New Zealand working holiday visa for Canadian citizens

This page is for Canadian passport holders interested in the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa. The program is open to applicants aged 18 to 35. The visa allows for a stay of up to 12 months, which can be extended to 23 months. Applicants need to show proof of funds of at least NZD $4,200, and the visa application fee is from NZD $770.

With this visa, you can work in temporary jobs and study or train for up to six months in total. You must enter New Zealand within 12 months of the visa being issued. This specific visa can only be granted once. Other working holiday destinations for Canadian citizens aged 18 to 35 include Australia, the UK, and Ireland.

Passport

Canada

Age range

18 to 35

Stay

Up to 12 or 23 months

Fee

From NZD $770

Funds

NZD $4,200

Status when checked

Open

Conditions for Canadian citizens

• A 12-month visa can be extended to 23 months with a Subsequent Work Visa.

General rules of the program

• Temporary work for an employer under an employment contract or contract for services; no permanent job, and you cannot operate a business as an owner.
• Study or train for up to 6 months in total.
• You must arrive within 12 months of the visa being issued; the visa cannot be delayed or cancelled.
• You can only get a working holiday visa for New Zealand once, even if you do not use it.
• Apply online, in English, and only while the visa for your country is open for applications.
• Doing 3 months of seasonal work in horticulture or viticulture can make you eligible for a 3-month Working Holiday Extension Work Visa.
• Visa waiver nationals should tick 'I hold a temporary entry class visa' in the New Zealand Traveller Declaration, or the working holiday visa can be replaced by a visitor visa at the border.

What stands out

The New Zealand working holiday visa for Canadians has a generous age range of 18 to 35, which is higher than the 18 to 30 range for Japan and Hong Kong. The initial 12-month stay can be extended to 23 months with a Subsequent Work Visa. Another path to a longer stay is completing three months of specific seasonal work, which can make you eligible for a three-month Working Holiday Extension Work Visa.

How to apply, step by step

1. Open the page for your country's scheme and confirm it is open for applications (applications sent before the opening date are deleted).
2. Check you meet the age, funds, insurance and any country-specific education or English conditions.
3. Create an Immigration New Zealand online account, then apply online in English and pay the fee.
4. Answer the health and character questions; an X-ray, medical or police certificates may be requested.
5. Arrive within 12 months of the visa being issued.

Other programs open to Canadian citizens

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

Full list: working holiday visas for Canadian citizens.

All passports for this program: New Zealand working holiday visas by country.