New Zealand Working Holiday Visa

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The New Zealand working holiday visa will allow you to take up temporary employment during your stay in NZ to help fund your travels. Explore this beautiful island country while working to support your stay. Visa First will process your application according to all the guidelines the NZ government has. This ensures your application will have the best chance of approval.

NZ Working Holiday Visa Requirements

  • Applicants must be between 18 and 30 years of age;
  • You must be a citizen and hold a passport issued by an eligible country;
  • Provide a proof you will leave New Zealand once your visa expires;
  • You are not allowed to take dependents with you;
  • You must be of good health, and good character (no criminal convictions);
  • You must obtain a thorough medical insurance for the length of your stay;
  • You must not have been granted a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa before;
  • You must hold a valid temporary permit if you are applying from within New Zealand;
  • There are some additional specific requirements for nationals of Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, UK & Canada (see eligibility tab).

Registered Migration Agent

Immigration Advisers Authority Registration

The Immigration Advisers Authority was set up to promote and protect the interests of people receiving New Zealand immigration advice. Our registered migration agent has underwent the licensing course and will process your application according to the authority's code of conduct. This is just one of the guarantees the service you will receive is of utmost quality.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does the visa cost?

  • Ireland residents: €265
  • UK residents £240
  • USA residents USD 350
  • Canadian residents CAD 395
  • How long will my visa take to process?

    As soon as we receive your application it takes us just 48 hours (two working days) to process your visa. In a small number of cases the New Zealand Immigration Authorities may request further verification of personal details before granting a visa, thus delaying the processing time. In such cases we will notify you of any further requirements for your New Zealand Visa application as soon as we can.
    Visa First advises you to apply for your NZ Working Holiday Visa at least two weeks before you plan to leave to allow for any possible delays.

    What is the visa duration?

    Then length of this New Zealand Visa depends on your nationality.

    For British citizens, you will be able to choose between a 12-month and a 23-month* Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand.

    For citizens of Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey and the USA, your visa will be valid for 12-months.

    For citizens of Austria, Malaysia and Singapore you will receive a visa valid for 6 months.

    * NB: If you are from the UK and would like to apply for a 23-month visa for New Zealand, a chest x-ray and medical examination may be required as part of your visa application. In such cases your application will take about 4 weeks to process from the date that your results are forwarded for assessment. Once we receive your application we will contact you with respect to the above. Should the Immigration Authorities impose additional health requirements, additional processing fees may apply.

    How much money do you need to enter New Zealand?

    A proof of funds may be required upon entering New Zealand. It's not required for your application to be approved. The advisable amount of funds is:
    • British citizens: Minimum of NZ$350 per month of stay in New Zealand.
    • Citizens of Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Ireland, Italy, Israel, Japan, Korea, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Uruguay and USA: minimum of NZ$4200 available funds for the full period of stay in New Zealand.
    • Citizens of Austria, Malaysia and Singapore: minimum of NZ$2250 available funds for the full period of stay in New Zealand.
    • Citizens of Thailand and Turkey: Minimum of NZ$7000 available funds for the full period of stay in New Zealand.
    • Citizens of Peru need to either have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds to meet your living costs while you are here, if you produce evidence that you hold an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) level 5 or over in speaking and in one of the other three skills areas OR have a minimum of NZ$7,000 available funds to meet your living costs while you are here if you do not meet the English language requirement above.

    Which countries are eligible to participate?

    If you are from any of the following countries you can apply for a NZ Working Holiday Visa: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Korea, Latvia, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, the Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, UK, Uruguay, the USA, and Vietnam.

    Can I get a second working holiday visa for New Zealand?

    If you want to extend your visa and you are from the UK or Canada - you can get up to 11-month extension while in New Zealand.

    If you have had a working holiday visa but you haven't used it - you cannot apply to get a second visa.

    Can you apply for a working holiday visa while in New Zealand?

    Yes, you can, however you will need to pass some medical examinations, before the visa can be approved.

