UPDATED 3/2019
Have you been thinking of getting an Australian Working Holiday visa?
If not, maybe this guide to the Australian Working Holiday visa will change your mind!
Here’s everything I wanted to know about this visa when I was researching, how to get it, everything I learned from getting it, and what drama is happening around this visa.
It can be intimidating to jet off to a far away country (where crazy animals roam the streets and probably can kill you…. jk!) and not have a clue on where to start before you even get there.
I hope this guide here will help put those nerves at ease and answer some questions. If it doesn’t, you can call me out in the comments and I’ll immediately get back to you! I’m only human! Be nice…
Alright, let’s get serious. Let’s get this guide rolling, but before we do, let me be the first to tell you some of this stuff isn’t the most exciting, but I put everything I thought would be essential information right here.
So… Here we go!
Basic Requirements for Obtaining an Australian Working Holiday Visa
(This country list was taken from www.border.gov.au)
You’ll need to be from one of these countries…
Apply for the Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462) if you are from:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Chile
- China, People’s Republic of
- Czech Republic
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Israel
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Thailand
- Turkey
- Uruguay
- United States of America
- Vietnam
Apply for the Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) if you are from:
- Belgium
- Canada
- Republic of Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China (including British National Overseas passport holders)
- Republic of Ireland
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Sweden
- Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport)
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
Other countries can click here for info.
Things You’ll Need to Apply
- Passport
- $5000 AUD in the bank. Side note: Most don’t get asked to show this, I didn’t. If they did ask you, it would likely be after your visa was approved and you’re at the airport (as opposed to when you’re applying) according to other travelers and research. So if you don’t have it yet, just apply anyway and make it a goal to have that amount saved before you jet off.
- The ability to speak functional English.
- Money for the application fee.
- Passport photos x2 (45 mm x 35 mm)
- Be under the age of 30. (You can still apply and get accepted at 30, if you turn 31 before you are officially accepted there’s a chance they will still grant you the visa, just apply before 31!)
Fees, age, and requirements will differ and further, documentation might be needed as it depends where you are from.
If you’re not from a native English speaking country, you’ll likely need to take a test proving your English abilities.
If needed, you might need to provide documentation of having a high education beyond high school.
If you’ve been traveling and living abroad, like me, you might run into a few other requirements.
Considering I lived in Thailand for a while, they required an x-ray to prove I didn’t have tuberculosis. They will let you know if you need anything further before approving your visa.
Don’t meet some of the requirements? There are other visas to check out. These are just the two standard working holiday visa opportunities. Here’s more info on other visas you can obtain.
Important Points to Remember When Applying for the Australian Working Holiday Visa
- Make sure to complete everything in full. This visa costs money, so you don’t want to mess anything up. They won’t refund you.
- Apply OUTSIDE of Australia.
- Don’t visit Australia if your application is pending as it can cause issues with your approval process.
- Don’t apply, visit, then decide to leave. You don’t “get those days back.” Once you enter, your one year starts even if you leave the next day. Once you arrive, stay as long as you can to use it to its full potential.
- Do I need an agency to help me do this? Nah, dude. Not unless you want to throw them money for something you can easily figure out yourself. I can’t speak for all, but as an American, the process was incredibly easy. Save your money, you’ll need it when you get here.
What Jobs Can I Get on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia?
Of course, everyone wants to know how much they will make. But that will vary… Here’s a bit of an idea to get your wheels turning.
(Amount is per hour and in AUD)
- Call centers can pay around $15-20 and hour, but you’ll likely get a commission on top of that.
- Trade and labor work can be anywhere from $20-$30+
- Au pairs/ nannies get $15-$30.
- Office jobs will earn you anywhere from $18-35+ depending on what you’re doing.
- Hospitality can get you $20-$25 and even a bit more with tips. (Don’t’ expect tips like the US, it’s not customary to tip that much or at all, but it does happen). You could also get paid less if it’s cash in hand, like $15-$18.
