23 January 2025: The New Zealand Government has officially announced the 2025 reopening dates for capped Working Holiday Schemes (WHS). These schemes allow young people from partner countries to work and travel in New Zealand for a set period.
The following table provides detailed information on the reopening dates and the quota for each scheme in 2025. Once a scheme opens, applications will remain open until the annual quota is filled. Once the cap is reached, the scheme will close until the following year.
Some working holiday schemes with places left from 2024 will remain open until their quotas are met. After this, the quotas will reset based on the 2025 opening dates.
Key Details for 2025 Working Holiday Schemes:
- Applications open on the specified dates below.
- Quotas vary by country.
- Once the cap is reached, applications will close until 2026.
Working Holiday Scheme | 2025 Opening Date | Quota (People Per Year) |
Malaysia | 11 February 2025 | 1,150 |
Portugal | 20 February 2025 | 50 |
Mexico | 27 February 2025 | 200 |
Estonia | 4 March 2025 | 100 |
Philippines | 12 March 2025 | 100 |
Hong Kong | 19 March 2025 | 400 |
Slovenia | 2 April 2025 | 100 |
Spain | 10 April 2025 | 2,000 |
Hungary | 23 April 2025 | 100 |
Slovakia | 1 May 2025 | 100 |
Austria | 8 May 2025 | 100 |
Korea | 15 May 2025 | 3,000 |
Israel | 21 May 2025 | 200 |
Taiwan | 28 May 2025 | 600 |
Singapore | 3 June 2025 | 300 |
Czech | 18 June 2025 | 1,200 |
United Kingdom | 25 June 2025 | 15,000 |
China | 2 July 2025 | 1,000 |
Luxembourg | 8 July 2025 | 50 |
Poland | 15 July 2025 | 100 |
Latvia | 22 July 2025 | 100 |
Thailand | 5 August 2025 | 100 |
Malta | 12 August 2025 | 50 |
Lithuania | 19 August 2025 | 100 |
Turkey | 27 August 2025 | 100 |
Croatia | 10 September 2025 | 100 |
Argentina | 24 September 2025 | 1,000 |
Peru | 1 October 2025 | 100 |
Brazil | 8 October 2025 | 300 |
Chile | 16 October 2025 | 940 |
Viet Nam | 23 October 2025 | 200 |
Uruguay | 30 October 2025 | 200 |
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
A Working Holiday Visa allows young travelers to work and explore New Zealand for a set duration, helping them gain cultural experiences and offset travel costs. These schemes are offered to specific partner countries, each with unique quotas and eligibility criteria.
Important Notes for Applicants:
- First-Come, First-Served: Quotas are limited, so early applications are recommended.
- Quota Reset: If quotas for 2024 remain unfilled, those places will be carried forward until the 2025 quota opens.
- Country-Specific Caps: Each scheme has a different limit based on bilateral agreements between New Zealand and partner countries.
By allowing young individuals to work and travel in New Zealand, these schemes not only provide a unique experience for travelers but also contribute to New Zealand’s economy and cultural exchange.
For more details on eligibility and how to apply, visit the official New Zealand Immigration website. Don’t miss your chance to explore New Zealand while gaining valuable work experience!
Reference
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