Two welcomed new categories of the AEWV for seasonal workers
INZ has introduced two new seasonal visas under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV): the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). These replace the old Specific Purpose or Event seasonal work category that many employers have relied on for years. While the structure is shifting, the underlying need for reliable seasonal workers across Canterbury and the South Island hasn’t changed.
For both visas, applicants won’t need to meet English language requirements, and they won’t be able to support partners or dependents. The role must also be listed on the new Seasonal Occupations List.
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is aimed at more experienced workers. Employers won’t need to undertake a Labour Market Test when applying for a Job Check, which will help speed things up during peak periods. To qualify, applicants need at least three seasons of relevant work experience within the last six years. The visa can be issued for up to three years, but workers must spend three months outside New Zealand for each year of their visa. This pathway will suit employers who consistently bring back the same workers each season.
The Peak Seasonal Visa is shorter but more flexible. Employers must engage with Work and Income or obtain a PSV endorsement before applying for the Job Check. Applicants need at least one season of experience in the last three years. The visa can be granted for up to seven months, after which the worker must spend four months outside New Zealand before another PSV can be granted. If the job runs for more than three months, medical insurance will also be required.
For many of the clients I work with—dairy farms, horticulture growers, food processors and other primary sector operations—these changes will have a real impact on workforce planning. Visa options are no longer a simple one-size-fits-all. Employers will need to understand which pathway suits their operation, how stand-down periods affect staffing, and whether returning workers meet the updated experience requirements.
Seasonal labour is the backbone of Canterbury’s productivity. These new visas aren’t necessarily better or worse—they’re simply different, and navigating them will require clarity and forward planning. If you’re unsure how these changes affect your recruitment or staffing strategies, feel free to reach out. This is the space I work in every day, and I'm always happy to help employers move through these changes with confidence.
