If you’re looking for an exciting way to experience Australia while also earning money, a working holiday visa could be the perfect option for you! But before you start planning your adventure down under, it’s important to understand how much a working holiday visa for Australia will cost you. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the expenses involved in obtaining a working holiday visa, as well as the eligibility requirements and benefits of this unique opportunity. So, whether you’re a backpacker, a student, or simply seeking a change of scenery, let’s dive in and explore the cost of a working holiday visa for Australia.
How much is a working holiday visa for Australia
The cost of a working holiday visa for Australia varies depending on the applicant’s nationality and the length of their stay. Currently, the application fee for a working holiday visa is AUD $485, and additional costs may include health assessments, biometrics, and police certificates. It’s also important to note that applicants may need to provide proof of sufficient funds to cover their expenses during their stay in Australia. While the cost of a working holiday visa may seem significant, it can be a worthwhile investment for those seeking to explore the beautiful country of Australia while also gaining valuable work experience.
What is the working holiday visa Australia?
The working holiday visa is a type of visa that allows young people to travel to Australia and work there for a limited period of time, typically up to 12 months. This visa is designed to promote cultural exchange and provide opportunities for young people to experience the country while earning money to support their travels. The working holiday visa program is open to citizens of certain countries who are between the ages of 18 and 30, or 35 in some cases, and who meet the eligibility requirements, including health and character requirements.
The visa holder is allowed to work in any job during their stay in Australia, but they cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months without permission. The working holiday visa is a popular option for backpackers, students, and anyone seeking an adventure abroad.
During your time in Australia, you’ll be able to legally¹:
- Do short-term work
- Study for up to 4 months
- Travel to and from Australia whenever you want.
Although you can apply up to three times, the working holiday visa only lasts for a limited amount of time. This suggests that you could be able to extend your stay or return to Australia in the future for another working holiday (provided you meet the age requirements).
Anyone can apply for a working vacation visa in Australia, unlike some other nations’ programs, which have a finite number of permits available and choose applicants from a pool. Of course, you will need to satisfy the conditions and eligibility requirements, which we’ll look at next.
With this visa, you are not permitted to go to Australia with family or dependent children.
Australian working holiday visa eligibility Requirements
- Age Requirements: To be eligible for the working holiday visa in Australia, applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 30 at the time of application. For some countries, the age limit has been extended to 35. Applicants must meet the age requirement at the time they apply, and not when the visa is granted.
- Nationality Requirements: Applicants must hold a passport from a country that has a reciprocal agreement with Australia, which allows its citizens to apply for the working holiday visa. Currently, Australia has working holiday visa arrangements with over 40 countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, South Korea, and many European countries.
- Health and Character Requirements: Applicants must meet health and character requirements to be eligible for the working holiday visa. They must not have any serious medical conditions or criminal convictions, and must not pose a threat to the Australian community. To prove their health and character, applicants may need to undergo a medical examination, provide police clearance certificates or other documents as required by the Australian immigration authorities.
- Financial Requirements: Applicants must have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia. The amount required varies depending on the length of stay and other factors, but generally, applicants must have access to funds equivalent to AUD $5,000 or more. This is to ensure that the visa holder can support themselves financially while traveling and working in Australia.
- English Language Proficiency: Applicants must have a basic level of English language proficiency to be eligible for the working holiday visa. This is to ensure that they can communicate effectively with employers and other people during their stay in Australia. In some cases, applicants may need to provide evidence of their English language proficiency, such as a language test score or evidence of their education in an English-speaking country.
In summary, to be eligible for a working holiday visa for Australia, applicants must meet the age, nationality, health and character, financial, and English language proficiency requirements. Applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure they meet them before applying for the visa.
Can I get a second working holiday visa for Australia?
Yes, it is possible to get a second working holiday visa for Australia. However, there are some eligibility requirements that must be met.
To be eligible for a second working holiday visa, an applicant must:
- Have completed three months of specified work in a designated regional area of Australia while on their first working holiday visa. This work must have been done after 18 November 2016.
