New Zealand · youth mobility
Working Holiday Visa
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Temporary visa for young people (18–30 or 18–35) from partner countries to work, travel, and study in New Zealand.
- Processing time
- Typically 1–3 weeks.
- Government fees
- NZD 455 (verify on INZ). Some partner countries have reduced or waived fees.
- Typical duration
- 12 months (23 months for UK and Canada).
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- No
Overview
New Zealand has Working Holiday Scheme agreements with over 40 countries. Age limits and annual quotas vary by partner country. Most schemes allow 12 months of work and travel; some (UK, Canada) allow up to 23 months. The visa permits any employment (no occupation restrictions) and up to 6 months of study.
Guidance by nationality
Specific information for applicants from these countries. Don’t see yours? The general eligibility criteria above apply to everyone.
British applicants
British nationals aged 18–35 qualify for the extended 23-month NZ Working Holiday scheme. The quota is generous and rare…
Japanese applicants
Japanese nationals aged 18–30 qualify for the 12-month NZ WHS. The quota is relatively small and fills quickly — monitor…
South Korean applicants
South Korean nationals aged 18–30 qualify for the 12-month NZ WHS. The annual quota is moderate. Police certificate and …
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓Nationality of a participating Working Holiday Scheme partner country.
- ✓Age 18–30 (18–35 for some countries including UK, Canada, Ireland, France, Germany).
- ✓Funds of at least NZD 4,200 (or NZD 350/month of stay) and onward or return travel.
- ✓Meet health and character requirements.
Common blockers
- !Country not in a WHS agreement with New Zealand — notably India and China do not have WHSAs.
- !Over the age limit for your country's scheme.
- !Annual quota filled (some countries have strict caps that fill quickly).
Typical evidence
- ·Passport from a partner country.
- ·Evidence of funds.
- ·Return or onward travel ticket or funds to purchase one.
Application pathway
Check your country's scheme
Confirm that your country participates, the age limit, and whether quota places are available.
Apply online
Submit the application via INZ's online system. Most applications are processed within 1–3 weeks.
Travel and work
Work for any employer at any skill level. Study for up to 6 months. Travel freely.
Consider extending or transitioning
Some nationalities can extend by 3 months with qualifying seasonal work. Otherwise, transition to an AEWV or student visa before expiry.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- ApplyApplicantApply for a Working Holiday Visa ↗
Applicant selects their country scheme and applies online if quota and age rules are met.
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) · verified
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Frequently asked questions
Can I get a Working Holiday visa for New Zealand from India?+
No. India does not currently have a Working Holiday Scheme agreement with New Zealand. Indian nationals seeking to work in NZ must use the AEWV, SMC, or other standard work visa categories.
How long can I stay in NZ on a Working Holiday visa?+
Most schemes are for 12 months. UK and Canadian nationals can stay for up to 23 months. Some nationalities can extend by 3 months if they complete 3 months of qualifying seasonal work in specified industries.
Need tailored advice?
We do not provide legal advice. For an application that depends on your exact circumstances, consult a regulator-listed immigration advisor.
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