Getting an Australian Working Holiday Visa

The Australian Working Holiday Visa scheme gives visa holders the right to work in Australia for up to 24 months. It's a great opportunity to get to spend a lot of time in Oz, make lots of local friends, work in some bizarre places and in industries you would never have ventured into at home. Australia is huge so, if you get the chance, get the Working Holiday Visa and give Australia the time it deserves.

Eligible Countries

Getting a Working Holiday Visa for Australia is quick, easy and straightforward as long as you are a resident and passport holder for any of the following countries:

  • United Kingdom
  • Canada
  • Chile
  • The Netherlands
  • Japan
  • Ireland
  • South Korea
  • Malta
  • Germany
  • Denmark
  • Sweden
  • Norway
  • Hong Kong
  • Finland
  • Cyprus
  • France
  • Italy
  • Belgium
  • Estonia
  • Taiwan

The Working Holiday agreement is generally reciprocal and always seems to be expanding, so if your country isn't listed, there is always a chance that a deal might be struck in the future and you will be eligible for the visa. Check with your local Australian Embassy or High Commission to see if your country has been added.

Requirements

  • You must be between 18 and 30 years old.
  • You must have a valid passport with at least 1 year left until expiry.
  • You must have sufficient funds to support yourself when you arrive in Australia.
  • You must not have any serious criminal convictions.
  • You must not have any serious medical issues.

Restrictions

  • You may not apply for the first Working Holiday Visa from within Australia
  • Work undertaken must be incidental to your travels (meaning you shouldnt go there to work full time and start a career)
  • You may not work for the same employer for longer than six months

Applying Online

Applying online for your Australian Working Holiday Visa is the quickest and easiest way to get things done. Follow the link below to head to the online application and follow the steps.

Apply Online

Applying for the Working Holiday Visa

There are plenty of agencies that will offer to get your visa for you for an inflated cost but I don't recommend it. Getting the visa is super easy and you'll save a ton of money if you prepare the minimal paperwork on your own.

Extending an Australian Working Holiday Visa

It is possible to extend your 12 month visa to 24 months by applying for a second Working Holiday Visa. To be eligible for this, you must have worked in regional Australia in one of the following primary industries: plant / animal cultivation, fishing, tree farming, mining and construction work. Applications for the second Working Holiday visa can be made from anywhere in the world, including within Australia.

Apply Online for Second Working Holiday Visa

Before You Leave Home

New Arrivals

Money & Costs

Accommodation

Transportation

Having Fun

Living in Sydney | Things to Do in Sydney | Advertising | Contact | ©2013 Kirsty Henderson