The ultimate checklist before moving to NZ on a working holiday visa

admin • April 5, 2022


If you're like most people, the thought of going on a working holiday is exciting. Whilst exciting, the thought of trying to organise and sort out all of the information needed before heading over can be daunting for many. There's so much information out there it can be tough to know where to start. With New Zealand opening its borders internationally post COVID, there are more people than ever eagerly waiting to visit our country. That's why we've put together this comprehensive guide to help make your working holiday in New Zealand a breeze.

Make Sure You Meet the Eligibility Criteria 
There are a few basic things that you need to know to be eligible for a visa to travel to New Zealand. Firstly, you must have a valid passport from your country of citizenship. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond the date you plan to leave New Zealand. You must also have a return or onward ticket. In addition, you must meet certain health and character requirements. You will need to provide a completed medical form, which will be reviewed by a New Zealand immigration officer. You may also be asked to provide a police certificate from your country of residence.

The visa application process can be long and complicated, so it's important to make sure you're eligible and have everything you need before you start. The New Zealand government has put together a helpful website with all the information you need to get started.

Decide on Which Season to Work in New Zealand
If you are thinking about working in New Zealand, one of the first things you will need to decide is which season you would like to work in. The country has a diverse climate, with each season having its unique attractions. The summer season is from December to February. This is the most popular time to visit New Zealand, as temperatures are warm and the sun is usually shining. There is plenty to do outdoors during the summer, including hiking, swimming, and camping. The winter season is from June to August.

Determine What Work You Can Do
If you're looking to work in New Zealand, it's important to understand the different visa types and what work you are allowed to do. The most common visa for working in New Zealand is the skilled migrant visa. This visa is for people who are qualified in a particular field and have a job offer from a New Zealand employer. There are also other visas available, such as the student visa and the working holiday visa. It's important to note that not all jobs are open to foreigners. There are some restrictions on the type of work that can be done by people on a work visa. 

Decide Where to Live in New Zealand
There are plenty of things to think about when deciding where to live in New Zealand. It's a big country, with plenty of different landscapes and opportunities. The following is a guide to help you make the best decision for you and your family. One of the first things you'll need to decide is what kind of climate you want to live in. New Zealand has a temperate climate, with mild winters and warm summers. However, the weather can vary depending on where you live.

Some people prefer to live near the beach, while others want to be close to the mountains. The North Island is warmer and has more beaches than the South Island. The South Island has more mountains and glaciers.

Interested in finding a role across New Zealand? Visit our Frog Recruitment website to find the job you love and help you on your journey:  ww w.frogrecruitment.co.nz

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In business since 2002 in New Zealand, Frog Recruitment is an award-winning recruitment agency with people at our heart. Located across Auckland and Wellington, we specialise in accounting and finance, business support, education, executive, government, HR, legal, marketing and digital, property, sales, supply chain, and technology sectors. As the proud recipients of the 2024 RCSA Excellence in Candidate Care Award, we are dedicated to helping businesses achieve success through a people-first approach.

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