- Farming is where you might see the biggest variance. If you drive a tractor, you’ll earn more. If you’re willing to work crazy hours and do backbreaking work all day, you’ll earn more. If you happen to be unfortunate enough to cross paths with a sheisty farmer, you could get screwed, I’ve read countless stories. Be careful who you work with and demand a livable wage or walk out. Sometimes you get paid by the bucket (like literally, how many buckets you fill with crops), and sometimes by the hour. You could earn anything from $400-$1000 per week depending on experience, season, and hours worked. Accommodation is often provided or offered at a discount.
Curious about the type of work in Australia and how to find the best gigs? These posts will help:
- How to Live and Work in Australia as an American Expat
- How to Get a Job in Australia & Save a Sh*t Ton of Money
- How to Work Abroad in Australia (Without Experience)
Superannuation
This is essentially the same as Social Security in the USA. This is retirement money. If you’re on the books (as you probably should be) you’re entitled to super (as they call it). This is money (in addition to your hourly pay) that gets transferred into another account the company has for you.
When you permanently leave the country, you can request this money back. It’s a mini saving account for those who are saving inept or a welcomed surprise cash topping to those who have been saving. More info here.
Taxes
OMG. I know. This is sooooo boring, but I’m trying to make this the ultimate guide to the Australian Working Holiday visa, so bear with me because it wouldn’t be that ultimate if I left this important, yet utterly mind-numbing boring shit out of it. Sooo.. Yay! Get excited about taxes!
When filling out your paperwork, tick the box that says “resident.”
If you don’t, you essentially get taxed more.
Now if you’re a bit more nomadic and just want to work here and there, it might be a stretch to check this off. I felt confident in checking this off because I was staying in one place with the same job for a longer period of time (6 months). Your employer can’t tell you which to choose.
“All backpackers get their tax back.” OK, so this is apparently a rumor. Uhm, no, not true. You may or may not get a portion of your taxes back, it’s rare that you will get all of it. It depends on your work, so I, of course, can’t tell you an exact answer. Here is more info on that, and more boring tax talk to come… Get pumped, guys!
Food for Thought About When to Move to Australia
- Depending on what industry you want to get into, you should be careful about the timing of your arrival. I wanted to get into the hospitality industry, and coming in December proved to be a bad move. I thought there would surely be some procrastinators who needed holiday staff, but in a happening city like Melbourne, everyone was full. I tried very hard, but only got a job after five weeks and after the New Year. If you’re wanting to get into farming, check out when harvest season is. There are many sectors, so there’s no exact answer to this, you’ll have to see what your particular industry needs. Don’t forget to keep the weather in mind.
- On the other hand, I’m finding it was actually good in a way to come when I did. The tax season was ending during my halfway point. At this current time, people on working holiday visas start to get taxed until they hit the $18,200 threshold. I’m going to come just under this by the time tax season ends and then I get to “start again” which will likely result in coming in just under the threshold again, which works out to very little to no tax being taken!
Proposed Backpacker Tax and the Drama
No guide to the Australian Working Holiday visa would be complete without this information now. This is the latest drama happening with this visa and the tax rules…
OK, so kind of continuing the tax talk from above (and please bare with me, I know this is boring, but it’s very important. I don’t like writing about it, but I know it will help some of you.) let talk about the new proposed “backpacker tax.” As you can see, it’s not too difficult to “get away” with not paying much in tax. This isn’t really a choice, this is the rule, I have no say, and I have no problem with paying tax in a country I’m living.
HOWEVER
This new backpacker tax is proposed to take 32.5% of every single dollar earned while working here on a working holiday visa. Are you serious? That’s an insane amount of money, and as an American, I don’t get ANY health benefits ( many others do, mostly European countries, which does make this blow slightly less painful). A lower number would be a more reasonable tax for us.
This proposed tax is a huge chunk, like MASSIVE. Almost to the point of making this visa not worth it for many (looking at those in the agricultural industry)…
Many are making a big deal of this because it could severely impact the amount of people coming here, the prices of fruits and vegetables, the amount farmers might have to pay out to actually get people to work, and more. There’s a lot of heated talk about this topic right now, but the decision has been pushed back a bit and the chatter has died down, for now.
In my humble opinion, I would venture to say I would still do it for the experience and because I WOULD still be making money, but Australia will lose a large chunk of their foreign workforce which does a large number of their agricultural work and other jobs locals don’t regularly go for.
