New Zealander Wanting to Extend my Working Holiday Visa

[mehutch]

Hi everyone,

I would really appreciate any help on this matter, I am wanting to extend my IEC working holiday here, and just wanted to check I am doing it correctly.

I am a New Zealander, my visa expires in March. I work as a contractor, so cannot get my visa tied to a workplace so I do not have a job, I also cannot extend my IEC so I am assuming I need to apply for a Working Visa? And if that is what I need to do, is there any way around not having employment yet still being able to apply for the visa?

Any help is very much appreciated!

Thank you!

 

[scylla]

You can't extend an IEC. IECs are different than other work permits in that they cannot be extended.

You need to apply for a new IEC provided you still qualify (e.g. aren't too old).

 

[mehutch]

Thank you for your advice, I checked that and it said that New Zealanders can only apply once for the IEC, so am I out of options?

 

[Kiwisteph]

Unfortunately we don't get a second application for IEC if you are a NZ citizen. A few years ago you could but unless things change in this years IEC you can only do it once

We're waiting on a LMIA so we can get a standard work permit since we cant do IeC again which might be an option if you can find an employer willin to try for a LMIA for you.

Good luck

 

[scylla]

There are certainly options - but none of them are easy.

One option would be to find an employer who is willing to take you on as an employee and also willing/able to obtain an approved LMIA.

 

[mehutch]

Thank you for your help everyone, and good luck kiwisteph! I had better go job hunting!