Canada’s Working Holiday Visa gives eligible New Zealand citizens the opportunity to live, work, and travel in Canada for up to 23 months through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program. With an open work permit, you can work for almost any employer while exploring everything from the Rocky Mountains and vibrant cities to world-class ski resorts and national parks.
Whether you’re looking to gain international work experience, save money while travelling, or enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, this guide explains everything you need to know about the Canada Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand citizens, including eligibility requirements, costs, the application process, and how Stepwest can help you prepare for your move to Canada.
Year-round
5-23 Months
From $1,390
To qualify for the Canada Working Holiday Visa through the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, New Zealand citizens must meet the following eligibility requirements:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive) at the time of application. |
| Citizenship | Hold a valid New Zealand passport for the duration of your stay in Canada. |
| Work Permit Category | Apply through the International Experience Canada (IEC) Working Holiday category. |
| Proof of Funds | Show proof of at least CAD $2,500 (approximately NZD $3,100) to cover your initial expenses, plus additional funds if you do not have a return ticket. |
| Health Insurance | Have health insurance covering medical care, hospitalization, and repatriation for the full length of your stay in Canada (up to 23 months). |
| Criminal Record | Provide a Criminal Conviction History (Full Record of Convictions) issued by the New Zealand Ministry of Justice (free of charge). |
Meeting these requirements allows eligible New Zealand citizens to receive an open work permit, giving them the freedom to live, work, and travel throughout Canada for up to 23 months.
New Zealand citizens can participate in the International Experience Canada (IEC) program once through the Working Holiday category, allowing you to live and work in Canada for up to 23 months with an open work permit.
New Zealand citizens cannot participate more than once under the Canada – New Zealand youth mobility agreement under International Experience Canada (IEC). This means it’s important to plan your Working Holiday carefully and make the most of your time in Canada.
| Working Holiday Visa at a Glance | New Zealand Citizens |
|---|---|
| IEC Category | Working Holiday |
| Work Permit Type | Open Work Permit |
| Maximum Stay | Up to 23 months |
| Number of Participations | One participation only |
| Can You Change Employers? | Yes. The Working Holiday work permit allows you to work for most employers in Canada. |
For the 2026 International Experience Canada (IEC) season, 1,547 Working Holiday permits are available for eligible New Zealand citizens.
Historically, New Zealand applicants have had an excellent chance of receiving an invitation because the annual quota is rarely filled as quickly as it is for some other participating countries. While invitations depend on available spots and the IEC invitation rounds, many eligible New Zealanders receive an Invitation to Apply (ITA) during the season.
Because quotas and invitation rounds can change each year, it’s recommended to create your IEC profile as early as possible after the season opens.
Thinking of making the leap from New Zealand to Canada with Stepwest’s Working Holiday Programs? It’s a fantastic way to experience Canada affordably while gaining international work experience. Reach out to us today, and our team will gladly answer all your questions!
If you’re planning your move to Canada, it’s important to budget for both the government application fees and your initial arrival expenses.
| Fee | Cost (CAD) |
|---|---|
| IEC Participation Fee | CAD $184.75 (approximately NZD $230) |
| Open Work Permit Holder Fee | CAD $100.00 (approximately NZD $130) |
| Biometrics Fee (if required) | CAD $85.00 (approximately NZD $110) |
In addition to the government fees, you’ll also need to demonstrate that you have at least CAD $2,500 in available funds when you arrive in Canada. This money helps cover your initial living expenses while you settle in and look for work.
You should also budget for:
Good to know: Biometrics are generally valid for 10 years, so if you’ve previously provided biometrics for a Canadian visa or permit, you may not need to submit them again, depending on your circumstances.
Our summer resort program offers an ideal opportunity to immerse yourself in the beauty of a Canadian summer. Featuring diverse job opportunities, you can earn income while exploring Canada's natural wonders. Additionally, if you decide to extend your stay, you can seamlessly transition into the win
May - June
6 - 23 Months
CAD $1,390
Our Winter Resort Working Holiday program is designed to help you secure employment at top Canadian ski resorts before you even arrive in Canada. We partner with leading resorts to ensure job placement and provide guaranteed staff accommodation, offering peace of mind and a seamless transition into
Sept - Nov
6 - 23 Months
CAD $1,390
Our Canada Send Off Package assists you in obtaining your Working Holiday Visa, marking the beginning of your exciting journey to Canada. While job placement isn't part of the package, it provides an affordable starting point for your Canadian adventure.