UPDATE 2016: They kinda do but kinda don’t know what they are doing, There’s talk about different taxes for certain people, if you’re resident or not, this that and the other. I don’t know if anyone knows what’s officially going on with this backpacker tax! It’s happening, but how will it affect you, depending who you are, is still kinda gray.
UPDATE 2019 taxes
This is what’s currently happening and what is posted on the official ATO website:
“If you work in Australia, tax will be withheld from your pay and you may need to lodge a tax return each year. The requirement to lodge a tax return will depend on how much income you have earned during the year.
The Australian income year starts on 1 July and ends on 30 June the following year.
As a working holiday maker the first $37,000 of your income is taxed at 15% and the balance is taxed at ordinary rates.”
Regarding applying for your tax return:
“The Australian income year ends on 30 June each year.
You do not need to lodge an income tax return or non-lodgment advice if both of the following apply:
- all of your income was earned while you were a working holiday maker
- the total of your taxable income for the income year was less than $37,001.
You are required to lodge an income tax return if your taxable income for the year was more than $37,000.
If you leave Australia permanently before 30 June, you can lodge your tax return early.
When you lodge a tax return, we work out how much tax you should have paid based on your actual income for the year. If too much was withheld from your pay, we will refund the difference to you. If you have not paid enough, we will send you a bill.”
You can refer to the ATO website for more official info regarding taxes.
So When Would Be the Best Time to Come to Australia With All of This Taken Into Account?
Right fucking now, mate!
The proposed tax has been set back until the end of the year, giving you a half a year to get to work. Some even say it might not go into full effect until the next tax year, which would be about one year from now (July 2017). Enough time for you to get your Australian working holiday visa approved and get your butt over here to work for a year on the current tax rule.
Again, it’s still money at the end of the day, and while you might not be able to save as much, you’ll surely get some money out of it and get to enjoy living in beautiful Australia.
UPDATE 2019 – Literally come anytime, if you take my tips that I have in my other posts (linked throughout this post and at the bottom) then you’ll STILL be able to save!
Ways to Use Your Australian Working Holiday to Its Full Potential
These are some personal goals and tactics I’m using. It may be helpful to you…
- I can easily get a tourist visa for Australia, so I’m working while I can legally work, THEN coming back and playing tourist. I’m using my visa a bit more wisely this way by saving while I can. The name of the game is, “work now, play later.”
- Try getting a job as soon as you can. You never know how difficult it might be if you wait until the last minute.
- Consider the seasons for the city you plan on living in. If a spot is “in season” you might want to get there early and be first on the scene.
- Another personal idea I have that might be helpful to Americans- We don’t get a second-year visa and therefore have no reason to do farm work. So unless you really want to, don’t think that it’s necessary to pick mangos in 100-degree heat for pennies!
- Stay off the east coast / popular tourist and backpacker hangouts. Yeah, I know it’s where you probably want to be, but think about it. How many backpackers are going to be applying to those jobs that you so desperately want? Like, a million. Melbourne was a great choice for my boyfriend and I and we’re going up to Darwin next. Garrett already has a job lined up paying him $27/hour! Our theory is proving to be worth it. The east is inundated with backpackers trying to get work, we’re going against the grain and we will enjoy the east coast without the burden of trying to find a job soon.
UPDATE 2019: 2nd Year Eligibility = Awesome New Opportunities!
Those under the 417 Working Holiday Visa for Australia have been lucky. They have had the opportunity to get a second-year visa which grants them exactly that, another full year with the ability to work in Australia.
Those under the 462 visa (AKA the visa for Americans) have only recently been able to take advantage of this opportunity. I’m SO jealous as the opportunity came about a bit after my visa expired and I will never have the opportunity to get a Working Holiday Visa for Australia again!
SO, those seeking to go now, take advantage of that second year for me, please!
How to Quality For A Second Year Visa
It’s not that hard but it will take some work. In short, you have to do very specific work in Australia during your first year, usually something in the agriculture industry, for about three months to quality. Without this, you don’t qualify.
