Immigration New Zealand has now confirmed the opening dates for its 2026 Working Holiday Visa schemes, giving prospective travellers a clear timeline for when applications will become available. With places capped and demand typically high, these confirmed dates are an important milestone for anyone planning to live, work, and travel in New Zealand this year.
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
A Working Holiday visa gives travellers from partner countries the chance to live in New Zealand while working and studying on a limited basis. Travel is still the main focus, but the visa allows holders to take on short-term or casual work and complete brief courses, helping to fund a longer stay. Eligibility and conditions vary depending on nationality.
Most schemes are open to applicants aged 18 to 30, although a small number allow people to apply up to the age of 35. For the majority of countries, the visa is valid for up to 12 months. Canadian citizens can stay for up to 23 months, while UK passport holders may remain for up to 36 months, reflecting long-standing agreements between New Zealand and those countries.
What can (and can’t) you do on a Working Holiday visa?
Once in New Zealand, Working Holiday visa holders can begin work immediately and are free to leave and re-enter the country while their visa remains valid. Employment is usually casual or seasonal, with common roles in hospitality, tourism, agriculture, and vineyard work.
Study is allowed for up to six months, which can include English-language courses, short training programmes, or study-abroad modules. Applicants must also show they have enough funds to support themselves, including a return or onward travel ticket, and confirm that travelling — not working or studying — is their primary reason for visiting.
Permanent or full-time long-term roles are not permitted. Anyone wishing to continue working in New Zealand beyond the scope of a working holiday will need to apply for another visa, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa.
Below are key opening dates and quotas for 2026 (note: places fill up fast and opening dates are phased throughout the year):
| Country | Opening Date | Quota (Places) |
| Malaysia | 11 February | 1,150 |
| Portugal | 19 February | 50 |
| Mexico | 26 February | 200 |
| Estonia | 4 March | 100 |
| Philippines | 12 March | 100 |
| Hong Kong | 19 March | 400 |
| Slovenia | 1 April | 100 |
| Spain | 9 April | 2,000 |
| Hungary | 23 April | 100 |
| Slovakia | 5 May | 100 |
| Austria | 12 May | 100 |
| Korea | 14 May | 3,000 |
| Israel | 21 May | 200 |
| Taiwan | 28 May | 600 |
| Singapore | 3 June | 300 |
| Czech | 18 June | 1,200 |
| United Kingdom | 25 June | 15,000 |
| China | 2 July | 1,000 |
| Luxembourg | 8 July | 50 |
| Poland | 15 July | 100 |
| Latvia | 22 July | 100 |
| Thailand | 5 August | 100 |
| Malta | 12 August | 50 |
| Lithuania | 19 August | 100 |
| Turkey | 27 August | 100 |
| Croatia | 10 September | 100 |
| Argentina | 24 September | 1,000 |
| Peru | 1 October | 100 |
| Brazil | 8 October | 300 |
| Chile | 15 October | 940 |
| Vietnam | 3 November | 200 |
| Uruguay | 17 November | 200 |