United States/New Zealand 12 month Student Work Travel Programme

What is the Student Work Travel Programme?

The student work travel programme is a pilot based on the US State Department’s existing summer work travel programme, which enables students to work in the United States for up to four months.

The new arrangement has been introduced for a two year trial period and will enable New Zealand tertiary students to work and travel in the United States for up to a year.

The State Department designates US organisations or sponsors to administer the summer work travel programme, along with other exchange programmes.

A list of designated sponsors, as well as other information about the student work travel programme, is available from the following website: www.exchanges.state.gov.

What are the main eligibility criteria?

A participant in the programme must be a New Zealand citizen, be a tertiary student able to provide evidence of this from his/her tertiary institution to this effect, and not be accompanied by dependents.

How many places are available to New Zealanders under the arrangement?

There is no upper limit or quota on the number of New Zealanders who can participate.

What scheme does New Zealand have in place for US Citizens?

The New Zealand Working Holiday Scheme allows United States citizens aged 18 to 30 to holiday in New Zealand for a year, and undertake incidental work while doing so. They may also study at a New Zealand institution.

More than 5000 young Americans have taken the opportunity to participate in the programme over the last three years. Each year up to 5000 places are open to US Citizens wishing to visit and work in New Zealand.

How do NZ students apply to work and travel in the US under the programme?

New Zealand students who wish to travel to the United States under this programme should consult the Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ website at www.exchanges.state.gov and look under J-1 Exchange Programs and Summer Work/Travel.

Programme participants will be issued with a four month visa which can be extended twice on application (exiting United States regulations mean that visas can only be provided for a four month period). Visas will be extended without extra charges or fees being applied.

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