NZ Immigration Launches New Seasonal Work Visas Under AEWV From Dec 8. Apply Today!

Immigration New Zealand has announced that applications for the new seasonal visa categories will officially open on 8 December 2025. This update marks the start of a redesigned seasonal workforce system intended to support industries that rely on short-term labour during peak periods. The new framework aims to simplify processes for both employers and migrant workers by introducing clearer pathways and consolidated visa types. This update represents a shift toward a more structured and responsive seasonal labour program.

The 2025 update introduces changes across New Zealand’s seasonal visa system, most notably the launch of the Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV), which becomes the primary route for hiring temporary migrant workers during busy periods. Other seasonal visa categories have been reviewed and streamlined to ensure they align with the new labour-demand model. The changes are designed to reduce complexity, offer more predictability to employers, and give migrant workers a clearer understanding of the application process. Overall, these updates modernize New Zealand’s approach to managing seasonal workforce needs.

The Peak Seasonal Visa (PSV) is a newly introduced visa category created to help New Zealand employers hire migrant workers during peak labour demand periods. It consolidates earlier seasonal visa options into a single, more efficient pathway. The PSV allows approved employers to bring in temporary workers specifically for roles tied to seasonal industries such as horticulture, agriculture, and food production. The goal is to ensure that employers have access to a reliable labour pool while maintaining fair and regulated employment standards. The PSV simplifies hiring and supports industries experiencing labour shortages.

Eligibility for the Peak Seasonal Visa depends on both employer and worker criteria. Applicants must be offered seasonal employment by an approved New Zealand employer who meets all compliance and labour-market requirements. Workers must also satisfy immigration rules related to health, character, and genuine intent. The PSV is intended for temporary workers filling short-term, peak-season roles and is not a pathway to permanent residency. Industry-specific conditions, work duration limits, and employment standards will apply. Full eligibility criteria will be published by Immigration New Zealand as part of the new system rollout.

Applications for the new seasonal visa categories, including the Peak Seasonal Visa, open on 8 December 2025. This date marks the official start of the updated seasonal hiring cycle. Employers seeking to bring in migrant workers must already be approved and ready to submit requests once the system opens. Applicants are encouraged to prepare documentation in advance to avoid delays, as seasonal visa processing typically aligns closely with industry demand. Immigration New Zealand will provide updated guidance, forms, and requirements leading up to the opening date to help applicants successfully navigate the new process.

New Zealand has introduced these changes to better respond to labour shortages in seasonal industries and create a more efficient, predictable workforce program. The updated system aims to streamline the application process, reduce administrative burdens for employers, and ensure fair working conditions for migrant workers. By consolidating multiple visa types into clearer pathways like the Peak Seasonal Visa, the government intends to improve worker mobility and provide industries with timely access to labour during peak periods. The reforms also support greater oversight, compliance, and long-term planning for sectors heavily dependent on seasonal workforces.

Industries that experience seasonal fluctuations in labour needs will benefit most from the Peak Seasonal Visa. This includes sectors such as horticulture, agriculture, viticulture, food processing, and other fields that rely on short-term workforce reinforcements during peak production times. The PSV helps employers address temporary labour gaps quickly and efficiently, ensuring that crops are harvested, production targets are met, and industry operations continue smoothly. The visa’s streamlined structure offers industries more predictability and easier access to migrant workers, particularly during busy months when local labour is insufficient to meet demand.

Under the new system, employers must meet updated compliance requirements to hire workers through seasonal visas like the PSV. They must be approved employers, follow employment standards, and demonstrate genuine labour needs. The revised framework aims to give employers more certainty through clearer rules, reduced complexity, and faster access to workers during peak seasons. Employers will also benefit from improved processes for managing workforce schedules and planning for seasonal demands. These changes support fair recruitment practices while helping industries maintain productivity during high-demand periods.

Current seasonal visa holders may need to transition to the new system if their visa expires after the updated seasonal framework takes effect or if their employer’s workforce needs fall under the Peak Seasonal Visa structure. The new system does not automatically convert existing visas, so applicants may be required to meet new conditions when seeking further seasonal employment. Immigration New Zealand will provide specific guidance to individuals whose work arrangements overlap with the rollout, ensuring they understand their options and responsibilities under the revised visa rules.

Applicants can access full details about eligibility, application steps, employer obligations, and documentation requirements directly through the Immigration New Zealand website. The news and updates section will publish the latest guidance, including any changes leading up to the 8 December 2025 launch of the seasonal visa system. Employers and workers are encouraged to review official resources regularly to stay informed about deadlines, forms, and compliance expectations. This ensures applicants are prepared and able to submit accurate applications once the new seasonal visa categories open.