New Zealand working holiday visa

If you plan on getting a job in New Zealand then you'll need to obtain a New Zealand working holiday visa. You need to apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa before you depart, so you need to be prepared - you can't just turn up in New Zealand and apply for one there.

Who can apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa?

To apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa you need to be aged 18-30, (inclusive), and a full British or Republic or Ireland passport holder resident in that country at the time of application. There are a few other important stipulations for anyone applying for a New Zealand working holiday visa.

• You may have to provide evidence that you will have a minimum of NZ$3400.00 when you enter New Zealand, (approximately £1400.00)
• To be granted a New Zealand working holiday visa you cannot be accompanied by any children on your trip
• When you arrive in the country under the New Zealand working holiday visa scheme you must have either a return ticket or be able to show that you have sufficient funds to purchase your onward ticket from New Zealand
• You will not be elligable for a New Zealand working holiday visa if you have ever had one before

When should you apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa?

The number of New Zealand working holiday visas given out by the New Zealand government is limited and they're allocated on a first come, first served basis each year. There is an annual quota of 9000 New Zealand working holiday visas for British passport holders and 2000 New Zealand working holiday visas for Irish passport holders. The best way of trying to avoid disappointment is to contact us as soon as possible so we can get the ball rolling. We will apply for your New Zealand working holiday visa on your behalf, which means less hassle for you.

Other important information about the New Zealand working holiday visa

The great thing about New Zealand working holiday visas is that they are valid for 23 months from the date of your arrival in New Zealand. During the 23 months you are able to exit and enter the country as much as you like, although any time you spend outside New Zealand cannot be added back on to your New Zealand working holiday visa. Another good thing is that you do not need to have an offer of employment when you apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa, so you can simply look for work when you get there if necessary. If your application for a New Zealand working visa is successful you must arrive in New Zealand within 12 months of the visa's issue date. As the title ‘New Zealand working holiday visa' implies, you cannot undertake permanent employment in New Zealand.

Can you use a New Zealand working holiday visa to work in Australia?

Australia and New Zealand are two entirely separate countries. You cannot use a New Zealand working holiday visa to work in Australia, (and vice versa for that matter). If you want to work in Australia then you'll need to apply for a separate working holiday visa for that country.


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