Dreaming of an adventure in New Zealand? If you're an American aged 18-30, the Working Holiday Visa might be your ticket to an unforgettable gap year! Here’s a quick guide to get you started: - Eligibility: You need to be within the age limit, hold a valid U.S. passport, and normally reside in the U.S. - Visa Duration: Initially valid for 12 months, with a possible extension of three more months after completing specific seasonal work. - Application Essentials: Apply online with a fee of NZ$770, ensure you have at least NZ$4,200 in savings, and your passport must be valid for three months beyond your visa expiry date. - Activation: Once approved, enter New Zealand within 12 months to activate your visa. Ready to explore more about living and working in New Zealand? Check out the full details and application tips on our site!Show more
Every year, thousands of young Americans set out on the gap year of a lifetime in New Zealand thanks to the Working Holiday Visa.
If you are 18–30 years old (inclusive) and hold a valid American passport, you can enjoy the experience too, whether you’re traveling solo or with friends!
Although New Zealand is a top working holiday destination for Americans, it’s not the only one. To discover all the countries that have agreements with the United States, click here.
The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa was created by the governments of the United States and New Zealand (official agreement) to encourage young Americans to travel, live, and work in New Zealand. In return, young New Zealanders can also explore the United States.
As a U.S. passport holder, you can obtain a Working Holiday Visa to New Zealand for up to 12 months. If you complete three months of seasonal work in the horticulture or viticulture industries during your stay, you may extend your visa by another three months, for a total of 15 months.
The Working Holiday Visa is an open work permit, which means you can work for any employer. However, work should not be the main purpose of your stay in New Zealand; most participants take on part-time or short-term jobs to fund their travels.
2. Eligibility criteria
The requirements are straightforward. You must:
Be 18–30 years old (inclusive) at the time of application
Hold a valid U.S. passport
Normally reside in the United States. To qualify, you must not have been outside your country for more than two years immediately before applying (source).
If you meet these conditions, you are eligible to apply for the program.
3. Application overview
The process is fully online and generally straightforward. However, be sure to note the following before you begin:
When entering New Zealand, your passport must be valid for at least three months beyond the expiry date of your Working Holiday Visa.
You must have at least NZ$4,200 in personal savings, plus an additional NZ$1,500 for a return flight (unless you’ve already purchased one).
Once approved, you must enter New Zealand within 12 months to activate your visa; otherwise, it will become invalid.
Wise offers pvtistes.net readers a free first international money transfer of up to £3,000 or the equivalent. With your Wise account, you can easily send, receive, and pay in USD, NZD, and many other currencies.
If you’re ready to apply, check out our full application guide that walks through the steps:
Create an account on the Immigration New Zealand website.
Complete the online application form.
Submit the form and pay the application fee.
Wait for your application to be processed.
4. FAQ
If you have any additional questions, feel free to comment below or visit our forum!
Yes. Americans on a Working Holiday Visa must have full medical insurance for the length of their stay and may be asked to provide proof. We’ve been recommending Globe WHV insurance since 2005—they’ve already covered thousands of working holiday makers around the world, including in New Zealand.
Every working holiday is unique! You’re in control—maybe even behind the wheel if you decide to go on a road trip. For inspiration, read these interviews with past and current participants in New Zealand.
You can complete the entire process online, even if you’re not physically in the U.S. (though you should normally be a resident). We explain everything in our detailed New Zealand Working Holiday Visa application guide.
Moving abroad can feel daunting, but we’ve got you covered! We offer free guides and resources on all these essential topics. The pvtistes.net team is made up of current and former working holiday makers—everything we write comes from real experience.
Pvtistes.net partners with the Ulysse travel agency. When you book your flight to New Zealand or Australia through their portal, you’ll get access to discounted airfare, a free checked bag up to 40 kg, and other perks. Learn more.
I'm a web writer at pvtistes.net. In February 2023 I moved from Vancouver to Paris. Adventures await.
Je suis rédacteur web chez pvtistes.net. En février 2023 j’ai déménagé de Vancouver à Paris. Des aventures m’attendent.
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