Are you a New Zealander looking for an exciting adventure with a Working Holiday Visa Canada? This visa allows New Zealand citizens to live and work in Canada for up to 23 months. Imagine spending your summer working at a picturesque lakeside resort or your winter at a top ski resort in the breathtaking mountains of British Columbia or Alberta. Earn money to support your travels while experiencing Canada’s stunning landscapes and vibrant culture. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Canada Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand citizens. Let’s make your working holiday in Canada a reality!
Year-round
5-23 Months
From $1,190
New Zealand citizens interested in working in Canada can apply under the agreement called International Experience Canada (IEC), which allows them to work in Canada for up to 23 months. For New Zealanders, there is only one category (and it’s the most accessible one!)—Working Holiday. This translates into an open work permit, meaning you can work anywhere in Canada and change employers freely.
Through IEC, youth can work to fund the trip of a lifetime. The program offers a unique opportunity to enhance both personal and professional development through international experience, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. Whether you want to spend your summer working at a beautiful lakeside resort or your winter at a renowned ski resort, the Canada Working Holiday Visa for New Zealand citizens opens the door to endless possibilities.
To apply for the Canada Working Holiday Visa under the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, New Zealand citizens must meet the following criteria:
Meeting these requirements ensures eligibility for the Canada Working Holiday Visa, allowing New Zealand citizens to work and explore Canada for up to 23 months.
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!
You can participate once in the International Experience Canada program for up to 23 months. Repeat participation isn’t permitted under regular IEC rules, so it’s advised to maximize your experience from the start.
Since the pandemic, the Government of Canada has implemented changes. Participation is now contingent upon travelling to Canada and activating your work permit upon arrival. If you receive your Port of Entry Letter (POE) but do not travel to Canada to activate it, you can reapply.
As of IEC 2025 Season, there are 2,500 working holiday permits available for New Zealand citizens. The pool remains open throughout the IEC season with available spots, making it relatively easy for NZ citizens to secure a working holiday permit for Canada.
If you’re a New Zealand citizen applying for the Canada Working Holiday Visa, it’s important to consider the associated costs:
Your biometrics, once collected, remain valid for 10 years, meaning you won’t need to provide them again if you apply for another working holiday visa for Canada in the future. These fees cover the necessary processing and administrative costs associated with your application for the Canada Working Holiday Visa, ensuring you can embark on your Canadian adventure smoothly.
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 $1,190
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 $1,190
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
Considering a working holiday in Canada from New Zealand? Here’s a practical overview of wages and payment:
Canada’s minimum wage varies by province. As of May 2025, Alberta sets it at $15 CAD/hour (approx. NZD $16.45), while British Columbia offers $17.85 CAD/ hour from June 2025 (approx. NZD $19.10). Payments are typically bi-weekly, ensuring regular income during your stay.
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.
Jobs at Canadian ski resorts usually offer full-time hours. Expect to earn around $2,500 CAD per month (approx. NZD $2,600), providing an opportunity to save and gain valuable international work experience.
Working at a Canadian ski resort offers practical benefits and allows you to experience Canada’s diverse landscapes and cultures firsthand, making your working holiday both productive and memorable.
For New Zealand citizens applying for a Canada working holiday visa, obtaining a Police Certificate or Criminal Conviction History from New Zealand is a must. The process is completed online and free of charge. Processing is typically completed within 20 business days, with a majority processed in under a week!
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.
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.Â
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.
The 2025 ski season is shaping up to be the best yet; travel restrictions have lifted, ski season jobs are in plentiful supply and incredible winter activities await. Interested? Read on to discover how to work a ski season in Canada.
In this post, we explain how to get set up with a job in Whistler that offers accommodation. Employers that provide accommodation save you from the hardest part of beginning your working holiday in Whistler; finding somewhere to live.