PAID WORK EXPERIENCE NEW ZEALAND FAQs - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1) What is a paid work experience in New Zealand?

2) Why New Zealand?

3) What are the advantages of this program?

4) Which are the requirements to participate?

5) Which is the length of the Program?

6) What should I expect upon my arrival to New Zealand?

7) Are Placements available in any city of New Zealand?

8) Can I choose the location?

9) Is the placement guaranteed?

10) Which are the most common jobs?

11) How long does it take to find a suitable job?

12) What happens if I don't find a suitable job? Can I still stay in New Zealand?

13) Can I change jobs?

14) Which is the average salary?

15) Which is the cost of living?

1) What is a paid work experience in New Zealand?

The Paid Work Program in New Zealand allows you to work in any location of the country during a whole year, with a maximum of three months in each placement. We give you the chance to get immersed into the Kivi culture and discover the local way of living while improving your professional skills and enriching your working experience.

2) Why New Zealand?

• Is the only country that allows you to work for such a long time.

• Cosmopolitan and modern country, multicultural society and high standards of living.

• Clean and secure cities with incredible natural surroundings and friendly locals.

• Multiple options for outdoor activities in mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, lakes, lagoons and beaches that turn New Zealand into an ideal destination for adventure seekers.

3) What are the advantages of this program?

• Participants have the opportunity to choose any placement they find convenient and work in legal terms.

• Constant advice and compilation of documents

• Orientation guide before departing and useful recommendations

• Medical insurance for 12 months

• Orientation during your placement search

• 24 hrs. Emergency telephone number

• Orientation during your accommodation search

• Help to deal with your IRD number application (tax number) and open your bank account

• Social and cultural activities

• Get an insight of different English speaking cultures

• Gain solid working experience abroad

4) Which are the requirements to participate?

The program is addressed to all US citizens between 18 to 30 years that live in the country. These are the requirements:

• Count with a valid Passport for at least 3 months after the departing from New Zealand.

• Children are not allowed.

• Count with a return ticket or enough funds to buy one abroad.

• Travel with a minimum amount money of 4,200 NZ$ for expenses during your stay.

5) Which is the length of the Program?

Participants have one year to travel to New Zealand after the VISA was issued. Once they enter the country, they can stay for as long as 12 months with the possibility of traveling outside the country without trouble.

6) What should I expect upon my arrival to New Zealand?

We will be expecting you at the airport to take you to the Auckland Central Backpackers Hostel where you will spend the following 2 nights. Then you will choose the destination where you will take your placement. We will constantly guide you during your selection.

7) Is the placement guaranteed?

This program is an independent program. Once you arrive to our offices in Auckland our staff will help you to find a suitable job. We have lots of experience in this field and access to different data bases on job offers. We also count with a broad selection of renowned enterprises that have been providing placements to our participants for several years.

8) Are Placements available in any city of New Zealand?

Yes, there are jobs available in any location of the country, including small towns. Auckland is the best option since is the biggest city where participants find the most varied placements.

9) Can I choose the location?

Yes. You can go to any city you want after arriving to Auckland. Additional expenses are not included in the program price.

10) Which are the most common jobs?

Harvest time is very popular as well as jobs in cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and placements related to customer service, aupair, farm work and many others.

• In hotels: receptionist, cadet, waiter and cooker are the most required.

• Office work: requires previous work experience in similar placements. They tend to be the best paid.

11) How long does it take to find a suitable job?

Varies according to the time of the year. During summer possibilities of finding a placement in fast terms increase considerably. In general terms, it takes around a week.

12) What happens if I don't find a suitable job? Can I still stay in New Zealand?

Yes. You can stay in the country for as long as you want, doesn’t matter if you couldn’t find a placement. Keep in mind that the local government will not provide you any kind of help or assistance.

13) Can I change jobs?

Yes, you can change your placement and your host city whenever you want to.

14) Which is the average salary?

Average salary is around 266 US$ per week (40 working hours per week). This varies according to the placement chosen and the regular working hours.
Minimum wage: 1100 US$ per month.
Minimum wage for adults: 6.65 US$ per hour

15) Which is the cost of living?

For more information on cost of living, please visit: www.immigration.govt.nz or http://www.movetonz.govt.nz

Is accommodation included in the Program?

The program includes the first 2 nights in a hostel in Auckland

How do I find accommodation?

Our partner school in New Zealand has an office in Auckland that will always give you recommendation on different accommodation services and contact numbers all over the country.

How much will I spend on accommodation?

You can find student residences for 10 US$ per night. Costs of renting an apartment vary very much according to the city you choose. In general terms, you may spend around 400 US$ - 700 US$ per month for a PH with 3 or 4 rooms.

How many people can sleep in one room?

Between 4 to 8 people per room. We will always try to find rooms of 4, but this is subject to availability.

Should I deal with my VISA permit?

Yes. This is an individual request, but we will give you all the relevant information and documentation to get your VISA.

How is the VISA for this program called?

The VISA for this specific program is called “Work and Holyday”.

Is a work VISA?

No. You will be issued a tourist VISA that allows you to work temporary.

Can I extend my VISA?

No. But if you work for more tan 3 months, then your employer can apply for a work permit for you. In this way, you change your status and extend your stay.

Does a VISA increase the possibilities to gain permanent residence in New Zealand?

No. Your Work and Holiday VISA is completely different and independent form a working or residence VISA.

Can I return to the country next year with the same VISA?

No. This kind of VISA is only issued once in a lifetime. 

When can I get my VISA issued?

From October 15th onwards governments start issuing VISAS. They are limited, that is why we advice you to apply as soon as possible to make sure you count with all the necessary documents to present to the authorities.   

How much time does the government take to issue my VISA?

The government should issue your VISA within a month.

Can my VISA be denied?

Until know, we got 100% of our applications accepted. It is not common that the government denies a VISA for New Zealand. 

A requirement to get the VISA is to prove economic funds. How do I prove economic funds?

With a bank statement with your name on it will be enough. If you don’t have your own you can use one from your family, but the owner should issue a letter to the Consul specifying the amount of funds destined for the trip.

I’m just traveling for 3 months. Should I get medical insurance for 12 months?

Yes. Medical insurance for 12 months is a government requirement to get into New Zealand, doesn’t matter the length of your stay.

Is there an emergency telephone number?

All participants count with a 24 hrs. emergency phone number to evacuate doubts or deal with any kind of problem that may arise during their stay.

Can I travel with friends?

Yes. One of the main advantages of our program is that you get the chance to travel with your friends. It is advisable to apply as soon as you can to arrange your trip and get the necessary permits.