Immigration New Zealand has released the 2026 application timeline and annual caps for its capped Working Holiday Scheme (WHS), giving aspiring work-and-travel applicants a clear view of when their country’s intake will open and when it could close once the quota is filled. The programme allows eligible young people from partner nations to spend an extended period in New Zealand while taking up short-term jobs to support their travels. For 2026, openings will occur in stages between February and November, with dates varying by nationality. Once the allotted places for a country are taken, that intake closes and will resume only in 2027.
A key point for applicants is that any unused WHS slots from 2025 will remain available until the quota runs out, after which applications will pause and restart on the confirmed 2026 dates with the new annual caps. The Working Holiday visa is designed for travellers who want to experience New Zealand beyond a brief holiday. While travel is the main purpose, visa holders can work and study within set limits, making the scheme attractive for backpackers, gap-year travellers, and young professionals seeking overseas exposure.
Eligibility requirements vary by country, but most schemes accept applicants aged 18 to 30, with some countries allowing up to 35. The length of stay also differs: most applicants can stay for up to 12 months, Canadians for up to 23 months, and UK citizens for up to 36 months under long-standing bilateral arrangements. Each applicant can receive only one Working Holiday visa in their lifetime.
Once in New Zealand, visa holders can work in seasonal or casual roles in hospitality, tourism, farming, orchards, and vineyards. They can travel in and out of the country during the visa period and pursue short courses, including language programmes, with study or training allowed for up to six months. The visa does not permit permanent or long-term full-time employment; those wishing to continue working must switch to another visa category, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa. Applicants must also demonstrate sufficient funds for their stay and onward or return travel.
Applications are submitted online through Immigration New Zealand and can only be filed once the intake for a specific country opens. People can apply from outside or inside New Zealand. Once approved, the visa must be activated by entering New Zealand within 12 months and cannot be postponed or carried forward. Because the scheme is quota-based, applying early is recommended, especially for countries with limited slots.
Immigration New Zealand has confirmed the following 2026 openings and annual caps: Malaysia on February 11 (1,150 places), Portugal February 19 (50), Mexico February 26 (200), Estonia March 4 (100), Philippines March 12 (100), Hong Kong March 19 (400), Slovenia April 1 (100), Spain April 9 (2,000), Hungary April 23 (100), Slovakia May 5 (100), Austria May 12 (100), Korea May 14 (3,000), Israel May 21 (200), Taiwan May 28 (600), Singapore June 3 (300), Czech Republic June 18 (1,200), United Kingdom June 25 (15,000), China July 2 (1,000), Luxembourg July 8 (50), Poland July 15 (100), Latvia July 22 (100), Thailand August 5 (100), Malta August 12 (50), Lithuania August 19 (100), Turkey August 27 (100), Croatia September 10 (100), Argentina September 24 (1,000), Peru October 1 (100), Brazil October 8 (300), Chile October 15 (940), Vietnam November 3 (200), and Uruguay November 17 (200).
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