The Working Holiday/Youth Mobility Scheme for NZ/UK to be Upgraded by July 2023

The Working Holiday/Youth Mobility Scheme will be upgraded by July 2023, as announced by the Prime Ministers of the UK and New Zealand in July 2022.

This upgrade will allow citizens of both countries to travel and work in each other's countries for longer periods.

Currently, the UK Working Holiday Scheme allows UK citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to travel to New Zealand for up to 23 months and work for up to 12 months, while the Youth Mobility Scheme allows New Zealand citizens between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.

The changes agreed upon by the UK and NZ Governments include extending the age of eligibility for both schemes from 30 to 35 years, extending the maximum stay period from 2 to 3 years, and allowing individuals to work for the full duration of their 3-year stay.

New Zealand will establish an annual cap of 15,000 visas per year for the UK Working Holiday Scheme.

The new scheme will be implemented earlier than expected, and current eligible visa holders can apply for an extension.

Health and police certificates will be required for longer stays.

The enhanced scheme will benefit those who want to work and explore different cultures, as well as the businesses that employ them.

The changes aim to promote opportunities and cultural exchange through travel, work, and life experience overseas.