Step by Step
Welcome to a complete walkthrough designed to equip you fully before your adventure. We will cover everything from Visa eligibility, special requirements, through to stepping off the plane to start your journey!
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New Zealand
Step 1: Check your eligibility
Eligibility for the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
To qualify for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa, you must:
✅ Be between 18 and 30 years old (or 18 to 35 for some countries).
✅ Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
✅ Intend to stay in New Zealand primarily for travel, with work as a secondary purpose.
✅ Not have previously held a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa.
✅ Plan to work temporarily, not in a permanent job.
✅ Meet health and character standards set by Immigration New Zealand.
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the visa and start planning your adventure! 🌍✨
Step 2: Meet the specific requirements
Once you confirm your eligibility, you'll need to meet the following requirements to successfully apply for the visa:
✅ Proof of Funds
You need at least NZD $4,200 in savings to support yourself.
Immigration may request bank statements as proof.
✅ Travel Insurance
You must have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay.
Proof of insurance may be required at immigration upon arrival.
✅ Health Requirements
If staying longer than 12 months, you will need to provide a medical certificate or chest X-ray.
✅ Character Requirements
You must have no serious criminal record.
In some cases, a police certificate may be required.
✅ Ticket Requirement
You may need to show a return ticket or proof of funds to buy one.
✅ Work & Study Limits
You cannot take a permanent job—only temporary or casual work is allowed.
You can study for a maximum of 6 months during your visa period.
Once you meet these requirements, you're ready to submit your application and take the next step toward your New Zealand adventure! 🇳🇿✨
Step 3: Complete and submit the application
✅ Create an Account
Set up an account on the Immigration New Zealand website to start your visa application process.
✅ Complete the Application
Fill in the online application form with personal details, passport info, travel plans, and the dates you plan to stay in New Zealand.
✅ Submit Required Documents
Upload documents such as:
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A copy of your passport
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Proof of funds (usually at least NZD $4,200)
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Travel insurance details
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Police certificate or medical records (if requested)
✅ Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa application fee, which varies based on your nationality. The fee can be paid online via credit card.
✅ Wait for Approval
Processing times can take from a few days to a few weeks. You’ll receive updates and can track the status of your application online.
✅ Receive Your Visa
Once approved, you will receive your visa confirmation. Ensure you have a copy of your visa approval (either digital or printed) for immigration checks.
Step 4: Booking your travel
Once your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is approved, it’s time to book your flight:
✅ Choose Your Flight
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Book in Advance: Secure your flight early to get the best prices and availability.
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Alignment with Visa: Ensure your flight is within the visa’s validity period. You must arrive in New Zealand within this timeframe.
✅ Look for Flexible Options
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Flexible Ticket: Opt for flights with flexible change or cancellation policies in case your plans change.
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Allow Time: Ensure your travel schedule allows for potential delays or adjustments.
✅ Book Accommodation for Arrival
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Temporary Stay: Book at least a few nights of accommodation (e.g., hostel or hotel) for your arrival in New Zealand.
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Long-Term Options: Start researching long-term housing options for after your initial stay.
Once your flight is booked, confirm all the details and prepare for your arrival in New Zealand! ✈️
Step 5: Collect and print important documents
Before you head to New Zealand, make sure you have all the necessary documents in hand. Here’s a checklist of what you should gather and print:
✅ Visa Approval
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Print a copy of your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa approval notice. Keep it with you when you travel and have it ready for immigration.
✅ Passport
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Ensure your passport is valid and keep a photocopy of the main page with your photo and passport number in case of loss.
✅ Travel Insurance
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Print your travel insurance policy and have the details on hand, including emergency contact numbers and coverage details.
✅ Proof of Funds
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While you may not need to show proof at the airport, keep a bank statement or other proof that shows you have at least NZD $4,200 to support yourself.
✅ Flight Confirmation
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Have a printed copy of your flight itinerary or booking confirmation to show immigration or airport staff if needed.
✅ Accommodation Details
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Print your first accommodation reservation (hotel, hostel, or Airbnb) so you have it available for immigration checks upon arrival.
✅ Emergency Contacts and Important Numbers
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Keep a list of important contacts, such as emergency numbers, your country’s embassy in New Zealand, and any friends or family who may be in the country.
Step 6: Pack thoughtfully
How to Pack for Your New Zealand Working Holiday
✅ For a complete guide on what to pack, be sure to click here and check out our detailed Packing Checklist for Your New Zealand Working Holiday to help you prepare for your trip!
Australia
Step 1: Check your eligibility
To qualify for an Australian Working Holiday Visa, you must:
✅ Be between 18 and 30 years old (or 18 to 35 for citizens of certain countries like the UK, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, and Italy).
