Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV)
For industries that rely heavily on peak-season labour, the Global Workforce Seasonal Visa (GWSV) provides a structured way to bring in experienced seasonal workers for up to three years.
Administered by Immigration New Zealand (INZ), this visa is designed for genuinely seasonal roles that sit outside standard work visa settings but still require skilled, experienced workers.
If your business operates in tourism, snow sports, agriculture, or primary processing, this pathway may be worth considering.
Key Features of the GWSV
Here’s what makes this visa different:
✔ No English language testing requirements
✔ Lower skill/experience thresholds compared to some other work visas
✔ No Labour Market Test required
✔ Three-year visa granted upfront (based on one season’s employment agreement)
✔ Can be renewed without a stand-down period
✔ Ability to transfer to another visa pathway
✔ Health insurance is not required
However, there are important conditions:
❌ Visa holders cannot support partners or dependent children
❌ Applicants must spend three months offshore out of every 12 months while holding this visa
✔ Health and character requirements apply (as it is a three-year visa)
✔ Only roles on the approved seasonal occupation list are eligible
Employer Requirements
To use the GWSV pathway, employers must:
Be accredited with INZ
Hold a valid job token
Offer a role that is genuinely seasonal
Ensure the occupation is on the approved GWSV Seasonal Occupations List
Although a Labour Market Test is not required, employers must still meet Accredited Employer standards and remain compliant with employment law.
Applicant Requirements
Applicants must:
Meet most of the core requirements similar to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV)
Meet full health and character requirements
Provide evidence of at least three seasons of relevant work experience gained in the six years immediately before applying
Be prepared to spend three months offshore for every 12 months on the visa
This experience requirement ensures that workers are genuinely skilled in seasonal industries and can step into peak roles quickly.
Approved GWSV Occupations
The GWSV applies only to specific seasonal occupations, including:
Tourism & Snow Sector
Chairlift Operator
Snow Groomer
Snow Sports Instructor
Snow Maker
Snowsport Equipment Technician
Mountain or Glacier Guide
Outdoor Adventure Instructor
Whitewater Rafting Guide
Primary & Agricultural Sector
Agriculture and Horticulture Mobile Plant Operator
Agricultural Technician
Primary Products Inspector
Shearer
Slaughterer
Tulip Grower
Thoroughbred Yearling Preparer
Wine Maker
Winery Senior Cellar Hand
If the role is not on this list, the GWSV cannot be used.
Why This Visa Matters
For businesses operating in seasonal industries across New Zealand, workforce certainty is critical. Snow seasons, harvest cycles, and processing peaks do not wait for recruitment delays.
The GWSV provides:
Longer-term planning certainty
Reduced administrative burden (no Labour Market Test)
A structured, compliant seasonal workforce solution
However, the offshore requirement and inability to support family members mean this visa is not suitable for everyone.
Is the GWSV Right for Your Business?
The Global Workforce Seasonal Visa is a practical option for accredited employers with genuine seasonal needs but it must be structured correctly from the start.
If you’re unsure whether your role qualifies, want to check your accreditation status, or need help preparing an application, let’s talk.
Get in touch with Navigate Immigration Services to discuss your options and next steps.
👩💻www.navigateimmigration.co.nz
📞+64274772088
