Canada working holiday visa for New Zealand citizens

This page is for citizens of New Zealand interested in a working holiday in Canada. The data shows the requirements for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program for New Zealand passport holders. To be eligible, you must be aged 18 to 35. This visa allows a stay of up to 23 months.

The cost includes an IEC fee of CAN$184.75 and an open work permit holder fee of CAN$100. You will also need to show proof of funds of at least CAN$2,500. The program provides an open work permit, which allows you to take temporary paid work for almost any employer in Canada. You cannot bring dependants with you.

Passport: New Zealand
Age range: 18 to 35
Stay: Up to 23 months
Fee: CAN$184.75 IEC fee + CAN$100 open work permit holder fee
Funds: CAN$2,500

Conditions for New Zealand citizens

As a citizen of New Zealand, you may participate in IEC only once. If you participated in IEC before April 2, 2015, you are no longer eligible to apply.

General rules of the program

Usually up to 12 months; some agreements allow up to 23 or 24 months (see the table).
Open work permit: temporary paid work for almost any employer to help pay for the trip.
At least CAN$2,500 (or the equivalent) shown on a bank statement, plus a return ticket or money to buy one.
Health insurance for the whole stay; you may have to show it at the border.
IEC fee CAN$184.75 plus open work permit holder fee CAN$100.00; biometrics CAN$85.00 if you need to give them.
You cannot be accompanied by dependants.
IRCC's profile page said the pools for the 2026 season were closed when we checked on 21 October 2026.

What stands out

The length of stay for New Zealand citizens is unusually long at up to 23 months, while many other agreements are for 12 months. Another key point is that you may participate in IEC only once. If you participated before April 2, 2015, you are no longer eligible to apply.

When the data was checked on October 21, 2026, the official profile page stated that the pools for the 2026 season were closed.

How to apply, step by step

Check the IEC page for your country: categories, age range and how long the work permit lasts.
Create an IEC profile and enter the pool for your country and category.
If you receive an invitation to apply, accept it and submit the work permit application within 20 days.
Pay the IEC fee and the open work permit holder fee (and biometrics if asked).
Bring proof of funds, insurance and your port of entry letter when you travel.

Other programs open to New Zealand citizens

From the programs in this directory. Status is shown only where the official page stated it.

Destination	Program	Age	Stay
Germany	Working Holiday visa	18 to 30	Up to 12 months
Hong Kong	Working Holiday Scheme	18 to 30	Up to 12 months
Ireland	Working Holiday Authorisation	18 to 30	Up to 12 months; must be activated within 12 months of issue
Japan	Working Holiday visa	18 to 30	See source
UK	Youth Mobility Scheme visa	18 to 35	Up to 24 months (plus a 1-year extension)

Full list: working holiday visas for New Zealand citizens.

All passports for this program: Canada working holiday visa (IEC) by country.

Sources

Every fact on this page comes from these official government pages:

Last checked October 21, 2026 (Oct 2026). Rules, fees and quotas can change after this date.