The schemes side by side
| Visa | Who can apply | First permit | Government fee | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand: Working Holiday Visa | Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports; Partner-country passport; No employer sponsor needed | 1 yr | NZD 770 (≈ US$440) | immigration.govt.nz, checked 26 October 2026 |
| Canada: International Experience Canada (Working Holiday) | Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports; Partner-country passport | 2 yrs | CAD 284.75 (≈ US$205) | canada.ca, checked 26 October 2026 |
| United Kingdom: Youth Mobility Scheme | Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports; Partner-country passport | 2 yrs | ≈ US$320 | gov.uk, checked 3 May 2026 |
| Ireland: Working Holiday Authorisation | Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports; Partner-country passport; No employer sponsor needed | 1 yr | ≈ US$280 | irishimmigration.ie, checked 11 May 2026 |
- Working Holiday Visa: requirements and how to apply (fee NZD 770 (≈ US$440)).
- International Experience Canada (Working Holiday): requirements and how to apply (fee CAD 284.75 (≈ US$205)).
- Youth Mobility Scheme: requirements and how to apply (fee ≈ US$320).
- Working Holiday Authorisation: requirements and how to apply (fee ≈ US$280).
Frequently asked questions
- Which working holiday scheme can I use with my passport?
- The New Zealand scheme is open to partner-country passports only. The catalogue lists United Kingdom, Canada, United States, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Japan and South Korea. Each other scheme in the table has its own partner list, so one passport can qualify for several schemes.
- Which passports qualify for both New Zealand and another scheme?
- Canada (International Experience Canada (Working Holiday)): United Kingdom, Germany, France, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Ireland, Japan and South Korea; United Kingdom (Youth Mobility Scheme): none of those passports; Ireland (Working Holiday Authorisation): Canada, United States, Japan and South Korea.
- What are the age limits for these working holiday schemes?
- New Zealand: Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports; Canada: Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports; United Kingdom: Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports; Ireland: Ages 18-30, or 35 for some passports.
- How long can I stay on each working holiday scheme?
- New Zealand: 1 yr; Canada: 2 yrs; United Kingdom: 2 yrs; Ireland: 1 yr.
- Do I need an employer for these schemes?
- New Zealand: no employer sponsor needed; Canada: check the official page; United Kingdom: check the official page; Ireland: no employer sponsor needed.
- Do working holiday schemes lead to residence?
- New Zealand: No PR route; Canada: No PR route; United Kingdom: No PR route; Ireland: No PR route. Holders who want to stay in New Zealand move to another route, such as the Accredited Employer Work Visa or the Skilled Migrant Category.
Keep reading
- Every visa route to New Zealand
- New Zealand Working Holiday Visa 2026: Fees, Age, Countries
- Australia Working Holiday Visa (417) Guide 2026
official sources: WHV · immigration.govt.nz·IEC · canada.ca·YMS (T5) · gov.uk·WHA · irishimmigration.ie