- Be under 31 years of age at the time of application.
- Meet the health and character requirements for the visa.
- Hold a valid passport from an eligible country.
- Have not previously held more than one working holiday visa.
- Meet any other eligibility requirements that may apply, such as evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in Australia.
It’s important to note that the process of applying for a second working holiday visa is similar to that of the first visa, but there may be additional documentation required to demonstrate that the applicant has completed the required three months of specified work. Additionally, applicants should carefully review the eligibility requirements and ensure they meet them before applying for the second working holiday visa.
How to apply for a working holiday visa
To apply for a working holiday visa for Australia, you can follow these steps:
- Check your eligibility: Before you start the application process, make sure you are eligible for the working holiday visa. You must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (35 for some countries), hold a passport from an eligible country, have no dependent children, and have enough funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia.
- Gather the required documents: You will need to gather all the required documents before you begin your application. This may include your passport, proof of funds, a health insurance policy, and character documents such as police certificates.
- Create an account on the Australian Government’s immigration website: You will need to create an account on the Department of Home Affairs website in order to apply for the working holiday visa.
- Complete the online application form: Once you have created an account, you can start filling out the online application form. Make sure you have all the required information and documents on hand before you start.
- Pay the application fee: There is an application fee for the working holiday visa. You will need to pay this fee online when you submit your application.
- Attend a biometric collection appointment, if required: Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to attend a biometric collection appointment to provide your fingerprints and photograph.
- Wait for a decision on your visa application: After you have submitted your application and all the required documents, you will need to wait for a decision on your visa application. This can take several weeks, so be patient.
Once your working holiday visa is granted, you can enter Australia and start your adventure!
What are the required documents for a working holiday visa in Australia
The required documents to apply for a working holiday visa in Australia may vary depending on your country of origin and individual circumstances. However, in general, you will need the following documents:
- Passport: You will need a valid passport from an eligible country to apply for a working holiday visa in Australia.
- Proof of funds: You will need to provide evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay in Australia. This may include bank statements or other financial documents.
- Health insurance policy: You will need to have a valid health insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in Australia.
- Character documents: You may be required to provide police certificates or other documents to demonstrate that you are of good character.
- Biometric information: Depending on your country of origin, you may be required to provide biometric information such as fingerprints and a photograph.
- Other documents as required by the immigration authorities: Depending on your individual circumstances, you may be required to provide additional documents such as proof of qualifications or evidence of work experience.
It’s important to check the specific requirements for your country of origin on the Australian Government’s immigration website and ensure that you have all the required documents before you start your application.
How long can I stay in Australia with the working holiday visa?
With a working holiday visa, you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the date of your first entry into the country. During your stay, you are allowed to work in Australia for up to six months with each employer, and you can study for up to four months.
If you would like to extend your stay in Australia beyond 12 months, you may be eligible to apply for a second working holiday visa if you meet certain criteria, such as completing three months of specified work in a designated regional area of Australia while on your first working holiday visa.
It’s important to note that overstaying your visa in Australia is a serious offence and can result in deportation, so it’s important to make sure you comply with the conditions of your visa and apply for any necessary extensions in a timely manne
Conclusion
The working holiday visa program provides a great opportunity for young people from eligible countries to experience the diverse culture and stunning landscapes of Australia while working and traveling. To apply for the visa, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements, gather the required documents, complete the online application form, and pay the application fee. Once your visa is granted, you can enjoy up to 12 months in Australia, during which you can work and study to supplement your travel experience.
It’s important to note that the working holiday visa program is subject to change, and the specific requirements and conditions may vary depending on your country of origin and other factors. Before applying, it’s a good idea to thoroughly research the program and consult with the Australian Government’s immigration website or an experienced migration agent if you have any questions or concerns.
Overall, the working holiday visa program provides a unique opportunity for young people to immerse themselves in Australian culture, gain valuable work experience, and create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.