Upgrade to the UK Working Holiday Scheme from 1 July 2023

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From 1 July 2023, updates to the UK Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) will allow UK citizens to travel and work in New Zealand for longer.

In July 2022, the UK and New Zealand Prime Ministers first announced the planned updates to the WHS and the Youth Mobility Scheme for New Zealanders in the UK.

The updates are a positive development for the Kiwis and Brits wanting to work and explore the other side of the world, as well as for the businesses who hire them.

 

WHAT IS CHANGING?

From 1 July 2023;

  • The age of eligibility for a UK WHS visa will be 18-35 years.
  • The maximum period of time WHS visa holders can stay in New Zealand will be three years.
  • WHS visa holders will be able to work the full duration of their visa
  • Up to 15,000 visas may be granted annually under the UK WHS.

 

REQUIRED INFORMATION

When the total length of stay is over 12 months, UK WHS visa applicants will need to provide us with a medical and chest x-ray certificate. If the total length of stay planned is more than 24 months, then police certificates will also be required.

 

CURRENT UK WHS VISA HOLDERS

From 1 July 2023, current UK Working Holiday visa holders in New Zealand will be able to apply for the new three-year maximum stay. This will also allow them to extend their stay and work for the rest of their time in New Zealand.

To support their application, current UK WHS visa holders will need to provide a medical and x-ray certificate if they haven’t already, as well as police certificates.