To get a bit more specific, this is from the official immigration website:
“If you have completed three months of specified subclass 462 work in eligible areas of northern and regional Australia, you can apply for a second Work and Holiday visa. This work must have been completed while on your first Work and Holiday visa and only work undertaken after 18 November 2016 can count towards your three months’ specified subclass 462 work total.”
More information can be found here.
A few notes regarding the second-year visa:
- You have to do some kind of agricultural work which is usually not that fun, a bit competitive because there are a lot of people who want their second year visa, and unfortunately, these are some of the sketchiest jobs as some employers know the “desperation” of getting those three months in and don’t always pay fairly.
- You’ll likely be in the middle of nowhere. Doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure that one out! Farm work = being in rural locations. You’ll have to deal with it to get that second-year visa.
- Look into working in the Northern Territory and parts of Western Australia. I worked in Darwin and if this second-year visa was a thing when I was there, I would have been able to get it WITHOUT WORKING ON A FARM! Some territories have a special “deal” where you can work in hospitality or tourism and still have it qualify for a second-year visa. I’d heavily look into working in these areas and sectors if the thought of doing agricultural work doesn’t sound appealing to you. More info on the exact areas and type of work can be found here.
Money Tips
- This place is EXPENSIVE!!!!! If you come with $300 in the bank, expect to find a job the next day and “be alright” you’ll have a terrible surprise waiting for you. It’s not that that situation couldn’t happen, but it’s not the norm. Things take time. Bring back up money everywhere you travel, especially one of the priciest places on earth.
- On a similar note, don’t forget about deposits. If you don’t have enough money to put a deposit down on your flat, you’re not getting the flat.
- As mentioned above, if you aren’t coming with much and want to travel, save money while you have the Australian Working Holiday Visa. You can play tourist later.
- Eating out is a crazy stupid expensive. Find your local grocery and buy food to cook!
Tips for Hospitality Workers
(particularly in Melbourne):
- DON’T go in December! OK, well, I can’t speak for the whole country, but take it from me, arriving in Melbourne on December 7th trying to look for a job was a foolish mistake. It was very unnerving to hear, “we’re maybe hiring next year” at 80% of the places I went. I essentially wasted a month coming during the holiday season. For the record, my thought was maybe they will still be looking for holiday staff, but no. Come in early November or in January if you need to come around that time.
- Be prepared for a competitive job market. It depends on what you do, but definitely, keep this in mind. For me, waitress and bartending jobs in Melbourne can get pretty competitive. I had to “battle it out” with several other people for positions and only after about five trials did I finally land a job. (I have 10 years experience by the way!)
- Trials are a thing. It’s expected for you to do a free unpaid trial before starting a hospitality job. It shouldn’t last any longer than two hours. If it does, immediately ask if you will start getting paid. Your trial will consist of them essentially throwing you into the mix and seeing if you fly or fail. So… fly. Definitely, fly. Research the spot and show them you’re interested in working there by knowing a bit of the menu already or SOMETHING to show you’ve at least researched the place a bit.
How to Get Started and Actually Get a Job in Australia
- Go old school, mate! Go around to places (during the nonbusy hours) with your CV in hand a smile plastered on your face. Follow up, especially in areas where competition may be high (i.e. Melbourne). Places receive CV’s all the time, what makes you different? Call, come in, follow-up, and show them you’re serious. The bar I work at now, I applied to THREE times. The third time I called and spoke to the right person, a manager, and I was hired the next day.
- Facebook. Facebook groups are invaluable. Join groups that are for the city you’re in. Example: Melbourne Bar Exchange. Job opportunities are often posted in them.
- Ring places. Sometimes it’s exhausting to go around with a CV just to hear ten times in a row that people aren’t hiring. Sometimes it’s OK to just ring up and ask first. I found my cafe job this way and it was more efficient. Make sure to call at the nonbusy hours.
- There are many jobs where you can’t just walk in and they want you to apply online. Websites like Seek.com and Gumtree.com are good sources for jobs too.
While Looking for a Job…
Get some of the admin stuff out of the way like opening a bank account and getting your tax number filed.
