A working holiday in Australia is an extremely popular option. With so many unique natural wonders, great tourist attractions, good weather throughout the year and friendly locals, it is no wonder that Australia is such a popular destination.
Work while holidaying in Australia
If you are aged between 18 and 30 it may be possible for you to come to Australia on a temporary visa and have the right to work while you holiday. This popular option allows you to enjoy a holiday in Australia while supplementing your income through taking up temporary work during your stay.
Work and holiday for a year
The Working Holiday visa will generally allow you to holiday in Australia for up to a year. It is important to note however, that this 12 months is counted from the date of first entry to Australia, regardless of whether or not you spend the whole time in Australia.
Meet the conditions of the Working Holiday Visa
To qualify you must hold a passport of a country which has a reciprocal arrangement with Australia. Currently, these countries include: The United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, the Republic of Ireland, the Republic of Korea, Malta, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China, Finland and the Republic of Cyprus, Italy, France, Estonia and the recently added Turkey. Australia is also negotiating arrangements with a number of additional countries.
Ensure you have the required funds
As you are only allowed to take up temporary and casual work, you must also have sufficient funds to support yourself on arrival and between jobs. Generally A$5,000 is required in addition to funds for return travel.
Work in a range of jobs
Additionally the conditions attached to the Working Holiday Visa state that you are allowed to do any kind of work of a temporary or casual nature, but work for more than three months with any one employer is not permitted. If you wish, you can work in your own occupation but you should be aware that registration or licensing may be required.
Do some seasonal work and stay longer
Late last year the rules of the Working Holiday Visa were changed to allow some visitors to remain in Australia for longer than 12 months. As of November 2005, those working holiday makers who have done at least 3 months of seasonal harvest work in regional Australia, are able to apply for another Working Holiday visa.
Enjoy traveling around Australia for over a year
Until recently Australian Working Holiday Visas were only available as a once in a lifetime opportunity. Now people from all 20 countries with which Australia has a Working Holiday agreement are eligible to stay longer. It is expected that this change will encourage more Working Holiday Makers to do seasonal harvest work. It is also thought that this will help make the Australian tourism industry more competitive in attracting more of these valuable tourists and encouraging them to stay in Australia for longer.
Are you eligible for the Australian Working Holiday Visa?
You can take a free assessment to see if you meet the criteria for the Australian Working Holiday Visa. Click here for an assessment that will instantly let you know if you qualify for this visa.
Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
You can apply for the Working Holiday Visa over the internet through the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs (DIMIA) website as well as through Australian Consular Offices.
Other Temporary Work Rights Visas
If your principal purpose of visiting Australia is to work (other than incidentally to your holiday), then the Working Holiday visa is not appropriate. You can however apply for other more suitable Temporary Entry Visas With Work Rights. To find out more click here.
