The quota will open on 23 May 2016 at 10:00 AM New Zealand time.
Online application
Applications for this scheme must be made online by following the link in the ‘How do I apply?’ section below. You will need a valid Visa or MasterCard credit card. This is the only way to pay for your online application.
However, before you apply, please read the following important information.
To be eligible You must:
be ordinarily resident in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) (this requirement is not met if you have been absent from the PRC for more than two years immediately preceding your application)
be actually resident in the PRC at the time of applying
be a citizen of the PRC and have a passport from the PRC that is valid for at least three months after your planned departure from New Zealand
be at least 18 and not more than 30 years old
not bring children with you
hold a return ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase such a ticket*
have a minimum of NZ$4,200 available funds to meet your living costs while you are here
meet our health and character requirements
hold medical and comprehensive hospitalisation insurance for the length of your stay
be coming to New Zealand to holiday, with work or study being secondary intentions for your visit
have a senior high school qualification (gao zhong xue li) granted in respect of a minimum of three years’ full-time study which has been verified by the China Academic Degrees and Graduate Education Development Centre (CDGDC)
have evidence of the CDGDC’s verification of your qualification
have a level of proficiency in English that is assessed as at least functional (see below), and
not have been approved a visa under a working holiday scheme before.
Each year, 1000 places are available under this scheme allowing young citizens of the People’s Republic of China to stay in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
However, a small number of additional places have become available and will reopen at 10:00 am on 23 June 2016 NZT.
China Working Holiday Visa
This visa helps young people from China come to New Zealand. You can apply for this visa if you’re a citizen of the People’s Republic of China and you have at least NZ $4,200 to live on during your stay. While you’re here, you can study and work while you enjoy your holiday.