As a working holiday visa can be tough to get and otherwise expensive for people travelling, it offers an opportunity to those who are keen to experience the country in an immersive manner rather than a brief sightseeing trip. Rather than galloping through landmarks, it offers people the chance to live like a local by working part-time, taking short courses in art, history and language or travelling at an unhurried pace. The working holiday visa is still one of the most used programs for young travellers who wish to travel and work temporarily in New Zealand. Learn what you need to know.
What is Working Holiday Visa?
A working holiday visa allows young people of select countries to apply for one, and come and stay in New Zealand. It is a holiday visa, allowing one to work and study along with travel. The visa is typically issued for a maximum of 12 months, but longer durations are possible for some nationalities.
Applicants for Working Holiday Visa: Who?
Young citizens of countries that have a working holiday agreement with New Zealand may be eligible for a working holiday visa. Applicants can be aged 18 to 30 but in limited circumstances the upper age limit is raised to 35.
How long can you stay?
Working holiday visas are usually valid for up to 12 months for most nationalities. However, there are notable exceptions. Canadians are allowed to stay for 23 months, whereas people from the UK can stay for 36. Duration of the stay is totally based on the agreement between New Zealand and your country.
Highlights of Working Holiday Visa
There are many advantages to getting a working holiday visa: it offers more flexibility than a visitor visa. Holders can remain in New Zealand longer, work as soon as they arrive and make multiple entries and exits while the visa is valid. This makes it especially appealing to those who want to explore more of the country, do seasonal work, or fund their travels without relying entirely on savings.
Countries eligible for the scheme
Working holiday visas are only available to citizens of countries which have a reciprocal agreement with New Zealand. Some are in Europe; others, including Japan, France, Germany, Singapore, Taiwan, Brazil, and the United States, are in Asia or the Americas. Each country’s scheme differs slightly, with specific rules on age limits, duration of stay, financial proof, and application quotas. If your country is not listed, you cannot apply for a working holiday visa and must explore alternative visa options.Holders of a working holiday visa may take on temporary or casual employment, but they are not permitted to engage in permanent work. Work conditions differ based on nationality, so it is a must to verify country-specific rules. If you want to stay longer or take up permanent work, you’ll need to switch to a relevant work visa. The working holiday programme is not intended as a direct pathway to permanent employment.
Studying while on a working holiday
Aside from working, visa holders are also eligible to study one or more courses for a maximum of six months. These can include English language courses, short training programmes, or study abroad opportunities. However, the main purpose of the visa must remain a holiday, not study.
Where and how to apply
All working holiday visa applications must be made online in English, and only when they are officially open for your country. In many cases, you can apply from anywhere in the world, even within New Zealand. However, some schemes have location-specific rules. For instance, applicants for the China Working Holiday Visa must be in China when submitting their application.
Medical and entry requirements
Applicants may need to submit medical certificates, especially if applying within New Zealand or planning to stay longer than 12 months. Once approved, you must travel to New Zealand within 12 months of the visa issuance. If you don’t enter the country during that period, the visa expires and cannot be renewed or reissued.
Extending your working holiday stay
A few working holiday visa holders can extend their stay in certain circumstances. Citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada can apply for a second working holiday visa, allowing them to stay longer. Additionally, travellers who complete three months of horticulture or viticulture work may qualify for a short extension. Extensions are subject to eligibility requirements and require a separate application.
Other visa options
If your plans go beyond short-term work and travel, New Zealand offers several other types of visas for employment, study, or long-term residence. The visa you need depends on whether your primary goal is work, study, or settlement rather than travel.The working holiday visa continues to be one of the most flexible options for young people who want to explore New Zealand. By combining travel with short-term work and study, it enables visitors to experience the country in a deeper, more sustainable way without violating the temporary nature of the visa.
