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“Business or pleasure?” Whenever you travel somewhere, that’s always the question that gets asked. But what if we told you that you could do both? And no, you don’t need to travel on company dime or be insanely rich to do so.
Introducing Australia’s working holiday visa – a great option for tourists who don’t have a lot of spare capital to travel but are willing to work for the funds. In this guide, you’ll learn how to get a work visa in Australia. Let’s get started!
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What Is A Working Holiday Visa In Australia?
A working holiday visa is a visa that allows you to travel to Australia as a tourist BUT also permits you to work certain jobs while you’re on your trip. The target market for this particular option are people who have enough money to make it to Australia and enjoy a few sights but not enough for an extended trip.
So if you are a backpacker worried about your limited funds, you can relax a little. On an Australian working holiday visa, you can work various odd jobs to support yourself while you’re abroad.
What Types Of Work And Holiday Visas In Australia Are There?
Immigration services offer two kinds of visas: visa subclass 417, also known as a working holiday visa; and visa subclass 462, also called a work and holiday visa. The names may be confusing, but you don’t have to worry about it too much – they have the same requirements more or less, and they afford you the same rights. The biggest difference is that the 417 visa and 462 visa are available to different countries.
What Are The Eligible Countries?
Apply for a 417 visa (working holiday visa) if you’re from one of the below countries:
- Belgium
- Canada
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- UK
Apply for a 462 visa (work and holiday visa) if you’re from one of the following countries:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Chile
- China
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Thailand
- Turkey
- USA
- Uruguay
- Vietnam
If you don’t have a passport from one of the countries on these lists, that means you are not eligible for the visa. But don’t worry! Your country may be included in the future.
What Are The Requirements?
Whether you’re applying for a 417 visa or a 462 visa, the requirements are similar. Here are the conditions you need to meet to qualify:
- You fall within the age limit for the entire duration of your trip. Generally, the visa is open to travellers ages 18-30. However, if you’re a French, Canadian, or Irish citizen, you have some extra leeway – persons up to 35 years old can apply.
- You must have a passport from one of the eligible countries.
- You cannot bring any dependent children with you on your trip.
- You have enough ‘show money’ to prove that you can fund at least part of your travels. The minimum amount is usually $AUD 5,000, but you may have to show more if you’re staying for several months or in an expensive part of the country.
- You can study on the visa, but not for more than 4 months.
- Travel must be the main purpose of your visit. If your primary purpose is work, you’ll need a different visa altogether.
- You cannot work for the same business/employer for more than half a year. There are exceptions to this rule, such as working in an exempt industry or if you work in various locations.
- You must pass a medical and character test.
How Long Can You Stay On The Visa?
Both visa subclasses let you stay in Australia for a maximum of 12 months from the date of first entry. You can also ‘extend’ your stay or do another working holiday – Australia offers second and third working holidays for eligible applicants.
How Much Does The Visa Cost?
For first-time working travellers, the application costs $AUD 485. You can receive your 417 in as little as 9 days, while 462 visas take 29-40 days to process.
What Jobs Can You Do On A WHV?
There is technically no limit to the kind of work you can do while on a working holiday visa. You can get blue-collar work, an office job, or something else entirely. Most people who come in on a WHV take on service, retail, construction, administrative, or agricultural jobs.
How To Apply For A 417 Visa Or 462 Visa
You can apply for these visas online via the Department of Home Affairs website. Fill out the application form, submit your documents (passport, IDs, proof of funds), and wait for a couple of weeks. You can also apply through a third-party company that’s dedicated to helping travellers like you secure your visa.
Second Working Holiday Visa: How To Work In Australia Again
If you enjoyed your stay in Australia, you can do it all over again! However, not all first working holiday visa holders can apply for a second or third run. You must have worked for a specified amount of time in plant/animal cultivation, mining, construction, tree farming, or fishing/pearling industries to qualify.
You can learn more about the requirements and application process for a second working holiday visa here.
Eat, Work, Travel, Repeat
While travelling to Australia isn’t cheap, there’s one way to fund your trip while you’re touring around. The working holiday visa lets you work various odd jobs around the country, giving you the money you need to fully explore Oz.
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