Would a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa fit my plan?
New Zealand is known for its natural beauty and friendly people, and has long been a popular spot with travellers and holidaymakers. There's no better way to experience these aspects of New Zealand than on a working holiday, especially in the areas of horticulture, viticulture, and agriculture. These industries are the most popular with those on a working holiday. But whether or not such outdoor endeavours are what you're looking for, you are sure to find some form of short employment that will enhance your holiday and your experience of New Zealand. Temporary jobs abound in New Zealand, and are a great way to see the lesser-known and less-touristy parts of the country while putting a little extra travel cash in your pocket at the same time.
You can enter New Zealand for up to 12 months on a working holiday visa – Immigration New Zealand Immigration organises the availability of Working Holiday Visas and permits based on the country of the applicants' origins. Generally, permits and visas under these schemes last for 12 months, and have somewhat more severe restrictions and limitations than other types of work visas and permits. In addition to meeting the same health and character requirements standard to any visa application, and having a valid passport that expires no less than three months after the planned date of departure from New Zealand, there are also stricter age requirements – applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30, rather than the 20 and 55 necessary for other types of visas.
The following is a short list of other requirements/qualifications:
- 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 cannot be accompanied by any children
- A return ticket or the financial means to purchase one must be available to you.
You may need a medical – If you are applying for a Working Holiday Visa from inside New Zealand, then you must be in the country legally and have a valid visa and/or permit stating such. Depending on your country of origin, your intended or allowed length of stay, and certain responses on the required health questionnaire, you may also be required to complete and submit a medical certificate and/or an X-ray certificate.
A working holiday visa does not cover permanent positions – Once you've entered New Zealand with your Working Holiday Visa, you'll be ready to start exploring the country and its employment opportunities. Be mindful to avoid certain violations, or risk having your visa revoked and your stay ended prematurely. For example, you are not allowed to take up any permanent employment under a Working Holiday Visa, though you may apply for a traditional work visa if offered employment. You can also only work for the same employer for three months, and only enroll in one course of study or one training programme, which also cannot last for more than three months. Other than that, the fruits of New Zealand are ready for you.
Read more about a Working Holiday Visa on the Immigration New Zealand website