Hi,
I'm Brittish, wanting to go to NZ on a WHV in a couple of months. However, In 2004 I applied and obtained a NZ WHV, which expired without me ever using (or entering NZ). At the time I was 100% sure that if I never entered NZ, I can apply for another WHV, pay the fee and go, as long as I hadn't used the previous one.
I have now learned that this is not the case. Can anyone tell me if the rules have changed in the last few years? And - is there a way I can get a 2nd WHV - I mean, does the rule apply to all visa's even if they were issued in 2004? Or advice - if I write a nice (begging) letter asking to if there is a way to 'bend' these rules? Or possibly there is any other way??? I have a new passport since the last visa - will they find out if I simply apply a second time?
Thanks for any information or advice!!!
Mark
<a target=new class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.immigration.govt.nz">NZ Immigration</a><BR><BR>If I was previously approved a work visa or permit under a Working Holiday Scheme, can I apply for a working holiday again?<BR><BR>No. If you were previously approved a work visa or permit under a Working Holiday Scheme, you are not able to apply for another working holiday again. It does not matter if you used your previous work visa or not.<BR><BR>Asking a representative of the NZ Government to "bend" the rules just wont cut the mustard. I think you'll have to explore other avenues. And a new passport wont get past them either. All your records will be on file somewhere.
agree with Westwood, but I do think it is a change in the rules.
Your name and date of birth are the same on your new passport. The immigration service has upgraded from stone tablets to computers so it will be the work of a microsecond to see that you've already held one.
Thanks both,
I thought I'd try my luck with an overly polite email anyway as the worse they could say is no. For the benefit of other people in my situation, here's the response I got:
"Unfortuanately that is the case, the working holiday visa is a once in a lifetime oportunity. If you feel you have a strong enough case to support the reasons why you were unable to get to New Zealand before the expiry of the Working Holiday Visa originally, & can supply appropriate evidence of this then Immigration New Zealand (INZ) MAY consider a re-application.
Reasons like not having enough funds or a family dispute would not be acceptable. Examples of the kind of reasons INZ may consider would be that you suffered serious illness or accidental injury & were incapacitated for a lengthy period or that you were supporting an immediate relative through a lengthy illness.
As already mentioned you would have to provide supporting evidence of your reasons."
I have subsequnetly learned that BUNAC offer an exchange scheme (the same as a WHV), where you pay GBP £394 for BUNAC's services to obtain an independant treaveller exchange visa. It allows you to work for 12 months (without the 24 month option as the WHV). You don't get much for your money, except the opportunity to work in NZ.
Hope this information may be useful to others.
Mark
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