Last year the UK and New Zealand prime ministers announced their plans to update the Working Holiday Scheme , From July 1 2023 this is coming into affect and UK Citizens will be able to travel & work in New Zealand for longer.
What is changing from 1 July 2023?
- The eligibility age for a UK WHS visa will be raised to 18-35 years (currently 18-30)
- The maximum period of time WHS visa holders can stay in New Zealand will be three years. (Currently two years)
- WHS visa holders will be able to work the full duration of their visa (currently 12 months)
- Up to 15,000 visas may be granted annually under the UK WHS (currently uncapped)
Additional documents will be required:
- Medical and Chest X-ray certificate when the total length of stay is over 12 months.
- Police Clearance Certificates when the total length of stay planned is more than 24 months.
What does this mean for current UK WHS visa holder?
From 1 July 2023, current UK Working Holiday visa holders in New Zealand will be able to apply for the new three-year maximum stay. This will also allow them to extend their stay and work for the rest of their time in New Zealand.
To support their application, current UK WHS visa holders will need to provide a medical and x-ray certificate if they haven’t already, as well as police certificates.
Contact us today to apply for, or extend your Working Holiday Visa!
