Holiday visa

SAM · Posted: Thu Dec 04, 2003 9:56 am Post subject: Holiday visa

Wondered if any of you people could shed any light on getting a holiday visa for a year to NZ. Would love to live and work out there for a year (possibly more!), but not sure about all the legalities/ funds I need to have before I leave etc. Nutcase

Also, if I do happen to decide to stay, what is the likelihood of living over there when the year's up? I'm a development technologist and hear there are a lot of jobs in the food industry.
Looking forward to hearing your replies!!!

dan-ish · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 7:01 am Post subject: Bunac

When I went to NZ for a year I went with a company called BUNAC Hmmm

They basically do everything for you - buy plane tickets, sort out your visa, find people for you to travel with and kind of help you a bit when you get there. This is all well and good if you are a lazy sod Embarassed

. The main problem with this scheme is that a)it is far more expensive than doing it all independently, b)it is much more of an effort to meet some Kiwis at first as you stay with all the Enlgish people, and c)they don't actually do that much for you.

I have been reliably informed that you can apply for a visa yourself and have as much of a chance of getting one as any other way. When we went we had to have approx. $3000 cash to be able to stay fingers crossed

.

With regards to staying in NZ, it is possible as a few of the people we went with have done it, but obviously there are some things you must do/have. One mate got married Nutcase

, and another found a permanent job and the company sponsored her. Perhaps a job is the best way...

Obviously it is up to you whether you use a company like Bunac - it does take all the effort (and fun) out of organising a trip like this, but then it is more expensive. If you want to have a look at their website it is www.bunac.org and I think there are a few other companies that provide a similar service.

Not particularly comprehensive advice, but that is the basics. Good luck and I have no doubt you won't be coming back! Nice One

AJ Cartwright · Posted: Fri Dec 05, 2003 8:45 pm Post subject:

Oh to be young again Laughing

United Kindom Citizens' working holiday scheme allows 9000 young citizens of the United Kingdom annually to be issued with work visas authorising employment for a maximum of 12 months.

Who Can Apply:

To be eligible for a work visa under this scheme, applicants must:

be British citizens resident in the United Kindom at the time of applying, and
aged between 18 and 30 years, and
not accompanied by any children on your visit.
How to apply?

To apply for one of the working holiday scheme places you must provide the following information::

a British passport (valid for two years and four months from date of application).
a completed working holiday scheme application form.
the correct application fee.
satisfy the NZIS branch in London that your main intention for travelling to New Zealand is to holiday, and that employment is an incidental reason for the visit.
have a minimum of NZ$4200 available funds for maintenance.
evidence of your return or onward tickets, or sufficient funds to purchase an outward ticket (approx NZ$2000.00).
provide a stamped self addressed envelope for the return of your passport.
Where to apply?

You should send your application to the New Zealand Immigration Service at the address below:

New Zealand Immigration Service Representative in the United Kingdom:

Office:
LONDON

Address:
New Zealand Immigration Service

NZ House

80 Haymarket

London

SW1Y 4TE

UNITED KINGDOM

Office hours:
10am-3:45pm Monday to Friday

Phone:
09069 100 100 National (calls charged at 1.00 pound per minute.) +44 13 44 71 61 99 International

Fax:
(207) 973 0370

Note:
Note: Telephone Information Services: A 24 hour telephone information service is available 7 days per week.
Information Calls centres - UK: 0991 100100 calls are charged at premium rates 1.00 pou1 99
Requests for application packs are to be made using the above telephone numbers.

More information on the Working Holiday Scheme:

You do not need an offer of employment to apply for a working holiday scheme visa.

You must arrive in New Zealand within 12 months from the date of issue of the visa

You are able to enter and exit freely during your 12 month period. Please remember however, that your permit is valid for 12 months from the initial date of entry, for multiple journeys. The 12 month period is not accumulative.

You may not undertake permanent employment in New Zealand.

You will not be eligible to return to New Zealand for a further working holiday under the scheme.

You MUST have your return ticket, or sufficient funds to purchase one, and your travelling expenses. You CANNOT be sponsored by a New Zealand Citizen or Resident instead.

You must allow at least 3 weeks for your application to be processed.

You should not attempt to make any travel bookings until you have received your passport back

What about my partner?

Your partner can apply. You must both make separate applications which will be considered individually.

What if I miss out?

If your application is received after the 9000 available places have been filled it will be returned to you and your fee refunded.

http://www.immigration.govt.nz/Work/United+Kingdom+Citizens+Working+Holiday+Scheme.htm

SAM · Posted: Mon Dec 08, 2003 1:40 am Post subject:

Cheers all for the info I'll have to start sorting my trip out I think! Nice One