New Zealand’s New Seasonal Visa Pathways | Supporting Workforce Demand in 2025

From 8 December 2025, Immigration New Zealand will introduce two new seasonal work visas to address rising demand in agriculture, horticulture, food processing, and tourism. These pathways aim to provide flexibility for workers and workforce stability for employers, replacing older short-term visa options such as the interim Specific Purpose Work Visa (SPWV).

1. Global Workforce Seasonal Visa

A three-year multi-entry visa designed for experienced seasonal workers.

• No Labour Market Test or proof of English skills required.

• Flexibility to enter and exit New Zealand freely over three years.

• Eligible workers can transition to other visa types if they meet the criteria.

Eligible roles include:

• Agricultural & horticultural mobile plant operators

• Agricultural technicians (e.g., sheep or animal pregnancy scanners)

• Chairlift operators, snow groomers, and snow makers

• Mountain/glacier guides, whitewater rafting guides, outdoor adventure instructors

• Winemakers and senior winery cellar hands

• Shearers, slaughterers, and primary products inspectors

• Snow sports instructors & equipment technicians

2. Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)

A single-entry visa valid for up to 7 months, designed for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles.

• No English requirement.

• Applicants need at least one season of relevant experience in the last 3 years.

• Must hold comprehensive health insurance.

• Requires a 4-month stand-down period before reapplying.

• Employers must be endorsed by or work with Work and Income.

Eligible roles include:

• Mussel or oyster farm workers

• Calf rearers and relief milkers

• Forestry workers

• Meat boners, slicers, and meat processing staff

• Seafood process workers

• Winery cellar hands and wool handlers

Conditions & Restrictions (Both Visas)

• Cannot sponsor partner or dependent visas.

• Can change employers only within the same visa category.

• Interim work rights apply if switching from a student or work visa while the seasonal visa is processed.

• Not a pathway to permanent residence.

• Authorities will monitor contract lengths, industry cycles, and other indicators to ensure visas are used for genuine seasonal needs.

How It Fits Into New Zealand’s Broader Immigration Reforms

These changes align with the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, which has also introduced:

• Removal of the median wage threshold (employers must still pay market rates).

• Lowered experience requirement from 3 years to 2 years.

• Streamlined job check process for low-risk employers.

What STEM Abroad Team Can Do for You :

At STEM Abroad, we:

• Inform: Keep you updated on seasonal work opportunities in New Zealand.

• Guide: Help you choose between entry-level (7-month) and experienced (3-year) seasonal visa options.

• Support: Assist students, graduates, and employers in aligning expectations and meeting requirements.

📞 Contact our team at +91 96363 47438 to learn how you can take advantage of New Zealand’s 2025 seasonal visa reforms.