Do you love the idea of working and living in Australia? One route is to soak up a laid-back Aussie lifestyle for getting an Australian working holiday visa. As we all know Australia has countless attractions for younger people all over the world, specifically graduates. This is because of stunning natural landscapes, extremely captivating beaches, and sunny weather. Why are so many people considering moving to Australia from all over the world? Because of rich culture and friendly cities where youth find fantastic job opportunities.
In this blog, you will find everything you need to know about Australia working holiday visas and work and holiday visas in Australia.
You can also read How to manage work and study together?
What Is An Australian Working Holiday Visa?
Australia designed the subclass 417 visa as an Australian working holiday visa for youngsters aged 18 -35. Those students who want to visit Australia for a long period. With this visa, people can earn money for their holidays and gain experience working abroad. With this visa in Australia, you can legally :
- Study for 4 months there( any short course)
- Seasonal job or any other short-term work
- Travel in Australia whenever you want.
- Being a visa holder you must know the visa will be for a certain period and won’t be extended. But you are allowed to apply for another working holiday visa if you are eligible for that Australia has not set up any limit like other countries. Whoever is eligible can apply for this visa but of course, dependents are not allowed to bring with them to Australia.
Are Australia Working Holiday Visas And Australian Work And Holiday Visas The Same?
It’s a little bit confusing but not the same. Although both are similar Australia offers two types of visas:
- Subclass 417 ( Australian working holiday visa)
- Subclass 462 ( Australian work and holiday visa)
These categories are almost similar in the sense of condition and eligibility requirements. However, the main difference is: who can apply for Australian work and holiday visas. Australian work and holiday visa is only for people aged 18- 30 not 18- 35 as in Australia working holiday visa. UK citizens are not eligible for this visa category but other countries like the United States, Singapore, Vietnam, and European countries are eligible.
Australia has set some age requirements for this visa that may vary from country to country. According to your nationality, you have to meet a certain level of educational requirements before applying. However, an Australia working holiday visa ( subclass 417) demands only graduation from higher educational institutes in all countries.
Does Australia Accept Working Holiday Visas Now?
Yes, this time Australia is accepting several applications for Australian working holiday visas. You have to check always before applying because conditions change from time to time.
Eligibility Criteria For Australia Working Holiday Visa
To apply for an Australian working holiday visa you have to meet several requirements. These requirements include nationality, age, health, financial proof, and character. The Australian working holiday visa is specifically designed for younger people who are aiming to visit Australia for the first time. People who want to stay for six months to one year but need to work there so they can apply for this visa. Alongside age and health you also need to combat with following requirements:
- Should have sufficient money to about AUD 5,000 upfront in your account to support yourself and manage your return airfare.
- Meet specific health requirements.
- Clear character and no criminal record
- No visa refusal record from Australia and never visited before whether on subclass 417 or subclass 462
Eligibility Criteria For A British Citizen
British nationals can apply for a working holiday visa in Australia. At the age of 35, all UK citizens and other countries like Canada, Denmark, France Ir Ireland, and Italy can apply for this visa.
Stay Duration Of Australian Working Holiday Visa.
Australia working holiday visa lasts for 12 months but you cannot extend this duration but have a chance to apply for another visa. You need to plan your trip previously to complete specified working months. Australia-UK FTA has come into effect for UK citizens who do not need to specify work now. This means it’s easy now to extend your stay in Australia because you can apply again and again for potentially staying down for 3 years.
Australia Working Holiday Visa Cost
For applying for an Australian working holiday visa you have to pay a visa application fee of approximately AUD 635 for every visa type whether first, second, or third working holiday visa. Pay your fee before application submission. Other costs you have to pay on health examinations, biometrics, vaccination, and police character certificates. How much an institute charges you for these may vary.
The bank statement you need to show is at least AUD 5,000 to cover your initial expenses. Check the rules for taking cash with you in and out of Australia. Your bank balance should be enough to cover your rental and healthcare expenses in Australia.
Pay Visa Fees In Australian Currency.
Wherever you apply for a visa you need to pay visa application fees from your country. If you pay in your currency that will charge you high international transfer fees. Wise offers you a better option to pay your visa fees like Aussie local. Applicants should open a multi-currency account and get a wise card. With this card, you can pay in 150 countries. Avoid paying a single penny more than you need with this card as it converts currency at mid-market exchange rate.
Australia Working Holiday Visa Application Process
Follow these simple steps for your visa application process.
- Check your health examination requirements. If yes then complete this process before applying.
- Gather all your supporting documents including your national identity card and character certificate.
- Create your online account for the application. If you have already an account then sign in.
- Fill out your application form with all personal required details and upload your supporting documents.
- Using a debit/ credit card, UnionPay, PayPal, or BPAY pay your visa fees.
- Review your application for all details with utmost care. Note your transaction number and apply. Make sure you receive a confirmation notice of your application submission.
- Wait for decision
- When your application is successfully submitted you will receive a visa grant number then your visa evaluation process will start. In case of application refusal, you will be notified of the reason. After application submission start to plan your trip. Start to look for jobs, accommodation, and airfare get an international prepaid sim card if you want to keep in touch with your friends.
Document You Should Carry With You
- Identity card
- A valid passport and birth certificate
- Evidence of enough money to support yourself while staying in Australia.
- Character certificate
- Health examination documents
- All documents should be translated into English
How Much Time Does The Australian Government Take To Respond?
Processing time for Australian working holiday visas can vary from country to country but the Australian government claims to respond to 50 applicants on the same day and remaining within 22 days. So estimated time duration is between 7 and 22 days.
Jobs That You Can Plan For A Working Holiday Visa
Although it’s up to you which work you want to do to earn good money in Australia. Here are some popular jobs that you can plan on an Australia working holiday visa
- Bar or restaurant work
- Au pair
- Festival or event staff
- Construction Farm work
- Contracting within IT or recruitment
- Agency work.
