Archive · 19 Jan 2026
New Zealand Releases 2026 Working Holiday Scheme Dates
New Zealand has announced the dates for its 2026 Working Holiday Scheme.
This scheme lets young people from certain countries travel and work in New Zealand for up to a year.
Some countries, like Canada and the UK, get to stay even longer.
The scheme opens on different dates for each country, and once the spots fill up, the scheme closes until the next year.
You can apply online, but some countries require you to be in your home country when you apply.
You can also study for up to six months while you're there.
If you get a visa, you have to go to New Zealand within a year, or the visa will expire.
New Zealand Immigration has released the 2026 opening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes, with quotas varying by country.
Applications open on different dates for each country and close once the quota is filled.
Working holiday visas are available to young people aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for select countries), allowing them to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months (longer for Canada and UK citizens).
Applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including having enough money for a return ticket and coming mainly to holiday.
Visa holders can study for up to 6 months and must activate their visa by arriving in New Zealand within a year of being granted the visa.
- Who
- Young people aged 18-30 (or 18-35 for select countries) from eligible nations
- What
- Release of 2026 Working Holiday Scheme dates and quotas by New Zealand Immigration
- When
- Opening dates vary by country, starting from July 2025
- Where
- New Zealand
- Why
- To allow young people to travel and work in New Zealand for up to 12 months (longer for Canada and UK citizens)
- Opening Dates
- Vary by country, starting from July 2025
- Age Range
- 18-30 (18-35 for select countries)
- Duration
- Up to 12 months (23 months for Canada, 36 months for UK)
- Application Process
- Online, with some country-specific requirements
- Quota
- Limited places per country, closes once filled
- Study Limit
- Up to 6 months of study allowed
- Medical Requirements
- Chest x-ray and medical exam for stays over 12 months
- Activation
- Must arrive in New Zealand within 1 year of grant