The New Zealand Government is launching two new seasonal work visas in December 2025 to help meet demand during busy times of the year. These visas will replace the existing Specific Purpose or Event work visa that was introduced as a temporary measure.
Employers must be accredited and complete a Job Check showing the role is seasonal.
These new visas are a welcome development for industries that rely on seasonal expertise — from winemaking and snow sports to meat processing and agriculture. They offer greater flexibility, continuity, and planning certainty for employers, while opening up exciting opportunities for skilled and entry-level workers around the world.
What we know so far is detailed in the table below. Greenstone Immigration will share more updates as soon as Immigration New Zealand releases them. In the meantime, contact Greenstone Immigration’s team of 9 licensed immigration advisors to start preparing so you can move quickly when these visas open.
| Global Workforce Seasonal Visa For highly skilled seasonal workers | Peak Seasonal Visa For entry-level seasonal roles |
|
|---|---|---|
| Employer requirements | Must be accredited and complete a Job Check showing the role is seasonal | |
| Validity | 3 years | 7 months |
| Time outside NZ | Must leave NZ for at least 3 months each year | Must leave NZ for at least 4 months before reapplying |
| Labour market test | Not required | Employers need to complete a labour market test or be formally endorsed by Work and Income. |
| Experience requirements | Three seasons of experience in the last six years | One season of experience in the past three years |
| Job offer | Must have a job offer | Must have a job offer |
| Health insurance | Not required | Must hold comprehensive health insurance if staying longer than 3 months |
| English | Not required | Not required |
| Applicable jobs |
|
|
Steven Dunning
Licenced Immigration Adviser