Reminder: New seasonal work visas launch soon

Read more on Immigration New Zealand news centre.

On 8 December 2025, job check and visa applications will open for the new Global Workforce Seasonal Visa and Peak Seasonal Visa, under the Accredited Employer Work Visa framework.

Announced in August, these visas are being introduced to help accredited employers access more workers during periods of peak seasonal activity.

A Global Workforce Seasonal Visa can be granted for 3 years if your clients have an employment agreement for 1 season in the first year. Visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year.

Applicants must:

• have a job offer in select roles such as sheep scanners, shearers, wine makers, and ski instructors

• provide evidence of at least 3 seasons of relevant experience in the last 6 years

• meet health and character requirements.

Employers do not need to advertise or engage with Work and Income, but they will need to apply for a job check.

A Peak Seasonal Visa can be granted for up to 7 months. After reaching this limit, workers must spend at least 4 continuous months outside of New Zealand.

Applicants must:

• have a job offer in select roles, such as meat and seafood processing, calf-rearing, and wool handling

• provide evidence of at least 1 season of relevant experience in the last 3 years

• provide evidence of acceptable health insurance, if the job offer is longer than 3 months.

Employers must advertise and either engage with Work and Income in good faith for the role or have a Peak Seasonal Visa endorsement from Work and Income, and apply for a job check.