It’s super easy, apply for your tax number here. For a bank account, choose a bank and walk in with your passport and your address and that’s about it. I went with ANZ. Most employers will direct deposit.
Looking for a flat or house share is also easy. Most people look on gumtree.com and Facebook groups are another good source.
Reasons Why Working in Australia Is an Amazing Opportunity
- You get to live AND work in another country.
- Australian wages are pretty darn good!
- A new experience in life.
- You’ll get to meet new friends.
- A way to visit and explore the country while working for a whole year.
- The people are genuine and fun to be around.
- It will open your eyes to a different continent, people, and atmosphere.
- Australia is fucking beautiful.
So…There’s essentially no negatives. Working overseas, especially in Australia, can be quite lucrative! There are actually plenty of more options for finding ways to work abroad so you can travel more!
Things I Bring Everywhere:
1. Power charger – I use this solar powered one. Never let your phone run out of battery.
2. Dry bag – I carry this bag everywhere. You never know when you may need a waterproof bag. Beach bag, rainy day purse, a savior to electronics, and an extra bag for groceries, shopping, or souvenirs.
3. Memory stick – Or perhaps an external hard drive if you take lots of RAW photos, to make sure all of your memories are kept safe and sound!
4. Cameras – No matter the adventure, I bring my GoPro. It’s so versatile and small! And for my more professional shots, my Canon Rebel is perfect. It’s a great all-around camera, read more about the travel gear I use.
5. Anti-theft bags – I have numerous anti-theft bags and purses and I use them around the world to keep everything I own as safe as possible! Read more about anti-theft bags for travel.
6. Travel insurance – Never leave home without it. Grab a quote from Allianz or World Nomads depending on your travel style. I use Allianz but World Nomads is a popular second choice! Read more about travel insurance and if you actually need it.
More info:
Travel Resources | How to Work Abroad and Remotely | How I Started Traveling the World
How’s my working holiday visa experience going? Swimmingly! I’ve been saving thousands… Find out more on that here.
UPDATE: I saved over $17k USD! (Garrett saved over $30k USD!)
Are you looking into working in Australia or what? Should I add anything else to make this the ultimate guide to the Australian Working Holiday visa?
NOTE: I’ll try to keep this as updated as possible, especially regarding the new tax laws. If you have any information you think should be here, please comment! 🙂
>>> Read More! <<<
How to Get a Job in Australia & Save a Sh*t Ton of Money
Working and Living in Darwin, Australia
Working and Living in Melbourne, Australia
Working in Australia and Living for Under $750 USD/ Month
How I Saved $17k USD in 10 Months Living in Australia
How To Work Abroad In Australia (Without Experience)
Moving to Australia From The USA—How to Live and Work in Australia
Spread the knowledge and Pin it <3
Love adventures? Here's a gift 
list you can send your loved ones as a *hint hint* 
Hey Nina,
How did you find a place to live? Did you stay in a hostel when you got there first and then find an apartment? Did you buy a car also? Thanks! Love your articles and tips!
Thanks Kelley! Glad they are helpful. Check out some of my other articles listed at the bottom of the post, I answer all those questions! In short, I found my apartments like I would back home, on Gumtree (Craigslist of Australia) and Facebook! We walked in Melbs and had scooters in Darwin.
Hi Nina,
I am planning on beginning leaving for Australia on a 462 visa in march and have a few questions about the application. Is proof of health insurance and sufficient funds required at the time of the application (mainly asking because I can’t apply for the insurance I want until 3 months before the trip and would like to submit the visa application sooner), and is approval or denial sent electronically or by mail?
Thanks!
Jennifer
Hi Nina
Thank you so much for posting these articles, i find them really valuable to read. I am from the UK & my brother currently lives in Sydney. I am looking at going to australia in January next year, but wanting to do rural work, in the outback. Something completely different, not in an office! Can i ask, what did you think of the northern territory, and which places would you recommend in western australia,
Thank you
Hey Ryan, yay! You’ll have a lot of fun there. Check this page out for more info on Aus and look at my Darwin post.
Did you purchase any health insurance while you were there? If so how did you go about finding a good plan for yourself?
Always have travel insurance! 🙂 You can read this for more info.
