Working Holiday Visa
For young people from partner countries who want to holiday and work in New Zealand for up to a year.
The Working Holiday Visa is a New Zealand work & skilled visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~NZ$420 plus NZ$100 International Visitor Levy) and processing time (~2-6 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Working Holiday Visa is for
For young people from partner countries who want to holiday and work in New Zealand for up to a year.
No direct path; can be a stepping stone to the AEWV and skilled residence.
Working Holiday Visa - eligibility criteria
- Be aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for some countries) at time of application
- Be a citizen of a participating country with a valid passport
- Have at least NZ$4,200 in funds for the stay
- Hold a return ticket or funds to buy one
- Meet health and character requirements
Working Holiday Visa cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Working Holiday Visa (New Zealand) is ~NZ$420 plus NZ$100 International Visitor Levy, with an indicative processing time of ~2-6 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at Immigration New Zealand.
| Type | Temporary |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online, from outside New Zealand |
| Length of stay | 12 months (23 months for UK and Canadian citizens) |
| Work rights | Work for almost any employer; some scheme limits apply |
| Study rights | Study or train for up to 6 months |
| Government fee | ~NZ$420 plus NZ$100 International Visitor Levy |
| Processing time | ~2-6 weeks |
| Route to PR | No direct path; can be a stepping stone to the AEWV and skilled residence. |
Pathway & next steps
No direct path; can be a stepping stone to the AEWV and skilled residence.
Many applicants also compare Visitor Visa · Visitor Visa, AEWV · Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV), NZeTA · New Zealand Electronic Travel Authority (NZeTA). Run a free VisaChief check to see which New Zealand route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Working Holiday Visa pitfalls we fix
Working Holiday Visa - frequently asked questions
How much does the Working Holiday Visa cost?
The Working Holiday Visa government fee is ~NZ$420 plus NZ$100 International Visitor Levy. Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at Immigration New Zealand before applying.
How long does the Working Holiday Visa take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~2-6 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Working Holiday Visa lead to permanent residence?
No direct path; can be a stepping stone to the AEWV and skilled residence.
Can I work on the Working Holiday Visa?
Work rights: Work for almost any employer; some scheme limits apply.
Who can apply for the Working Holiday Visa?
For young people from partner countries who want to holiday and work in New Zealand for up to a year.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official New Zealand government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- Immigration New Zealand - official New Zealand immigration authority