What does a working holiday scheme Work Visa or Permit allow?
A working holiday scheme Work Visa or Permit allows New Zealand employers to offer work to young people from overseas here under working holiday schemes. If a young person is eligible, we'll issue them with a multiple entry Work Visa. This allows them to leave and return to New Zealand within the stay allowed by their visa.
How long can they stay?
The length of time a young person can work temporarily in New Zealand on a working holiday visa or permit varies between 6-12 months, depending on which country they’re from. Note that for some schemes, however, an employer can only employ a young person on a working holiday for a maximum of three months.
Who can get a working holiday scheme Work Visa or Permit?
Young people from overseas may be eligible to get a working holiday scheme Work Visa or Permit if:
- they’re from a country that has a working holiday scheme agreement with New Zealand
and
- they’re at least 18 years old and no more than 30
and
- they’re not bringing children with them
and
- they haven't been in New Zealand under a working holiday scheme before and
- they have enough funds to purchase a return ticket.
They’ll only be able to get a visa or permit if there are places available within the scheme and they meet the .
But, to protect the interests of New Zealanders, we don’t issue visas to people involved in certain activities.