✅ Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
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Subclass 417: For citizens of countries like the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Japan, and more.
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Subclass 462: For citizens of countries like the USA, China, Spain, Thailand, and more.
✅ Not have previously held an Australian Working Holiday Visa, unless applying for a second or third visa after completing the required regional work.
✅ Plan to work temporarily, not in a permanent job.
✅ Meet health and character standards, including having no serious criminal record (a police certificate may be required).
If you meet these criteria, you can apply for the visa and start planning your Australian adventure! 🇦🇺✨
Step 2: Meet the specific requirements
Once you confirm your eligibility, you'll need to meet the following requirements to successfully apply for the visa:
✅ Proof of Funds
You need at least AUD $5,000 in savings to support yourself. Immigration may request bank statements as proof.
✅ Travel Insurance
You must have comprehensive travel insurance for the duration of your stay. Proof of insurance may be required at immigration upon arrival.
✅ Health Requirements
If staying longer than 12 months, you may need to provide a medical certificate or chest X-ray.
✅ Character Requirements
You must have no serious criminal record. In some cases, a police certificate may be required.
✅ Ticket Requirement
You may need to show a return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one.
✅ Work & Study Limits
You cannot take a permanent job—only temporary or casual work is allowed. You can study for a maximum of 6 months during your visa period.
Once you meet these requirements, you're ready to submit your application and take the next step toward your Australian adventure! 🇦🇺✨
Step 3: Complete and submit the application
✅ Create an Account
Set up an account on the Australian Department of Home Affairs website to begin your visa application process.
✅ Complete the Application
Fill in the online application form with your personal details, passport information, travel plans, and the dates you intend to stay in Australia.
✅ Submit Required Documents
Upload the necessary documents, such as:
-
A copy of your passport
-
Proof of funds (at least AUD $5,000)
-
Travel insurance details
-
Police certificate or health records (if requested)
-
A return ticket or proof of funds to buy one (if required)
✅ Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the visa application fee, which is approximately AUD $485. The fee can be paid online via credit card.
✅ Wait for Approval
Processing times typically take a few days to a few weeks, depending on your nationality and the volume of applications. You can track the status of your application through your account.
✅ Receive Your Visa
Once your visa is approved, you will receive your visa approval electronically. Ensure you have a copy of your visa approval (either digital or printed) to present at immigration upon your arrival in Australia.
Once you complete these steps, you're ready to begin your adventure in Australia! 🇦🇺✨
Step 4: Booking your travel
Once your Australian Working Holiday Visa is approved, follow these steps to book your flight:
✅ Choose Your Flight
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Book in Advance: Secure your flight early to get the best prices and availability.
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Visa Validity: You must enter Australia within 12 months of your visa being granted.
✅ Plan Your Travel Schedule
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Allow for potential delays or adjustments, especially if you have connecting flights.
✅ Book Accommodation for Arrival
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Temporary Stay: Arrange at least a few nights of accommodation (e.g., hostel, hotel, or Airbnb) before arriving.
-
Long-Term Plans: Research rental options for long-term housing after your initial stay.
Once your flight is booked, confirm all details and get ready to start your Australian adventure! ✈️🇦🇺
Step 5: Collect and print important documents
Before you head to Australia, make sure you have all the necessary documents ready. Here’s a checklist of what you should gather and print:
✅ Visa Grant Notification
Print a copy of your Australian Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417 or 462) grant notification. Keep it with you and have it ready for immigration upon arrival.
✅ Valid Passport
Ensure your passport is valid for the duration of your stay. Keep a photocopy or digital copy of the main page with your photo and passport number in case of loss.
✅ Travel Insurance
Print your travel insurance policy and have the details on hand, including emergency contact numbers and coverage information. While not mandatory, it is strongly recommended.
✅ Proof of Funds
You may be required to show proof that you have at least AUD $5,000 to support yourself. A recent bank statement or other financial proof should be available if requested.
✅ Return or Onward Travel Evidence
Immigration officials may ask for proof of a return ticket or sufficient funds to purchase one. Have a printed or digital copy of your flight itinerary or relevant bank statement.
✅ Accommodation Details
Print or save your initial accommodation reservation (hotel, hostel, or Airbnb) to provide immigration officers if asked upon arrival.
Having these documents organized will help ensure a smooth arrival and a stress-free start to your Australian adventure! 🇦🇺✨
Step 6: Pack thoughtfully
How to pack for your working holiday in Australia:
✅ For a complete guide on what to pack, be sure to go to our detailed Packing Checklist for New Zealand Working Holiday to help you prepare for your trip!