Working Holiday Visa New Zealand For From Australia

New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa program, allows temporary residents of Australia to move over to the country and work and earn money while there.

Working Holiday Visa holders are able to live in New Zealand and apply for jobs during their stay to help cover their living expenses, such as paying for their food, drink and accommodation. It is worth noting that they can only legally work with any one employer for six months. At which point, they will have to switch jobs over to a new employer.

To be eligible for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, applicants will need to meet the good health and character requirements, and be able to purchase their own health insurance.

Applicants must be aged between 18 and 35 years old when you submit a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa application. They must have enough money in a bank account to support themselves during the first few months.

While on the New Zealand working holiday scheme, you are not allowed to take on a full-time course. However, you can pursue shorter courses, but they must be less than three months. And you’ll need to have prior approval from the New Zealand authorities.

It is also a good idea to research what job opportunities are available in New Zealand before you go. This way, you are able to inform immigration about your plans.

Page Contents

• Overview Of The Working Holiday Visa For Australians
• Visa Details: Understanding the Specifics
• What You Need To Apply: Necessary Requirements
• How To Apply For The Working Holiday Visa
• How Can Total Law Help?
• Frequently Asked Questions

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia you do not need a visa to visit and work in New Zealand. However, if you are a temporary resident of Australia and aged between 18 and 35 years old, you need a visa and can apply for a Working Holiday Visa. It enables you to reside there for up to 30 months and work for up to 12 months.

You also need to meet:

• New Zealand’s good health requirements.
• Be of good character, that means no criminal convictions.
• Be able to support yourself during the initial stay in New Zealand.

The Working Holiday Visa does allow Australians to work in New Zealand for up to 12 months, but they can only work for a maximum of six months with any one employer.

As a visa holder you can also study for up to three months, but if you have an eye on a longer course, it will need to be pre-approved by the authorities.

It is also important to keep in mind that you need to follow their laws, and customs. Importantly, Working Holiday Visa holders must agree that they will leave New Zealand once it expires unless they apply for another visa before this time, which may allow you to stay.

Moreover, those holding a Working Holiday Visa must respect New Zealand’s laws and customs. Meaning, you can not engage in anything that may be unlawful or harmful.

There are also some responsibilities that you must adhere to, these include:

• Maintaining valid private health insurance that meets New Zealand’s requirements.
• Adhering to the working limitations and reporting any changes in your circumstances.
• Being responsible for paying taxes on any income earned while in New Zealand.

Lastly, holders of Working Holiday Visas must not have been approved for it before, and they must have a valid return ticket back home or have the money available to buy one.

Here is a breakdown of the key documents you’ll need to fulfill and information you’ll need to apply for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa.

The main documents include your Australian Passport. It must be up-to-date and have at least six months validity left on it beyond the time you are planning to travel.

You’ll also need:

• A completed Application Form
• A certified copy of your Australian birth certificate.
• Proof of funds to support yourself during your stay.
• A valid medical certificate signed off by an approved doctor.
• A police clearance certificate from Australia might be required.
• Evidence of your travel insurance that meets New Zealand’s requirements.

In addition to those documents, it may also be a good idea to have some details about your past employment in Australia such as reference and an up to date CV.

You might also need to show proof you have your accommodation booked for the first few months of your stay, although it isn’t mandatory. Again, it is not always required, having a return flight ticket shows to immigration that your intention to leave New Zealand when it expires.

Preparing Your Documents:

• Making sure you have originals and certified copies of your documents.
• Making sure you have them translated into English, and by a certified translator.

If you wish to apply for the Working Holiday Visa, it requires you to fill out an online application form on New Zealand’s official immigration website.

During this time, you will be asked many questions about your personal details, background, and more importantly, your intentions while in New Zealand.

Like with all types of visas, it is vitally important to answer them truthfully and accurately as any discrepancies could lead to it being delayed, or worse, rejected.

Step 1: Check You Are Eligible

Before diving into the application process, make sure that you meet the eligibility criteria. Typically this will include:

• Being a legal temporary resident of Australia with a clear criminal record.
• Being between 18 and 30 years old when you apply.
• Having an up to date and valid passport, or other travel documents.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

After confirming you are eligible for New Zealand’s Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need to start preparing your documents including your passport, Check it has a good amount of validity left before it expires. Also prepare your other documents like:

• Completed online application form
• Proof of your temporary citizenship
• Bank statements, payslips etc.
• Recent certificate for a medical
• Police clearance certificate

Step 3: Prepare and Submit Your Application

With your documents in order, it’s time to fill out and submit your application for the working holiday scheme. It can be done online on New Zealand’s application system. Note, carefully follow the instructions, fill out the forms accurately, and upload your documents.

Next you’ll need to pay an application fee, which is NZD $4670.

Step 4: Wait Your Decision:

After completing it, the Immigration New Zealand will process it and inform you of their decision. Even if you have done everything right, it can still take several weeks to receive this.

Once it has been processed, they will contact you. If they request further information make sure to be prompt in your reply, so as not to add more time.

If your application is successful, you’ll receive instructions on how to collect your visa label (electronic visa) which you’ll need to present when entering New Zealand.

Double-check the latest information and application instructions on the Immigration New Zealand website before applying. If you need help preparing an application connect with Total Law. Contact us at 0333 305 9375 or message our team online.