Year Round
12 - 23 Months
CAD $490
One of the biggest advantages of the Canada Working Holiday Visa is the ability to earn money while travelling. Many New Zealanders find seasonal work in hospitality, tourism, ski resorts, hotels, restaurants, and outdoor recreation.
Minimum wage rates are set by each province and territory. For example:
| Province | Minimum Wage (2026) |
|---|---|
| British Columbia | CAD $18.25/hour |
| Alberta | CAD $15.00/hour |
Most employers pay employees every two weeks (bi-weekly), although some workplaces may use weekly or semi-monthly payroll schedules.
Many seasonal jobs, particularly at ski resorts and hotels, offer 30 to 40 hours of work per week. Depending on your role and location, you can generally expect to earn:
| Estimate | Amount |
|---|---|
| Hourly Wage | CAD $15–$20+ |
| Weekly Hours | 30–40 hours |
| Estimated Monthly Earnings (Before Tax) | CAD $2,000–$3,500+ |
Some employers also provide overtime opportunities during busy seasons, allowing participants to increase their earnings.
Join our Working Holiday Resort Programs for added convenience. We assist in securing jobs that often come with staff housing, where rent is deducted directly from your paycheck, simplifying your finances while in Canada.
Depending on the employer, benefits may include:
Discounted staff accommodation – Rent deducted directly from your pay,
These benefits can significantly reduce your living expenses while allowing you to enjoy everything Canada has to offer.
You may be asked to provide a New Zealand Criminal Record (Police Certificate) as part of your IEC application or if requested by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
The application is completed online through the New Zealand Government and is free of charge. Processing usually takes up to 20 business days, although many applicants receive their certificate in less than a week.
If you’ve lived in another country for six months or more since turning 18, you may also need to provide police certificates from those countries as part of your application.
For New Zealand citizens, completing biometrics is a crucial step in the visa application process:
Appointment Requirement: Biometrics appointments at VFS Auckland are mandatory. Ensure you have received your Biometrics Request Letter before scheduling. It’s important to plan ahead, especially if you reside far from Auckland in places like Wellington, Queenstown, or Christchurch.
VFS Auckland operates specific hours from Monday to Friday, so securing a confirmed appointment is essential to avoid travel inconveniences.
International Options: If you’re not currently in New Zealand, you can complete your biometrics at designated centers worldwide. Our team assists participants in locating the nearest biometrics collection site. For example, if you’re a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia (e.g., Sydney, Perth, Melbourne), you can conveniently complete your biometrics there.
If you are between 18 to 30 years, a valid passport from New Zealand and funds to support your trip, you will be ready to work and travel in Canada!
Normally processing times under International Experience Canada and its working holiday permit is up to 8 weeks, no matter the nationality. This processing time starts from the moment you complete Biometrics.
Once in a lifetime, the working holiday is a unique work permit that you can request once under regular IEC and the agreement between Canada and New Zealand.
New Zealand citizens can get a chance to work or travel in Canada for a maximum of 23 months.
It is very unique, but it is the duration that both countries signed when the agreement took effect. This means that is the same way for Canadians traveling to New Zealand. A very good chance to work and travel in Canada! Other countries only get 12 months, so if you are from New Zealand you are very lucky.
Normally the application process for IEC starts in December of the year before you are planning to travel. Good news is that for New Zealand citizens have visas available pretty much all the IEC season (December 2025 to October 2026, during IEC 2026 Season).
One thing to keep in mind is that you will go through immigration in the first Canadian city that you land in.
For example, let’s say if you are flying from Auckland, New Zealand, and heading to Calgary and you have a layover in Vancouver – you would need to go through immigration in Vancouver first to get your work permit.
A Stepwest Travel Coordinator will be ready to review your flight route with you to make sure you have enough time and to arrive in the smoothest way.
Yes, while New Zealand citizens can travel to Canada with a simple eTA, a work permit is required if you plan to work.
If you’re aged 18 to 35 and hold a valid New Zealand passport, you can apply for a working holiday visa under International Experience Canada, allowing you to work in Canada for up to 23 months.
Up to 23 months, as long as you bring insurance for 23 months at the time upon arrival in Canada. Remember your insurance will mark how long you can work in Canada.
Yes, you can enter Canada multiple times with a valid eTA, as New Zealand passport holders do not required anything extra, only a valid electronic travel authorization (eTA).
Not at all! You don’t need to be a registered student in New Zealand to be eligible for a working holiday visa in Canada!
Yes, New Zealand does not impose any limitations or restrictions on citizens living outside of their country. No residence requirements in this case.
This means that as long as you hold a valid New Zealand passport, you are eligible to apply for a working holiday in Canada.
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