New Zealand’s seasonal work visa options changed significantly with the introduction of the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) and Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV). Both operate under the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) framework, but they are designed for different types of seasonal workers.
If you are researching a Seasonal Work Visa New Zealand option in 2026, the key question is not simply whether you want seasonal work. You need to establish whether your occupation, previous seasonal experience, job offer and intended work period fit the GWSV or PSV requirements.
In simple terms, GWSV is aimed at experienced workers in specified skilled seasonal occupations, while PSV is aimed at shorter peak-season roles where the applicant needs less previous seasonal experience.
This guide explains the difference, current eligibility requirements, occupation lists, employer requirements, costs, duration, application process and the practical factors that should influence your decision.
Important: Immigration rules can change. The information below reflects the New Zealand seasonal visa settings available at the time of review in September 2026. Always check the latest Immigration New Zealand requirements before applying.
What Is the New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa?
“Seasonal Work Visa” is best understood as a general description rather than the name of one single visa.
New Zealand currently has dedicated seasonal AEWV pathways, principally:
- Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
- Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV)
Both require a genuine seasonal job, an employer accredited under the AEWV framework and an approved job check for the relevant visa type.
The important point is that you cannot normally decide to arrive in New Zealand first and then use one of these visas to find any seasonal job you want. The employment offer and employer-side approval are central to the process.
GWSV vs PSV: The Short Answer
The simplest way to distinguish the two visas is:
Choose GWSV as the pathway to investigate if you have at least three seasons of relevant experience in the last six years and your occupation is on the GWSV list.
Choose PSV as the pathway to investigate if you have at least one season of relevant experience in the last three years and your occupation is on the PSV list.
There are important differences beyond experience.
The GWSV can support work for up to nine months in each year of a visa valid for up to three years. You must spend at least three months outside New Zealand during each 12-month period.
The PSV allows up to seven months of work and requires a four-month period outside New Zealand before another PSV can be granted after the seven-month limit.
Neither visa allows the holder to include a partner or dependent children in the same seasonal visa application.
What Is the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa?
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) is designed for experienced workers in specified seasonal occupations.
The visa can be valid for up to three years. During each year, the worker can work for up to nine months, subject to the seasonal and visa conditions. The worker must spend at least three months outside New Zealand during each 12-month period.
This makes the GWSV particularly relevant to workers whose careers naturally follow recurring seasonal cycles.
For example, a worker with several years of experience in an eligible seasonal occupation may be able to return to New Zealand for successive seasons without starting from scratch with an entirely new seasonal visa every year.
GWSV experience requirement
The applicant must generally demonstrate at least three seasons of work in the same or a similar job during the previous six years.
This is one of the biggest barriers for people who are new to seasonal employment.
A CV alone is not enough to establish the required experience. Immigration New Zealand can accept evidence such as:
- Employer reference letters
- Employment certificates
- Payslips
- Tax certificates
- Other credible employment evidence
The evidence should come from a source other than the applicant.
GWSV job offer requirement
You need a full-time job offer from an AEWV-accredited employer.
The job must:
- Be on the GWSV occupation list
- Be genuinely seasonal
- Be connected to an industry or sector seasonal peak
- Provide at least 30 hours of work per week
- Be covered by an approved GWSV job check
- Pay at least the applicable market rate.[1]
The initial job offer only needs to cover at least one season. It does not necessarily need to cover all three years of the visa.
For a detailed explanation of this pathway, see our Global Workforce Seasonal Visa NZ guide.
What Is the Peak Seasonal Visa?
The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is designed for shorter seasonal peaks.
It allows an eligible worker to work in New Zealand for up to seven months during a seasonal peak.
The PSV has a lower experience threshold than the GWSV.
Applicants generally need at least one season of experience in the same or similar work during the previous three years.
That makes PSV potentially more accessible to workers who have seasonal experience but do not yet have the three seasons required for GWSV.
PSV experience requirement
You must be able to demonstrate at least one season of relevant experience within the last three years.
Evidence can include:
- Employer references
- Employment certificates
- Payslips
- Tax records
A CV by itself is not sufficient evidence of the required experience.
PSV job offer requirement
The employer must:
- Be AEWV accredited
- Have an approved PSV job check
- Offer an eligible PSV occupation
- Offer at least 30 hours of work per week
- Pay at least the market rate
- Have the work occur during or close to the relevant seasonal peak.
For the detailed pathway, see our Peak Seasonal Visa NZ guide.
