What Pinoys need to know before applying for New Zealand working holiday visa starting March
Described as one of the most gorgeous countries on earth, New Zealand ranks high in the list when it comes to places that are great for both travel and work.
It has earned the title of being a developed country with its high quality of life, education, economy, among other things, and because of these, it has become one of the top destinations among Filipino emigrants.
A normal visa in New Zealand allows vistors to stay in the country for up to nine months only in an 18-month period, but with a working holiday visa, you will be able to travel and work in the country for up to 12 months.
If you're planning on spending some time in the island country, then you're in luck as New Zealand Immigration has announced that it is set to open applications for working holiday visas to Filipinos in March.
What is a working holiday visa?
To elaborate on the working holiday visa scheme, these visas are typically available to young people who are aged 18 to 30, but can extend to 35 years old in a few countries.
With this, you are allowed to work and earn money in New Zealand while also being able to satisfy your wanderlust by sightseeing at its many beautiful attractions. Working holiday visas also give you the freedom to study one or more courses for up to six months in the country.
However, it should be noted that you cannot accept a permanent job offer or work for the same employer for more than three months while you are on this scheme. Children are also not allowed to come with you, and if you have a partner who also wants to come to New Zealand, they have to apply for their own visa.
What are the requirements?
According to New Zealand Immigration, the requirements you must accomplish are as follows:
- You must provide your passport details as proof of your identity.
- You must be in good health, which could entail getting a chest x-ray and/or a medical examination as proof.
- You must be of good character, and you may be asked to provide Police Certificates to support this.
- You must "genuinely" intend to meet the conditions of your visa.
- You must be 18 to 30 years old.
- You must be a citizen of the country the visa is for.
- You must have a ticket ready to leave New Zealand or have enough money to buy one once your working holiday visa expires.
- You must have enough money, or at least NZ $4,200 (P140,000, to live on while you’re in New Zealand.
- You must have a tertiary qualification.
- You must be able to speak in English.
- You must have full medical insurance for the length of your stay.
How to apply?
The applications for the working holiday visas for Filipinos won't be open until March 16, and it will only be available for a total of 100 individuals, after which the scheme will be closed.
The applications will be done online and you must have NZ $455 (P15,800) ready as payment for the New Zealand Immigration to process your application. The cost is non-refundable should the agency decline your application, and this can be paid online by Visa or Mastercard.
You must also prepare any evidence needed to support your application should any of the information you provided be questioned.
The processing takes about 47 days to complete and if you are successful in the application, you will be granted an eVisa.