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Work Exchange Scheme Work Visa
VisasNew ZealandWork Exchange Scheme Work Visa
New ZealandNew Zealand•Oceania
Open

Work Exchange Scheme Work Visa

Working Holiday

At a Glance

Processing Time

4 weeks

Application Fee

Free

Stay Duration

12 months

Renewable

No

Job Offer

Not Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

No

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

Short-term work visa for participants in an approved New Zealand reciprocal work exchange scheme, valid up to 12 months.

The Work Exchange Scheme Work Visa, administered by Immigration New Zealand, lets people accepted into an approved reciprocal work exchange programme live and work in New Zealand for the length of their exchange. Approved schemes are run by organisations such as AIESEC NZ, ACVE, IWH, Letz Live, and Swiss/NZ Trainees.

From NZD $1,455 to apply, with 80% decided within 4 weeks and up to 1,000 places issued each year. Holders may work for the exchange duration (up to 12 months), study for up to 3 months, and travel in and out of NZ. Medical and dental insurance is mandatory, accommodation is arranged by the scheme organiser, and partners or dependent children cannot be included on the application.

This visa is ideal for young professionals, students, and cultural participants accepted into an approved NZ work exchange programme who want short-term, supported work experience.

Annual Cap & Quota

1000

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Must be accepted into an approved work exchange scheme by a participating organization.

Must stay in accommodation provided by the work exchange scheme organizer.

Must have medical and dental insurance for the entire duration of the stay.

Must have genuine plans to leave New Zealand at the end of the stay.

Must meet health and character requirements (may require chest X-ray or medical examination).

Must be outside New Zealand at the time of application.

KEY CRITERIA

Education

none or higher

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport (must remain valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure).

Two acceptable passport-sized photographs.

Evidence of acceptance into an approved work exchange scheme.

Proof of medical and dental insurance.

Evidence of outward travel arrangements (e.g., return ticket or written guarantee from a guarantor).

Medical/chest X-ray certificates (if required based on duration/country).

Police certificates (if required for character assessment).

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Structured route to short-term NZ work experience via an approved exchange organisation.
  • Permits up to 3 months of study during the exchange.
  • Allows multiple entries and exits during the visa's validity.
  • Accommodation is arranged by the scheme organiser, reducing relocation friction.
  • 80% of applications are decided within 4 weeks.

Worth Knowing

  • Capped at 12 months and not renewable beyond the exchange duration.
  • Annual quota of 1,000 places across all approved schemes.
  • Requires medical and dental insurance for the entire stay.
  • Application fee starts at NZD $1,455.
  • Acceptance into an approved scheme is mandatory before applying.
  • Partners and dependent children cannot be included in the application.
  • Must be approved by a participating organisation (AIESEC NZ, ACVE, IWH, Letz Live, NZ Dairy Careers, RENZ, Swiss/NZ Trainees, etc.) — independent applicants are not eligible.
  • Must be outside New Zealand at the time of application.

Application Process

1

Contact an approved work exchange scheme organization to be accepted into their program.

2

Obtain evidence of acceptance from the scheme organizer.

3

Prepare all required documentation, including proof of insurance and travel plans.

4

Submit the application online via the Immigration New Zealand website.

5

Pay the visa application fee (from NZD $1455).

6

Wait for processing (80% within 4 weeks).

Verified Claims (2)

Last verified May 31, 2026
Annual Allocation1000immigration.govt.nz
Spouse Can Worknoimmigration.govt.nz

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