Visas

Working Holiday

Road trip through the Southern Alps

Migrants can enter New Zealand for a period of up to 24 months on a Working Holiday visa. This is a good option if you want a temporary job to allow you to experience New Zealand’s natural beauty and amazing lifestyle before making a more definitive decision.

Immigration New Zealand (INZ) organises the availability of these visas and permits based on the country of each applicant’s origin.

In addition to meeting the same health and character requirements standard to any visa application, there are also strict age requirements – this visa is for people aged between 18 and 30, rather than the 20 and 55 that apply for other types of visas.

As well as the requirements specific to your country of origin, there is a set of criteria that applies to all applicants:

• No previous approval of visa or permit through a working holiday scheme
• Work must be secondary to pleasure in your purpose for visiting New Zealand
• You must have at least NZ$4200 in available funds to cover living expenses
• You must have adequate health coverage for the extent of your stay in the country
• You may not be accompanied by any children
• A return ticket or the financial means to purchase one must be available to you

Please note that you are not allowed to take up any permanent employment under a Working Holiday visa. However, if you are offered a permanent position, you may be eligible to apply for a traditional work visa.