Thanks for a really great article!
Great article, i came to oz on a working holiday visa and fell in love with the place and after going back to Britain it was all i thought about. I have now been living on the Gold Coast for two years as an Australian Citizen 🙂
Awesome! Would love to live there again 🙂
Hi! As an update, Americans (Visa 462 holders) are now allowed to do a 2nd year as long as you do specified work (regions and jobs are a little different from the 417 visa). I just received my 462 and will be heading to Australia soon.
Also, Americans don’t have a limit on how many people can apply and receive the 462 visa so there’s no need for Americans to worry about applying certain times of the year.
Hi Nina,
I’ve got what I hope is quick question. My partner and I would like to know when is the best time to apply for a working holiday visa for USA residents. We read somewhere that the tax year starts July 1 and that’s also when they start counting the new visa year starts. So we’re trying to determine if we should wait for the first of July or chance it now. Does the application carry over?
I can’t really say. Although, I don’t think THAT many of us are actually taking advantage of it. I have yet to hear of anyone getting denied bc they ran out… Ever. Not to say it doesn’t happen, but I’m willing to bet it’s pretty rare. I guess the question is, are you ready to get there before July anyway? If you won’t be, you mine as well wait. If you REALLY want to go before, then I would go for it. That’s just me. I am not sure if it transfers over. I would bet no, bc governments are greedy and want to keep the money. but maybe that’s the American in me talking haha? :-p
Thanks so much for the prompt reply and your insights. You’re right we’re not ready at the moment so we’ll wait. You know how it goes, you hear of an amazing opportunity and you’re worried you’ll miss out if you take too long. Your words were the reassurance we needed.
No prob! Have a great time when you do go 🙂
Hello! I applied for my visa. They required the chest xray and medical examination. Although they didn’t ask to attach any document yet. That is getting me kind of worried. Do you have any advice?
If you read the documentation they provided, you would have probably realized you don’t need to send the documents bc the doctor does it for you.
I am very interested in your post, thanks for sharing
If you get a subclass 417 working/holiday visa how much of the 12 months do you actually have to work if you don’t need to earn the money? Also do you have to work for another company or can you work as a sole trader with an ABN number?
Thanks
I have no idea about your second question but as far as the first – I don’t think you actually need to work if you don’t want.
Hello!
I recently studied abroad in Australia this past 2016 fall and loved it! I just graduated college and am very interested in heading back down for a working visa, however I do not want to work doing anything in my major (sport psychology) and would much rather do something in retail as a sales associate or maybe serving? Do you have any advice on finding a job like these and for finding a flat / possible roommates? Should I find work / a flat before I get there? I would like to plan to go in June 2018 but am not sure where to start!
Thanks,
Maria
Sounds great, Maria! Check out my other Aus posts, I answer all those questions and more. lmk if you have more questions! https://whereintheworldisnina.com/category/australia/
We are hoping to camper van from Cairns down to Sydney with two children, aged 8 and 6 in tow… any recommendations on where to go to book … all seem pretty pricey…..many thanks
Hi Nina,
Thanks for all the info! Sorry if you’ve answered this question previously, but as an American, what did you do for Health Insurance? Did you keep yours from the US or cancel it? Were you required to have it for Aus? Can you apply for Australian health insurance as a temporary immigrant? Just wondering what the norm is for holiday visas and hospital visits/doctor visits/and the like. Thank you!
Hey! I have Allianz. I have a lot of that random type of info, for Americans particularly, right here – https://whereintheworldisnina.com/travel-resources/ 🙂 Other recommendations are there as well.
Hello, I went fruit picking in Tasmania and it was definitely a great experience. Tassie is often overlooked by working holiday makers, and it’s a shame because it’s such a gorgeous, beautiful little island. And the Mona museum there is unbelievable!
Awesome! I’ve only heard good things. I can’t wait to go myself.
Hey Nina!
I’ve read a lot about people getting approved for their visas almost instantly from the States. I just applied yesterday and haven’t heard back yet, do you know how long a usual time to wait for a Work Holiday 462 visa is?
