2025 Opening Dates for Capped Working Holiday Schemes Announced

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 Scheme2025 Opening DateQuota (People Per Year)
Malaysia11 February 20251,150
Portugal20 February 202550
Mexico27 February 2025200
Estonia4 March 2025100
Philippines12 March 2025100
Hong Kong19 March 2025400
Slovenia2 April 2025100
Spain10 April 20252,000
Hungary23 April 2025100
Slovakia1 May 2025100
Austria8 May 2025100
Korea15 May 20253,000
Israel21 May 2025200
Taiwan28 May 2025600
Singapore3 June 2025300
Czech18 June 20251,200
United Kingdom25 June 202515,000
China2 July 20251,000
Luxembourg8 July 202550
Poland15 July 2025100
Latvia22 July 2025100
Thailand5 August 2025100
Malta12 August 202550
Lithuania19 August 2025100
Turkey27 August 2025100
Croatia10 September 2025100
Argentina24 September 20251,000
Peru1 October 2025100
Brazil8 October 2025300
Chile16 October 2025940
Viet Nam23 October 2025200
Uruguay30 October 2025200

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:

  1. First-Come, First-Served: Quotas are limited, so early applications are recommended.
  2. Quota Reset: If quotas for 2024 remain unfilled, those places will be carried forward until the 2025 quota opens.
  3. 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

About ICL Immigration

ICL Immigration, based in Auckland, is an established licensed immigration adviser with over 20 years of experience and  97% approval rate. We’ve helped over 1,000 immigrants realise their New Zealand settlement dreams.

We specialise in a broad spectrum of visa services, including work, residency, student visas, and complex cases like Section 61, IPL Appeal, ensuring personalised solutions for individuals and businesses aiming to navigate New Zealand’s immigration landscape successfully.

Free Consultation Booking Form

Please note: We are committed to responding to your query as quickly as possible. Please provide complete and accurate information about your situation and needs. We appreciate your help.