New Zealand WHV tutorial: How to apply for your Working Holiday Visa

Average processing times

You should receive a reply as to whether or not you have been granted a WHV within a few days. If you have to take a medical exam, expect approval to take longer.

Checking the status of your visa

You should receive an acceptance email confirming approval of your WHV. The email also contains important information such as your “client number” and your “application number”. Make sure you keep this email: you will need the details to apply for your IRD number when you arrive in New Zealand.

You can also check your status on your immigration profile. You will see that the New Zealand immigration decision has been changed to “Approved” if your application has been successful.

Your visa will be electronically attached to your passport but you can still print a physical copy for your records. To view your visa, click on this direct link.

Under the “Working Holiday Schemes” section, click on the link under “Description”:

On the next page, you can click on View eVisa:

When you click on the link, an HTML file is automatically downloaded to your computer:

If you notice an error on your visa, contact the New Zealand authorities immediately: [email protected].

Some working holiday makers experience a bug where they cannot download their visa. If this is the case for you, contact immigration to request a downloadable copy.

Activating your WHV when you arrive in New Zealand

You have a maximum of 12 months to travel to New Zealand from the day your visa application is approved.

The visa will be valid for between 1 and 3 years from the date you arrive in New Zealand, depending on your citizenship (check your eligibility here if you are unsure).

Your e-visa is linked to your passport. If you change your passport before travelling to New Zealand, you must contact the New Zealand authorities to inform them of the new passport details.

Planning your departure

To ensure your arrival goes smoothly, read these useful articles to help with planning your next steps:

• Departure checklist for a working holiday in New Zealand
• Departure preparation for your working holiday (the full guide)
• Important steps upon landing in New Zealand (IRD, bank, phone…)
• Where should you start your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?