GWSV vs PSV: The Most Important Differences
The two visas can look similar at first, but several differences can completely change which one is appropriate.
1. Experience
GWSV: at least 3 seasons in the last 6 years.
PSV: at least 1 season in the last 3 years.
If you have only one season of relevant experience, you generally cannot meet the GWSV experience requirement simply because you have an eligible job. PSV may be the more relevant pathway if your occupation is on the PSV list.
2. Maximum seasonal work period
GWSV: up to 9 months in a year.
PSV: up to 7 months.
This makes GWSV particularly relevant to workers whose seasonal employment periods are longer or who want to return for multiple seasons.
3. Overall visa period
A GWSV can be valid for up to three years, subject to its conditions and the requirement to spend at least three months outside New Zealand during each 12-month period.
The PSV itself provides a maximum seven-month stay. After reaching the PSV limit, the worker must spend at least four months outside New Zealand before another PSV can be granted.
4. Employer recruitment requirements
This is a major difference.
For GWSV jobs, employers do not need to carry out the normal advertising and Work and Income process that applies to many AEWV roles.
For PSV jobs, employers generally need to advertise and meet the relevant Work and Income requirements. They may use a Work and Income endorsement route where eligible.
Therefore, the distinction is not only about the worker. It also affects the employer’s recruitment process.
5. Health insurance
For a PSV, acceptable medical insurance is required where the job offer is for more than three months.
GWSV has different health requirements and does not impose the same PSV-specific insurance condition.
6. English language testing
Neither GWSV nor PSV requires an English language test as part of the seasonal visa rules.
However, applicants still need to understand their employment agreement, job requirements and other visa conditions.
7. Family
Neither GWSV nor PSV allows the applicant to include their partner or dependent children in the seasonal visa application.
If family migration is important to you, the seasonal visa should therefore be assessed as part of a wider immigration plan rather than treated as a family migration solution.
Which Visa Is Better for You?
There is no universally “better” visa.
The correct choice depends on your occupation and employment history.
GWSV may be the better fit if:
- You have at least three relevant seasons of experience in the last six years.
- Your occupation is on the GWSV list.
- You expect to return for seasonal work over multiple years.
- Your occupation has a longer seasonal cycle.
- You want the flexibility of a visa that can cover up to three seasonal years.
- Your employer has a GWSV-approved job check.
PSV may be the better fit if:
- You have at least one relevant season of experience in the last three years.
- Your occupation is on the PSV list.
- Your work is concentrated around a shorter seasonal peak.
- You do not meet the GWSV three-season requirement.
- Your employer has a PSV-approved job check.
A simple decision rule
Ask these questions in order:
1. Is my occupation on the GWSV or PSV list?
If neither list includes your occupation, these two visas may not be available for that job.
2. How much relevant seasonal experience do I have?
Three seasons in six years may open the GWSV route. One season in three years may support the PSV route.
3. How long is the genuine seasonal period?
The job must fit the seasonal requirements. A permanent role cannot simply be relabelled as seasonal.
4. Has my employer completed the correct job check?
The job check needs to correspond to the visa type.
5. Do the visa conditions fit my plans?
Consider the maximum stay, required time outside New Zealand, insurance and restrictions on employment changes.
Which Jobs Qualify for the GWSV?
The GWSV list is specific.
Current eligible occupations include roles such as:
- Agricultural and Horticultural Mobile Plant Operator
- Agricultural Technician
- 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
- Ski Technician/Specialised Technician role
- Whitewater Rafting Guide
- Wine Maker
- Winery Senior Cellar Hand.
The precise occupation definition matters.
For example, the tulip-growing category is limited to qualifying commercial tulip-growing work, while the Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer category has specific conditions connected with recognised breeding operations and yearling sales.
This is why applicants should check the actual occupation list rather than relying on broad descriptions such as “farm work” or “tourism work.”
Which Jobs Qualify for the PSV?
The PSV list is also specific.
Current roles include:
- 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.[5]
Again, the job title alone is not always enough.
The actual duties must fit the occupation definition and the seasonal requirements.
For example, a Relief Milker role must meet the conditions specified by Immigration New Zealand for that occupation.
Seasonal Timing Matters
One of the most overlooked parts of the seasonal visa rules is timing.
Immigration New Zealand publishes recognised hiring periods for GWSV and PSV occupations. These periods are based on expected seasonal peaks and can include shoulder periods where the season starts earlier or finishes later.
For PSV occupations, examples include:
- Mussel farming: generally November to June, with possible variation.
