New Zealand Seasonal Visas (Applications Open Next Week)

I briefly discussed a trend from the 2025 IOM report earlier this year on how governments are favoring temporary > permanent migration pathways.

Labor shortages remain high, but mass-scale migration to fill it is politically untenable in almost all OECD countries. This is leading to the development of revolving door residencies and work permits, where workers come and plug critical gaps for a period of time then leave.

Last month New Zealand announced two new seasonal visas in this same vein.

Starting next week (8 December 2025), applications will open for the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). These visas are designed to help accredited employers fill seasonal roles in sectors like agriculture, food processing, and tourism.

The GWSV is aimed at longer, recurring seasonal roles and allows return seasons, while the PSV is for short-term peak periods of up to seven months.

The GWSV doesn’t require employers to advertise locally, and visas can be granted for up to 3 years, requiring applicants to have at least 3 seasons of relevant experience in the last 6 years. The PSV requires a labour market test, with visas lasting up to 7 months and at least 1 season of relevant experience in the last 3 years.

Neither visa requires English language testing.

Applicants must submit evidence like employment agreements, seasonal experience, proof of seasonality, and, for longer PSV roles, health insurance.