Upgrades to the New Zealand Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) came into effect on 29 June, and upgrades to the UK Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) came into effect on 1 July following the Government’s previous announcement in March 2023.

These changes include:

• An extension of 5 years to the age of eligibility for both schemes from 30 to 35 years.
• An extension of the maximum period of time individuals can stay in New Zealand and the UK respectively, from 2 years (or 23 months in the case of New Zealand) to 3 years.
• An extension to the length of time individuals can work, allowing those in the UK and New Zealand respectively to work for the full duration of their 3-year stay.
• Up to 15,000 UK WHS places available per year – this is higher than the volume of UK WHS visas we normally grant, allowing for interest and growth in the scheme.

These are positive changes that help to promote and facilitate access to opportunities, enabling young people to gain a better understanding of cultures and societies through travel, work and life experience overseas.

United Kingdom Working Holiday Visa

Working holiday wins for young travellers and employers - Beehive website