Looking for an opportunity to travel abroad and work there for a long time? New Zealand might be just the place you have been looking for. With an expected GDP growth of 2.5% over 2023–28, the country will need 40,000 skilled workers each year. This is because each year people will retire due to their age.
If you are living in the UK and you have the skills, apply for a New Zealand working visa today!
But why should you apply for a NZ visa from the UK? What are the benefits of applying for a working holiday visa for New Zealand? Well, in short, you get an opportunity to explore the countryside while accepting a long-term employment opportunity. You may not accept permanent employment with a working holiday visa, but it’s a great opportunity to explore the new country while working there.
Especially if you’re a UK citizen, you’ll get more benefits with this visa type. Read on to more about them.
Understanding the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa (WHV)
The New Zealand working holiday visa is designed for foreign workers with skills who can contribute to the country’s development. If you are a citizen of the UK and your age is between 18 and 35, you are in luck.
What is the Working Holiday Visa?
As you know, the country needs skilled workers to support its GDP growth; young, skilled workers are what they need. A working holiday visa offers you an opportunity to work while staying in the country and also travel around to explore its towns and countryside. Skilled young people like you can work and strengthen its economy while go visit many famous wineries in the country.
With an NZ working holiday visa, you can explore the wineries of the country which get exported to more than 100 countries annually worth $2 billion.
Eligibility Criteria for UK Citizens
In general, citizens of countries that have a standing agreement with New Zealand about working holiday visas can apply for a New Zealand visa to travel and work from the country. People from such countries need to be 18 to 30 and have proper skills to accept an employment opportunity in New Zealand.
However, if you are from the United Kingdom, you get an additional benefit. You can apply for an employment opportunity from New Zealand if you are between 18 and 35.
Visa Duration and Validity
For UK citizens, you get an opportunity to apply for a New Zealand visa with a validity of 12, 23 or 36 months. However, if you plan on applying for an NZ working holiday visa for 23 months or longer, you will have to produce a medical certificate.
A chest X-ray and medical certificate of good health are mandatory to get a New Zealand working holiday visa.
Step-by-Step Application Process for UK Citizens
The application process for a working holiday visa becomes easier when you know the entire process in one place. Let’s see what you need to do step-by-step.
Checking Visa Availability
Each year, New Zealand issues 15,000 working holiday visas for UK citizens. Before you start the application process for the visa, check if slots are available for the same. If you plan to apply for a working holiday visa, visit the Immigration New Zealand website and check the slot availability.
Gathering Required Documents
Before you apply for the NZ visa from the UK gather the required documents to get your visa approved in one go. First, ensure that you have a valid The application process for a working holiday visa becomes easier when you know the entire process in one place. Let’s see what you need to do step-by-step.
Checking Visa Availability
Each year, New Zealand issues 15,000 working holiday visas for UK citizens. Before you start the application process for the visa, check if slots are available for the same. If you plan to apply for a working holiday visa, visit the Immigration New Zealand website and check the slot
availability.
Gathering Required Documents
Before you apply for the new zealand holiday visa gather the required documents to get your visa approved in one go. First, ensure that you have a valid passport. During the online application, you will need to provide details of your passport.
Besides, you need to provide proof of your financial ability to stay in New Zealand and purchase a return ticket. The NZ government asks that you show proof of having NZ $350 for each month to stay in the country.
Travel insurance for New Zealand may not be a mandatory requirement if you travel as a UK citizen; taking one would benefit you in case of an emergency.
Application and Payment
Finally, apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa and make the required payment. Make sure you give a proper reason and employer details while filling up the form. Otherwise, you might not get your visa approved.
During the online application, you will need to provide details of your passport.
Besides, you need to provide proof of your financial ability to stay in New Zealand and purchase a return ticket. The NZ government asks that you show proof of having NZ $350 for each month of stay in the country.
Travel insurance for New Zealand may not be a mandatory requirement if you travel as a UK citizen; taking one would benefit you in case of an emergency.
Application and Payment
Finally, apply for a New Zealand working holiday visa and make the required payment. Make sure you give a proper reason, and employer details while filling up the form. Otherwise, you might not get your visa approved.
Waiting for Approval
Now that you have completed the application process, wait for the approval of your application. The approval time may vary depending on the type you go for.
Finding Work in New Zealand on a Working Holiday Visa
The work culture in New Zealand is awesome. People here work hard and enjoy their free time travelling and relaxing. This is why the country is a great destination for UK citizens to work and enjoy their free time. Approximately 200,000 UK citizens work in New Zealand across various sectors.
Types of Jobs Available
With the right skills and experience, you can bag a well-paid job in New Zealand. You may find jobs in IT, retail, business services, medicine and others. If you find it hard to look for job opportunities in New Zealand, you can check out the following job search websites:
- govt.nz
- SEEK
- WorkHere
- Working In New Zealand
However, you cannot accept a permanent employment opportunity in New Zealand under the Working Holiday Visa. Because the visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 36 months for a UK citizen.
Accommodation & Living Costs in New Zealand
The official cost of living in the country is approximately NZ $350, but you can save costs of living if you properly calculate your wages and spending.
First, choose a job that supports your living in the country by paying for accommodation and food. Next, list your possible expenses –
- Car insurances
- Leisure expenses
- Phone bill
- Gym membership
Use a spreadsheet to calculate and save up on your expenses. However, don’t forget to open a bank account in the country when you get a job. Your wages will be transferred to the account and help you save on your spending.
Extending Your Stay in New Zealand
You can apply for an extension of your working holiday visa for up to 36 months. For example, if you have an active WHV of 23 months of validity, then you can apply to extend it for another 13 months. Depending on the work and requirements of your stay in New Zealand, you may get an extension.
However, you have to pay the application fee again for the extension of the visa. One of the good things about a New Zealand Working Holiday visa is that you can get in and out of the country as many times as you want.
Ready to work in New Zealand?
The Working Holiday Visa for UK citizens is a great way to work and explore New Zealand. If you are a UK citizen and have enough skills and experience, look for working opportunities in New Zealand. Using reliable job sites, you can choose the most suitable job for you.
For UK citizens, the New Zealand government offers additional benefits. Apply for a maximum of 36 months of Working Holiday visa to work for New Zealand. But remember to choose a reliable employer and provide all the documents while applying for this New Zealand visa.