- Oyster farming: generally April to October, with possible variation.
- Forestry: generally April to September.
- Meat processing: generally November to June.
- Seafood processing: generally May to November.
- Winery Cellar Hand: generally February to April.
- Wool handling: generally October to March.[6]
These are not permission to work outside the conditions of your visa.
The actual visa conditions control what you can do.
The same principle applies to GWSV jobs. A worker should not assume that having an eligible occupation automatically means they can work at any time of year.
Employer Requirements: Why the Job Check Matters
Seasonal visas are employer-driven.
The employer must be AEWV accredited and obtain an approved job check for the relevant seasonal visa type.
This means there are effectively two connected stages:
Employer stage
The employer establishes eligibility, accreditation and the correct seasonal job check.
Worker stage
The worker receives the job offer/application link and applies for the corresponding visa.
A worker cannot substitute a PSV application for a GWSV job check or vice versa.
Immigration New Zealand specifically states that a worker can only apply for the seasonal visa type for which the employer’s job check has been approved.
GWSV and the Labour Market Test
One of the biggest advantages of the GWSV from the employer’s perspective is that GWSV hiring does not require the standard advertising and Work and Income process that applies to many other AEWV roles.
This does not mean that the employer can hire anyone for any job.
The role still needs to:
- Be eligible for GWSV.
- Be genuinely seasonal.
- Meet the job-check requirements.
- Be offered by an accredited employer.
- Meet the applicable employment conditions.
PSV and the Labour Market Test
PSV works differently.
Employers generally need to advertise the role and satisfy the relevant Work and Income requirements.
Immigration New Zealand explains that PSV employers can either engage with Work and Income or, where available, obtain a PSV endorsement.
This makes the employer-side preparation particularly important.
A worker may be personally eligible for PSV but still be unable to proceed until the employer has completed the required recruitment and job-check steps.
Can You Change Employers on a Seasonal Visa?
Yes, but not simply by starting another job.
GWSV and PSV holders are subject to employment conditions.
If you want to change employer, occupation or location, you may need to apply for a Job Change.
There is an important restriction:
- A GWSV Job Change must lead to a qualifying GWSV job.
- A PSV Job Change must lead to a qualifying PSV job.
You cannot use a Job Change simply to move from a GWSV job into an unrelated ordinary job or from a PSV job into an unrelated occupation.
The new employer must also meet the relevant accreditation and job-check requirements.
Can You Bring Your Partner or Children?
Not through the GWSV or PSV application itself.
Immigration New Zealand states that holders cannot include their partner or dependent children in these seasonal visa applications.
If you want your family to accompany you, you need to examine whether they qualify for another visa category under the applicable family or visitor rules.
This is one reason why seasonal work visas should not automatically be treated as family migration pathways.
How Much Does a Seasonal Work Visa Cost?
Immigration New Zealand currently lists the application cost for both GWSV and PSV as from NZD $1,540.
The visa application fee is only one part of the potential cost.
Applicants may also need to budget for:
- Medical examinations
- Chest X-rays where required
- Police certificates
- Certified translations
- Travel
- Health insurance where required
- Employment-related relocation expenses.
Do not confuse the immigration application fee with the total cost of obtaining seasonal employment in New Zealand.
What Documents Do You Need?
The exact document list depends on your circumstances, but applicants should expect to prepare evidence such as:
- Passport or certificate of identity
- Signed job offer
- Employment agreement
- Job description
- Evidence of relevant work experience
- Evidence of skills or qualifications where required
- Police certificates where required
- Medical or chest X-ray evidence where required
- Certified English translations where applicable
- Medical insurance evidence for PSV applicants whose employment exceeds three months.
The experience evidence is especially important
One of the most common practical mistakes is assuming that a CV proves seasonal experience.
It does not.
Immigration New Zealand specifically identifies independent evidence such as employer letters, employment certificates, payslips and tax certificates.
If you have worked seasonally in another country, start collecting this evidence before the visa application becomes urgent.
How to Apply for a New Zealand Seasonal Work Visa
Step 1: Confirm the occupation
Check whether your exact job is on the current GWSV or PSV occupation list.
Do not rely solely on the employer’s job title.
Step 2: Check your experience
Determine whether you meet:
- Three seasons in six years for GWSV, or
- One season in three years for PSV.
Step 3: Obtain an eligible job offer
You need a full-time offer from an AEWV-accredited employer.
The job must meet the relevant seasonal visa conditions.