I’ve never heard of it being instant. I don’t know how long it regularly takes as mine was delayed because I had traveled too much and they needed me to get tested for tuberculosis. lol… Not joking. But I got approved a few days after proving I was clean. I’m sure you should be good! It could be you forgot a piece of info or something? Good luck!
Hi Nina,
Me and my girlfriend are desperately wanting to fly over and don’t mind any sort of work we have to do once we arrive.
Our issue is the 5000 aus dollars we are supposed to have to arrive into the country with. Is there anything you could help us with i.e. can you arrive with less and proof that you have already got employment?
Thanks any help would be much appreciated 🙂
I never got asked! In fact, many people don’t get asked. It’s wrong, but essentially if you’re from a more well-off country, your chances of being asked are slimmer. Also, another way to get around it if possible – ask a family member to transfer the extra cash over, take your screenshots as proof, and then transfer it back to them. Obviously only do this just before you leave. If they ask, they ask when you’re there getting your stamp in. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that you won’t be asked tho!
Hi,
great info- thanks ever so much!
I wonder if you know anything/ anyone who found work as a teacher of English as a foreign language?
I’ve read that with a CETA certificate and experience these jobs do exist, but can’t find much evidence of people writing about it online…
Any thoughts much appreciated!
Hey, sorry, I’m not sure about that one personally. But I’m sure if you’re 100% qualified to do so, there’s a way you can find something. Start reaching out.
Hi, I was just wondering if you know if WA is any good?? Specifically perth. Thank you so much! This helped a lot:)
Haven’t been to Perth, I have a post about Darwin to check out though!
Hi – I will also be requiring a chest x-ray and medical examination due to recent travels. Do you know if the cost varies based on the country you get them done in? Or if the Australia government has regulated this? I’m currently in the US but will be traveling around Latin America and am trying to figure out the cheapest place to get this done. Thanks!
It definitely depends on the country. Just make sure you go to the approved places on their list. If they haven’t sent it to you, ask for it or check on their website as you can’t just go to any doctor. I assume almost anywhere in the world would be cheaper than the USA 🙂 I paid a measly $60 or so in Thailand.
Hi Nina,
I am also applying for the australian WHV and i will have to do my medical exams in Thailand.
I am really afraid about the costs I saw. Could you tell me in which city and in which hospital did you do yours ?
Than you so much !
Claire
Hi Claire, As the documentation you received from the Aus gvt states, you can only go to the doctors on the approved list. Please simply refer to their very specific and laid out instructions. I won’t tell you where I went in case it’s changed, just listen to their documentation only. If you go to a non-approved hospital, they won’t accept it. It will be cheap in Thailand.
Really awesome tips, so much of it resonated with me from my own trip! All these ever-changing laws are so difficult to keep track of though, aren’t they?!
It’s so annoying! And they extended it to two years for American’s RIGHT AFTER WE LEFT!! 🙁
Nina! Hi, so glad I came across your blog. Question about the 2x 45mm x 35mm. How did you go about cutting yours? I’m just worried it will be wrong and I’ll be rejected. The AUS gov site also said you need to write your name on the back of each photo? Thanks so much!! xx
Thanks for commenting! I’m sorry I don’t really know. I didn’t cut my photos. And I just wrote my name on the back… good luck!
Hi Nina,
I just applied for my work holiday visa this week and uploaded all the required documentation but also had a question regarding the passport photograph. I attached a snip it of my photo on my passport and two other recent photos of myself from the shoulder up as stated on the form; however, I had to upload the pictures to the portal and did not write my name on the back…. Will this affect my application and am I at a greater risk of getting denied? I am hoping that by providing three different photos of myself that this should suffice….
Thanks!
Eric
Thanks for commenting, Eric! Hmmm, I’m really not the best person to ask, you’d need to contact the office taking care of this. I’d hope not for such a small oversight but you never know. I do know that they required more from me (I traveled too much prior to going and they wanted to make sure I didn’t have TB?! lol) and they contacted me and let me know I needed to go get tested. If they need something else from you, I think they will ask rather than just blindly denying. Shoot them an email or give them a call, although it’s kind of annoying to get a hold of them, as just ask to see! Good luck!
Hi Nina!,
Thank you so much for this post. