Working holiday visas are available to young people, usually aged 18 to 30, but 18 to 35 in a select few countries. They let you travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months. If you are from Canada they let you travel and work for up to 23 months, and for up to 36 months if you are from the United Kingdom. You cannot accept a permanent job offer while on a New Zealand working holiday visa.
Employment conditions vary between the different countries. With your working holiday visa you can study one or more courses for up to 6 months in New Zealand. For example, you could study English for up to 6 months, do a Study Abroad programme for up to 6 months, or a short training course in New Zealand. All working holiday visas must be applied for online — and only if the visa is 'open' for applications.
In most cases you can apply for a working holiday visa from any country, including within New Zealand. However, some schemes require you to be in your home country when you apply.
If you apply for a Working Holiday Visa while in New Zealand you may be required to provide a medical certificate. If you plan to stay in New Zealand for more than 12 months including time on visas other than a Working Holiday Visa , you must have a chest x-ray and a general medical examination. Working Holiday Visa medical requirements. If you have been granted a working holiday visa you must activate it by arriving in New Zealand within the timeframe you were given.
This is usually 1 year from the date it is granted. You cannot delay or cancel a working holiday visa that has been granted. If you cannot activate the visa, it will lapse. Working holiday visas are only available in countries that have an agreement with New Zealand for working holiday visas.
