Two New Visa Options: AEWV
The Government is introducing TWO new visa options under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and
- Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV).
These visas will be available from 8 December 2025.
They are designed to help accredited employers bring in workers for short-term roles driven by seasonal environmental peaks, while maintaining fair and consistent immigration settings.
How the visas work:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
This visa is for skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 3 years.
Employers need to get a job check for a seasonal role, and then the worker applies for the seasonal visa. Visa holders must spend at least 3 months outside New Zealand each year. Applicants need to have worked in a relevant seasonal role for at least 3 seasons in the past 6 years.
There is no Labour Market Test, nor is there an English language requirement, and visa holders can transition to other visa types.
Roles covered under this visa:
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
- Agricultural Technician (for example, sheep or animal pregnancy scanner)
- Chairlift Operator
- Tulip Grower
- Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
- Snow Groomer
- Mountain or Glacier Guide
- Outdoor Adventure Instructor
- Primary Products Inspector
- Shearer
- Slaughterer
- Snow Sports Instructor
- Snow Maker
- Snowsport Equipment Technician
- Whitewater Rafting Guide
- Wine Maker
- Winery Senior Cellar Hand
- Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV):
This visa is for entry-level or lower-skilled seasonal roles and is valid for up to 7 months.
After reaching the 7-month limit, visa holders must take a 4-month break before reapplying.
Applicants need at least 1 season of relevant experience in the past 3 years and must hold comprehensive health insurance.
There is no English language requirement, but employers must engage with or be endorsed by Work and Income.
Roles covered under this visa:
- Mussel or Oyster Farm Worker
- Calf Rearer
- Relief Milker
- Forestry Worker
- Meat Boner and Slicer
- Meat Process Worker
- Seafood Process Worker
- Winery Cellar Hand
- Wool Handler
Visa holders under both pathways cannot support partner or dependent visas.
They can only change jobs within the same visa type.
Applicants moving from a student or work visa will retain interim work rights while their new visa application is being processed.
Advisa Immigration Services Ltd are here to assist you.
Don't hesitate to get in touch with Steve Baker for an obligation-free and confidential conversation.
