Apply to work New Zealand

How to apply - the application process is designed to be as straightforward as possible. We aim to provide you with excellent service at every stage and we encourage you to contact us if you have any questions or concerns for working in New Zealand.

Step One - Applying to the Program

When to Apply

Applications are accepted until all places are filled. The New Zealand embassy will issue visas up to a year in advance. However, a minimum of six to eight weeks is generally needed for processing. If you wish to depart within the next eight weeks, please call for advice.

Application

Complete an online application form and pay the registration fee online. You will then be sent the visa application forms (Step 2). The dates you give for arrival in New Zealand will determine the date by which you must complete Step 2. If you fail to meet your deadline, you will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program and a $200 cancellation fee will be imposed.

Step Two - Visa Application

What you need to apply for a visa:

(a) Passport

You will need a valid US passport with at least three blank pages (this excludes ‘amendment’ pages). Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from New Zealand and be in good condition.

(b) Proof of Funds

It is a program condition that you take sufficient personal funds to support yourself until your first paycheck. This amount must be at least US$2,000 for the IEP Work Exchange visa program and NZ$4,200 for the Working Holiday visa program.

(c) Proof of Flight

You need to show proof of a pre-paid flight showing entry and exit from New Zealand. This should be a copy of your travel agent itinerary showing payment in full. You are required to fly into Auckland.

(d) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The embassy requires details of any convictions, charges or pending charges. Please be advised that if you fall into this category, you may not receive a visa or your visa application may be delayed.

(e) Travel Insurance

Apply to work New Zealand

It is a program requirement that you purchase BUNAC’s worldwide comprehensive (ie. not just medical) travel insurance coverage for a minimum of six months (a six month policy costs $329, twelve months costs $479). American citizens are not eligible for any coverage under New Zealand’s socialized medical system.

We recommend that you take advantage of the special rate and cover yourself for your entire time abroad. We have developed a special, discount travel package exclusively for BUNAC participants which provides coverage far superior to any other policy and at a significantly lower price. Full policy details will be sent on acceptance. Payment is required when you submit Step 2.

Program costs

  • IEP Work Exchange Visa program fee $550
  • Working Holiday Visa program fee $450
  • Travel Insurance - $479 for twelve months

The program fee covers administration and support in both America and New Zealand, overnight courier fees, program handbook, Lonely Planet guidebook, two night’s accommodation and orientation in Auckland plus ongoing support from the IEP staff.

Cancellation conditions

IEP Work Exchange visa program - If you cancel from the program before we have received your Step 2 visa application, there will be a cancellation fee of $200. If you cancel after you have submitted your Step 2 visa application but before we have submitted your passport to the New Zealand Embassy, $450 is forfeited. Once the visa is issued, there is no refund of any program fee or insurance premium. Any cancellation must be made in writing and is only effective from the date we receive it.

In the extremely rare event that the embassy denies you a visa, you forfeit $200 of the program fee. However, if the visa is denied for reasons which you had not previously disclosed to BUNAC, you will forfeit $450. In either case of visa denial, the insurance premium is fully refundable.

N.B. The above conditions apply only to the Work New Zealand program fees. Separate cancellation fees and conditions may apply to any flight bookings you make.

Working Holiday Visa program - If you cancel from the program before we have received your step 2 materials, there will be a cancellation fee of $200. If you cancel after you have submitted your step 2 materials to BUNAC, there is no refund of any program fee. Any cancellation must be made in writing and is only effective from the date we receive it.