How to apply

Step One - Applying to the Program

When to Apply
Applications are accepted until all places are filled. The New Zealand embassy will issue visas up to a year in advance. However, a minimum of six to eight weeks is generally needed for processing. If you wish to depart within the next eight weeks, please call for advice.

Application
Send a completed Application Form  to us with a money order or certified check for $495 made payable to BUNAC USA. You will then be sent the visa application forms (Step 2). The dates you give for arrival in New Zealand will determine the date by which you must complete Step 2. If you fail to meet your deadline, you will be deemed to have withdrawn from the program and a $200 cancellation fee will be imposed.

Step Two - Visa Application

What you need to apply for a visa:
(a) Passport
Yes, we need your actual US passport with at least three blank pages (this excludes ‘amendment’ pages). It must be valid for at least six months beyond your departure date from New Zealand and be in good condition.

(b) Proof of Funds
It is a program condition that you take sufficient personal funds to support yourself until your first paycheck. This amount must be at least US$2,000.

(c) Proof of Flight
You need to show proof of a pre-paid flight showing entry and exit from New Zealand. This should be a copy of your travel agent itinerary showing payment in full. You are required to fly into Auckland.

(d) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The embassy requires details of any convictions, charges or pending charges. Please be advised that if you fall into this category, you may not receive a visa or your visa application may be delayed.

(e) Travel Insurance
It is a program requirement that you purchase BUNAC’s worldwide comprehensive (ie. not just medical) travel insurance coverage for a minimum of six months. American citizens are not eligible for any coverage under New Zealand’s socialized medical system.

We recommend that you take advantage of the special rate and cover yourself for your entire time abroad. We have developed a special, discount travel package exclusively for BUNAC participants which provides coverage far superior to any other policy and at a significantly lower price. Full policy details will be sent on acceptance. Payment is required when you submit Step 2.

Program costs
The program fee is $495 plus mandatory travel insurance. This covers administration and support in both America and New Zealand, overnight courier fees, program handbook, Lonely Planet guidebook, two night’s accommodation and orientation in Auckland plus ongoing support from the IEP staff. Moreover, BUNAC takes care of all the visa arrangements on your behalf.

Cancellation conditions
If you cancel from the program before we have received your Step 2 visa application, there will be a cancellation fee of $200. If you cancel after you have submitted your Step 2 visa application but before we have submitted your passport to the New Zealand Embassy, $395 is forfeited. Once the visa is issued, there is no refund of any program fee or insurance premium. Any cancellation must be made in writing and is only effective from the date we receive it.

In the extremely rare event that the embassy denies you a visa, you forfeit $200 of the program fee. However, if the visa is denied for reasons which you had not previously disclosed to BUNAC, you will forfeit $395. In either case of visa denial, the insurance premium is fully refundable.

N.B. The above conditions apply only to the Work New Zealand program fees. Separate cancellation fees and conditions may apply to any flight bookings you make.