 |
|
.gif)
.jpg){kind=small}
Working Holiday Scheme
A Guide for Applicants from Hong Kong
The New Zealand and Hong Kong Governments operate a reciprocal working holiday scheme designed to allow young persons to experience life in each other's jurisdiction.
There are 200 places per year available under the scheme. The visa is a multiple entry work visa valid for a one year stay in New Zealand and can be used for your first entry for up to a year after issue. You can study in one course of less than three months duration while in New Zealand. You cannot work for the same employer for more than three months.
Who's Eligible ?
To obtain a New Zealand Working Holiday Visa you must:
+ be a resident of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)
+ be ordinarily resident in the HKSAR at time of application
+ have a valid BNO or HKSAR passport
+ intend primarily to holiday in New Zealand
+ be aged between 18 and 30 and not be accompanied by dependant spouse or children
+ must have at least NZ$4,200 and have a return or onward ticket when you arrive in New Zealand
+ be in good health and of good character
+ hold full "travel medical insurance policy" for the time you will be in New Zealand
Preparing your application
It is important your application is complete when you mail it to the New Zealand Consulate. Incomplete applications will be returned.
To process your application NZIS needs your completed work visa application form and your passport. Your passport should be valid for at least two years and three months the application fee of HK$320.00
Credit card payments (Mastercard and Visa) are welcome. Please provide your credit card number, the type of credit card and the expiry date. Cheque payments should be by international bank draft, in Hong Kong dollars, and be made payable to the "New Zealand Consulate General".
Contact the New Zealand Immigration Service by phone (+852 2877 4488) or by fax (+852 2877 0586) if you have any enquiries.
Important Notes
If you have ever been sentenced for any offence, or refused a visa or entry to any country, you must declare them when you apply for your visa. If you fail to declare convictions, previous visa refusals, or arrive with insufficient funds and no return ticket, you will be refused entry to New Zealand on arrival - even if you hold a visa.
Lodging your application
Applications should be mailed to the New Zealand Immigration Service in Hong Kong.
Visa processing is likely to take around two weeks. Remember that you will be without your passport for this time. No fee will be charged for returned applications.
Send your application to:
New Zealand Immigration Service
New Zealand Consulate General
Suite 6508 Central Plaza
18 Harbour Road
Wanchai
Hong Kong
Attn: Hong Kong/New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme
Finding Work While in New Zealand
Many seasonal industries throughout New Zealand seek people with working holiday visas for casual employment. You can find out about work opportunities by visiting the local Department of Work and Income (DWI) service centres found in each region.
New Zealanders Wanting to Work in Hong Kong
The Hong Kong Government has information available for New Zealand persons seeking to obtain a working holiday visa for Hong Kong.
Visit the Hong Kong Immigration Department website.