Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Work Visa & Working Holiday Scheme
WORK VISA
It's illegal for foreign nationals to work in NZ on a visitor visa, except for Australians who
can legally gain work without a visa or permit. If you're visiting NZ to find work, or you
already have an employment offer, you'll need to apply for a work visa, which translates
into a work permit once you arrive and is valid for up to three years. You can apply for a
work permit after you're in NZ, but its validity will be backdated to when you entered the
country. The fee for a work visa fluctuates between NZ$230 and NZ$360, depending on
where and how it's processed (paper or online) and the type of application.
WORKING HOLIDAY SCHEME
Eligible travellers who are only interested in short-term employment to supplement their
travels can take part in one of NZ's working holiday schemes (WHS). Under these
schemes citizens aged 18 to 30 years from 40 countries − including Canada, France,
Germany, Ireland, Japan, Malaysia, the Netherlands, Scandinavian countries, the UK and
the USA − can apply for a visa. For most nationalities the visa is valid for 12 months. It's
only issued to those seeking a genuine working holiday, not permanent work, so you're
not supposed to work for one employer for more than three months.
Most WHS-eligible nationals must apply for this visa from within their own country; res-
idents of some countries can apply online. Applicants must have an onward ticket, a pass-
port valid for at least three months from the date they will leave NZ and evidence of at
least NZ$4200 in accessible funds. The application fee is NZ$165 regardless of where
you apply, and isn't refunded if your application is declined.
The rules vary for different nationalities, so make sure you read up on the specifics of
your country's agreement with NZ at
www.immigration.govt.nz/migrant/stream/work/work-
Volunteering
NZ presents a swathe of active, outdoorsy volunteer opportunities for travellers to get
some dirt under their fingernails and participate in conservation programs. Programs in-
clude anything from tree-planting and weed removal to track construction, habitat conser-
vation and fencing. Ask about local opportunities at any regional i-SITE visitor information
centre, or check out
www.conservationvolunteers.org.nz
and
www.doc.govt.nz/getting-in-
volved
, both of which allow you to browse for opportunities by region. Another resource is
www.helpx.net
,
which lists volunteering opportunities on farms where you can work in ex-
change for accommodation.