Step 4: Employer completes the required process
The employer needs the appropriate seasonal job check.
PSV employers also need to satisfy the applicable local recruitment/Work and Income requirements.
Step 5: Receive the visa application link
The employer provides the information needed to submit the seasonal visa application.
Step 6: Prepare evidence
Organise employment history, identity documents, health and character evidence and translations before submission.
Step 7: Apply for the correct visa type
A GWSV job check supports a GWSV application.
A PSV job check supports a PSV application.
The two are not interchangeable.
Step 8: Check your final visa conditions
Before starting work, confirm:
- Employer
- Occupation
- Location
- Work period
- Hours
- Expiry date
- Travel conditions
- Any other specific conditions.
Common Seasonal Visa Problems to Avoid
Mistake 1: Assuming any farm job qualifies
It doesn’t.
The GWSV and PSV have defined occupation lists.
Mistake 2: Applying for GWSV with insufficient experience
Three seasons of relevant experience in six years is a central GWSV requirement.
If you only have one season, investigate whether the PSV occupation list and other PSV criteria apply instead.
Mistake 3: Treating a CV as proof of experience
INZ requires supporting evidence. A CV alone is not sufficient.
Mistake 4: Ignoring the seasonal timing
The job must correspond to a genuine seasonal peak.
Mistake 5: Confusing a job offer with an approved job check
An employment offer by itself does not replace the employer’s immigration requirements.
Mistake 6: Assuming PSV can be renewed immediately
After using the seven-month PSV period, you need at least four months outside New Zealand before another PSV can be granted.
Mistake 7: Assuming GWSV means three continuous years in New Zealand
It does not.
The worker must spend at least three months outside New Zealand during each 12-month period.
Mistake 8: Changing employers without checking the Job Change rules
You must follow the applicable Job Change process and the new job must meet the requirements of the same seasonal visa type.
Mistake 9: Assuming seasonal work automatically leads to residence
Neither GWSV nor PSV should be presented as a direct residence visa.
If residence is your ultimate objective, your occupation, qualifications, registration, employer, salary and other circumstances need to be assessed against the residence pathways available at the time.
GWSV vs PSV: Which One Should You Choose?
The decision can be simplified.
GWSV is generally the pathway to investigate first if:
- You have three or more relevant seasons in the last six years.
- Your occupation is on the GWSV list.
- You want recurring seasonal work.
- Your employment can fit the GWSV seasonal framework.
PSV is generally the pathway to investigate first if:
- You have at least one relevant season in the last three years.
- Your occupation is on the PSV list.
- Your employment is concentrated around a shorter seasonal peak.
- You do not meet the GWSV experience threshold.
But experience is only the first filter.
You should also check the occupation, season timing, employer accreditation, job check, employment conditions and your personal health and character requirements.
A Practical 2026 Eligibility Checklist
Before spending money on an application, check the following:
-
My occupation is on the correct seasonal visa list.
-
My job is genuinely seasonal.
-
I have an eligible New Zealand employer.
-
The employer is AEWV accredited.
-
The employer has the correct job check.
-
I meet the relevant seasonal experience requirement.
-
I can prove my previous experience.
-
The job provides at least 30 hours per week.
-
The pay meets the applicable requirements.
-
I understand the seasonal timing.
-
I understand the visa’s maximum stay.
-
I understand the required time outside New Zealand.
-
I have the required health and character documents.
-
I understand whether medical insurance is required.
-
I understand the restrictions on changing employment.
-
I have considered whether this visa actually fits my longer-term immigration goal.
Final Takeaway
The Seasonal Work Visa New Zealand landscape is no longer a single generic route.
The introduction of GWSV and PSV gives New Zealand two different seasonal AEWV pathways for different workforce patterns.
The GWSV is built around experienced seasonal workers: at least three seasons of relevant experience in the previous six years, an eligible occupation and the possibility of returning for seasonal work across a visa period of up to three years.
The PSV is built around shorter peak-season employment: at least one season of relevant experience in the previous three years and a maximum stay of up to seven months.
The biggest mistake is choosing a visa based only on the job title.
A sound assessment should look at the entire chain:
occupation → seasonal timing → experience → employer → job check → visa conditions → longer-term immigration objective.
Because the occupation lists and seasonal rules are specific, check the current Immigration New Zealand requirements before committing to an application.
If you are unsure whether your employment history and proposed New Zealand job fit GWSV or PSV, professional immigration advice can help you identify the correct pathway before you submit an application.