Is it possible to get a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa if you are over 30 years old?

New Zealand working holiday maker enjoying the view

Are you planning on going to New Zealand on a working holiday visa but wondering if you can get the visa due to the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa age limit?

Many people choose to apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa to explore all that the country has to offer. From breathtaking scenery to amazing adventures, there is plenty to explore in New Zealand for an unforgettable experience.

In this article, we will explore the New Zealand Working Holiday Visa requirements including the age limit, how to apply for your NZ Working Holiday Visa, and more!

Let’s get started!

Can I work in New Zealand if I am over 30?

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa is available for people aged 18-30 or up to 35 years old in some cases (this depends on the country you are a citizen of).

If you are over the age limit for a working holiday visa, you may be eligible for a work permit if you have a skill that is in demand.

Which nationalities can get a NZ Working Holiday Visa over 30 years old?

If you are from one of the following countries you can get a working holiday visa over the age of 30.

  • Argentina
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • Czech Republic
  • Finland
  • Hungary
  • Slovakia
  • United Kingdom
  • Uruguay

If you are not a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa over the age of 30, there are other work visa options that you may be eligible for depending on your skills and experience.

How can I get a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

To get a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa you must be from an eligible country and meet the visa requirements (more information on this below).

For the majority of countries, the Working Holiday Visa allows you to stay in New Zealand for 12 months. Canadian citizens can stay up to 23 months and UK citizens can stay up to 36 months.

How many working holiday visas can I get for New Zealand?

You can only use one NZ WHV during your lifetime.

Once your visa has been granted, you cannot delay or cancel it and you must use your visa within the timeframe given, which is usually one year from the date it was granted.

If you wish to stay longer in New Zealand, it is possible to apply for another type of visa as a temporary worker, student or resident.

How do I know if I am eligible for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

To be eligible for a working holiday visa for New Zealand you will need to meet the following requirements:

  • You must meet the NZ working holiday visa age limit. This is generally between 18-30 years of age, or up to 35 years old if you are from an eligible country
  • You must have a passport from an eligible country. This passport must be valid for a minimum of three months after your visa expires
  • You must not have any previous criminal convictions
  • You must provide a General Medical Certificate to prove you are in good health if you are staying for more than 12 months
  • For the duration of your stay you must have medical insurance

Additional conditions you must meet for your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa application:

  • You must have proof that you will be returning to your home country (return ticket) or prove you have sufficient funds for a return flight
  • You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover living expenses, accommodation, and travel – typically NZ$4,200 is required
  • You must not accept any permanent job offers

How long does it take for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa to be approved?

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa processing time varies depending on several factors including how busy the Immigration Office is at the time of application.

Generally, the process is relatively quick and can take up to 20 days upon completion of your application. However, we recommend applying for your visa in plenty of time before you plan to travel.

Once you have completed your application, we will keep you up to date with the progress of your visa each step of the way.

Read Also:
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa Guide

How much does it cost to apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

The New Zealand Working Holiday Visa cost starts at €350 when you apply with Visa First.

Apply for New Zealand working holiday visa

Can I apply for a 2024 NZ WHV?

Whether you can currently apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa depends on what country you are from.

If you are from one of the following countries, the good news is you can apply for your visa all year round and there is no limit on the number of candidates that can partake in the programme.

  • Belgium
  • Canada
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Ireland
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Netherlands
  • Norway
  • Sweden
  • UK
  • USA

If you are from a country that is not listed above, there are set opening dates for each country for 2024, as outlined by New Zealand Immigration.

For many countries there is a limit on the number of people that can take part in the working holiday programme, so it is best to get your application in early to avoid missing out!

You can find out more information on the NZ WHV opening date and the limit for each country in our detailed guide.

a woman holding her suitcase while walking at the airport

How do I apply for a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa?

When you apply with Visa First, we will handle the visa process for you, increasing your chances of a successful outcome.

That way you can avoid the boring paperwork and focus on planning your move to New Zealand!

To get started with your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa application, you can log in to your online account at any time to track the progress of your application under the ‘Applications in Progress’ section.

Once you upload the requested documentation and pay the required fee, our team of visa experts will take care of it from there.

Why choose Visa First?

  • Fast and reliable service
  • A dedicated visa agent will guide you through the entire process
  • Stress-free process, we take care of the paperwork for you
  • We have been helping people get their visas for over 20 years

Ready to get started?

Start Your New Zealand Working Holiday Visa Application

About the Author

Rachel Gilmartin

Rachel is a Content Executive at Visa First. She graduated from the University of Galway in 2022 with a degree in Digital Marketing.

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