Australia is one of very few countries that offer something called the Working Holiday Visa. Don’t get me wrong, the visa is amazing and has allowed me to spend way more time traveling than I thought possible! However, it can be confusing at some points (as visas tend to be). So, if you are wondering what EXACTLY does the working holiday visa entail?? then this is the post for you!
1. What is the Working Holiday Visa?
Put simply, the Australian Working Holiday Visa is a one year visa that allows you to live and work in Australia. It begins on the date you enter the country and expires exactly one year from that date.
Australia often struggles to maintain enough rural laborers so this is how the government gets foreign workers to fill needed positions.
2. How Do I Apply For the WHV?
Apply on The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs Website.
The requirements are quite easy making pretty much anyone eligible to apply. The visa is often quickly granted as long as all portions of the application are valid.
Requirements (for US citizens):
- Between 18-30 years old
- Have a valid passport
- Apply from outside of Australia
- Have no dependents
- Have not previously held a WHV
3. How Do Extensions Work?
The Working Holiday Visa is valid for one year. However, it can be extended twice technically allowing a person to live and work in Australia for 3 years in total.
NOTE: The three years do NOT need to be consecutive. You can do one year, go home for a bit and then apply for another.
In order to extend your visa there is a requirement of 88 days of specified work. In Southern Australia this means farm work or work in rural areas only. In Northern Australia this means rural work or hospitality work. Be sure to check with your potential employer whether or not a job you applied for counts!
Once you start working, be sure to save all of your payslips as these are how you prove to The Australian government that you were employed for the required 88 days along with a sign off from your employer.
NOTE: Each extension requires 88 days. So if you want to stay all three years in Oz, it will be 176 days in total.
4. What Jobs Can I Work with the WHV?
The WHV allows you to work any casual job although not every job counts towards your 88 days of work.
Most jobs have some form of “red tape” that makes it difficult for foreigners to apply. Two major examples are the TFN and RSA:
Tax File Number
Once you are in Australia you will need to apply for a TFN right away. This allows you to apply for jobs, start a bank account, and receive payment.
The site will say you need to wait for it to arrive by mail, however, if you are traveling, you can call after a week and they will tell you over the phone.
Apply HERE
5. Do I NEED to Complete My 88 Days?
No, you do not need to complete your 88 days of work if you are not interested in extending your visa! If you’re just looking to travel for a year then that is A-OK.
6. Can I Leave Oz and Come Back Again?
Yes! You can leave Australia and reenter as many times as you’d like during the year your visa is valid. Leaving does not gain you more time though, your visa’s expiration will remain one year from your very first entry date.
Overall, the Australian Working Holiday Visa is an incredible opportunity. Although there are tedious requirements and annoying aspects, the visa is perfect for anyone looking to truly immerse themselves Down Under.
Sylvia's Gap Year 