    How to apply for a working holiday visa?

    Complete the New Zealand Visa application form, taking time to answer each question in full.

    If you are a resident of Ireland or any other European country print the working holiday application form below:
    Application Form (Pdf Format)

    If you are a resident of Canada print the working holiday application form below:
    Application Form (Pdf Format)

    For UK and all other residents please print the working holiday application form below:
    Application Form (Pdf Format)

    If you are applying for your visa in Ireland, post your application form, including the fee payment of €230 to: Visa First, 14 St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, Ireland.

    If you are applying for your NZ visa in the UK, post your application form, including the fee payment of £190 to: Visa First, 3rd Floor, 26 Finsbury Square, London, EC2A 1DS, United Kingdom.

    You can pay by enclosing a cheque made payable to Visa First Ltd or by completing the credit card section of the application form. Do not send cash.

    Why choose Visa First?

    Visa First is an independent non-government organisation with offices in Ireland, UK, France, Germany, Italy, Australia, New Zealand. Boasting more than 10 years of experience, we are your best chance for a successful visa application. Visa First assist over 15,000 working holiday makers every year to get their New Zealand visa granted.

    • Price - lowest processing fees;
    • Easy Booking - by phone or online.
    • Guarantee - no lodgement until application is 100% complete.
    • Banking - New Zealand Bank Account organized before you go.
    • Travel Insurance - cheapest working holiday travel insurance.
    • Arrival Services - New Zealand airport pickup and accommodation.
    • Travel Discounts - New Zealand tax refund.

    If you didn't find the answers to your questions, view our FAQ section for more. Alternatively, contact us to receive more detailed information as well as submit your application.

    Book New Zealand Working Holiday Maker Visa

    Book Online

    To book your visa by phone
    Call 866 772 9245

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    Our Website has been build with a thought for your specific needs such as group booking, online tracking of multiple applications and detailed purchase reports.

    Our 1-2-3 Process

    1

    Secure Online Registration

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    2

    Application with the Embassy

    Log in to you account and monitor the progress of your application.

    3

    Get Your Visa by Mail

    Get ready to travel with the time we saved you on application and Embassy procedures.

    You are in Good Hands.

    We organize more than 60k visas every year

    Louis Baker

    I just wanted to let you both know that today I received my UK YMS visa. I went to the Consulate General here in Duesseldolf, Germany, last Wednesday and so getting it back today was much quicker than I expected. Thanks for all your help with my application, and thanks to Visa First - much appreciated.

    Bradley

    Karen! You intrigue me! I might have to pass through Ireland just to see your smiling face! I'd have to pack a coat and gloves? But, really your kindness is alluring. Bisous, Bradley

    Richard Partington

    Hi Daisy, Likewise! Yeah I received my Visa back a few weeks ago at the end of March so it went through a lot quicker than what I thought which was really good! Thanks for all your assistance and help Daisy, really appreciate it! Best Wishes, Richard Partington

    Ben

    Hi Antonia and Kimberley Just wanted to let you know that my working holiday visa was approved last week! Thankyou both so much for all your help in getting this sorted- I've got no doubt that without your input I'd be destined for the UK's 'undesirables' list! Would have liked to have come down in person but have been flat out trying to organise everything as I fly out early next week, but if you ever make it over to the UK I'd be more than happy to shout a few beers! Thanks again for all your help. Cheers

    Robert Evans

    Stan there is nothing more I can say except you my friend are a legend! You've saved me from having to go back home and I really appreciate everything you've done. If you have somewhere I can leave feed back or someone I can send a letter too so they can hear my appraisal send me some details and ill forward it right away. I've received the email with tfn once again thank you for your help!

    Madeleine W.

    Hi Damien, Yes I reached safely and have been working ever since, finally got online after purchasing my own laptop, I want to thank you and the team for a job well done. Thank you so much, everything is awesome, extremely sorry about late reply. Once again Thank You so much

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    First things first - Let's get your visa

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