WI2.1 Requirements for all working holiday scheme applicants

As well as meeting the specific requirements for the relevant working holiday scheme, applicants must also meet the requirements under Generic Temporary Entry Instructions, and the conditions below.

WI2.1.1 General conditions

1. The objective of working holiday schemes is to allow young citizens of approved countries, whose primary intention is to holiday in New Zealand, to undertake employment and study during their stay in accordance with their scheme.
2. To be eligible for a work visa under these schemes, applicants, in addition to meeting the requirements of the particular scheme they are applying under, must:
   1. hold a valid passport from the country whose scheme they are applying under; and
   2. be aged no less than 18 years of age and no more than 30 years of age, unless their scheme allows a different age limit; and
   3. not be accompanied by children; and
   4. meet onward travel requirements (see W2.20); and
   5. submit an application in the prescribed manner (see E4.50); and
   6. pay the appropriate fee, Immigration Levy and the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (if any); and
   7. meet health and character requirements as set out at A4 and A5; and
   8. be the holder of a valid temporary visa if applying from within New Zealand; and
   9. not previously have been approved a visa under a working holiday scheme, except where their scheme allows a second application (see WI2.20(e) and WI2.160(e)).
3. Applicants are not required to provide evidence of a job offer.
4. Where a scheme has an 'ordinarily resident' requirement the applicant's usual place of permanent residence must be that country. This requirement is considered to be met if the applicant has not been absent from that country for more than two years immediately preceding the application.
5. Successful applicants must not undertake permanent employment unless they apply for and obtain a work visa that enables this.
6. Successful applicants may enrol in one or more courses of training or study of up to 6 months' duration in total during their visit to New Zealand.

WI2.1.5 Applying using the online system

See also Immigration (Visa, Entry Permission, and Related Matters) Regulations 2010 Reg 23AA

Applications for a working holiday scheme work visa must be made online using the electronic form provided through the Immigration website’s Online Services (www.immigration.govt.nz).

Effective 01/07/2023