer valuable opportunities for both skilled and entry-level workers while addressing critical labour shortages in key industries.

As these visas become available from 8 December 2025, preparation is key. Whether you’re an employer seeking seasonal workers or a prospective applicant, understanding these new pathways will be crucial for success.

Navigating New Zealand’s evolving immigration landscape requires expert guidance. At Sharma Law, our experienced immigration advisers can help you:

• Assess your eligibility for GWSV or PSV
• Prepare comprehensive visa applications
• Navigate employer accreditation processes
• Plan your immigration pathway

Contact us today for a consultation about the new seasonal visa pathways.