New Zealand WHV 2024 tutorial: how to apply for your Working Holiday Visa

Depending on the country of residence you have entered in the “Personal” section, the questions in the “Working Holiday Schemes Specific” section differ slightly depending on whether you are in New Zealand or outside New Zealand.

If you are outside New Zealand

You will be asked about your history with New Zealand immigration:

• Have you previously been issued a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa? Here, the authorities are not asking whether you have already done a WHV, but whether you’ve already done one in New Zealand. It is possible to do several WHVs in different countries, but it is not possible to do several WHVs in New Zealand. If you have already obtained a WHV for New Zealand but did not go, you must still answer “Yes”. Whether you went or not, this counts as a participation and in this case you will not be able to submit this new application for a WHV.
• Do you have sufficient funds (NZ$4,200) available for your Working Holiday in New Zealand? (If you don’t have these funds at the moment but expect to have them when you leave, you can answer “Yes”. Then take the time to save up; New Zealand is a rather expensive country.
• The planned dates of your stay: this question does not commit you to anything. It is mainly for information purposes and to check that your passport is valid for 15 months from your planned arrival in the country.
• Have you ever been to New Zealand (+ date of arrival in the country)?
• Do you have enough money to buy a plane ticket to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay?
• Do you meet the specific requirements for your country? You can check these specific requirements on this page).

These questions are used to determine your eligibility for the New Zealand WHV.

If you are in New Zealand

You must answer these questions:

• Have you previously been issued a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa? As stated above, if you have obtained one but have not gone to New Zealand, you must answer “Yes” and you will not be able to complete your visa application.
• Do you have sufficient funds (NZ$4,200) available for your Working Holiday in New Zealand?
• Do you have enough money to buy a plane ticket to leave New Zealand at the end of your stay?
• Do you meet the specific requirements for your country? You can check these specific requirements on this page).