Working Holiday Visa for NZ – Your Gap Year Adventure
The Working Holiday Visa allows young people aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some nationalities) from eligible countries to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months. You can take short-term jobs to fund your travels, study for up to 6 months, and explore the country. We’ll help you understand your country’s specific requirements and prepare your application.
01. Introduction
The Working Holiday Visa is designed to allow individuals from up to 41 eligible nationalities aged between 18 and 30 (or up to 35 for some nationalities) to live and work in New Zealand. This visa is longer than a standard visitor visa and, unlike visitor visas that only allow travel, the Working Holiday Visa allows you to work in any job, from fruit picking to hospitality work, or even positions related to your career.
You cannot take a permanent job while on a Working Holiday Visa, and conditions of employment vary depending on your country. If you’re looking to work in New Zealand longer term or accept a permanent position, you’ll need a different work visa such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
To qualify for a Working Holiday Visa, you must:
Basic requirements:
- Be from one of the 41 eligible nationalities with a working holiday agreement with New Zealand
- Be at least 18 years old and not older than 30 (or 35 depending on your nationality)
- Have a passport valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand
- Have sufficient funds to cover your stay in New Zealand (typically NZD $4,200)
- Hold a return air ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one
- Not have previously visited New Zealand using the working holiday scheme visa (or been approved for one)
- Have full medical coverage for the entire duration of your stay
- Meet health and character requirements
- Not bring children with you
Important: There may be a cap on how many visas are granted each year for certain nationalities, which can affect whether it’s possible to apply if application numbers have exhausted the caps. Check Immigration New Zealand’s website to see if your country’s quota is still open.
03. How long can you stay?
The visa is usually valid for 12 months, but this can vary by nationality. If you’re from Canada or the UK, you may be able to live and work in New Zealand for up to 23 months.
What you can do:
- Work in short-term jobs in many sectors including hospitality, tourism, farming, retail, construction, and office work—you can change jobs as often as you like
- Study or take training courses for up to 6 months during your stay
Important limitations:
- You cannot work for more than 12 months total (even if your visa is valid for 23 months)
- You cannot take permanent employment
- You cannot work or operate a business providing commercial sexual services
04. Extensions
UK and Canadian citizens: If you’re currently in New Zealand on a 12-month UK or Canada Working Holiday Visa, you can apply to extend your stay for up to another 11 months.
Applications for subsequent Working Holiday Visas under the UK or Canadian schemes must be made using a paper application form, not online.
All other nationalities: Extensions generally aren’t available. Some Working Holiday Visa holders may be eligible for a three-month extension if they’ve completed seasonal work, but conditions apply and you can only extend once.
05. Family members
Your partner and dependent children cannot be included in your Working Holiday Visa application and cannot accompany you on this visa. If your partner wants to visit New Zealand, they must apply for their own appropriate visa.
06. Application process and requirements
How to apply: All Working Holiday Visa applications must be made online, and only when the visa is ‘open’ for applications. In most cases, you can apply from any country, including from within New Zealand. However, some schemes require you to be in your home country when you apply. For example, you must be in China when applying for the China Working Holiday Visa.
Required documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds (typically NZD $4,200)
- Proof of comprehensive travel and medical insurance
- Return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one
- Medical examination or chest X-ray (if required for your country and length of stay)
- Police certificates (if required based on age and intended stay)
If you apply for a Working Holiday Visa while in New Zealand and plan to stay more than 12 months total (including time on other visas), you must have a chest X-ray and general medical examination.
07. Processing times and costs
Processing time: Typically 20 to 30 working days, though this varies by country and individual circumstances.
Application fees: Fees range from NZD $250 to $600 depending on your nationality. Check Immigration New Zealand’s website for your country-specific fee.
Important timing note: When you’re given a Working Holiday Visa, you must come to New Zealand within 12 months of the date your visa is issued. If you don’t arrive within 12 months, the visa will expire, and you won’t be able to apply for another Working Holiday Visa.
No surprises: We’re transparent about your country’s specific requirements, realistic timeframes, and what documentation you’ll need. Working Holiday Visas have strict quotas and timing requirements – getting it right the first time matters.
Book a free consultation to discuss your eligibility and ensure you apply correctly for your country’s working holiday scheme.
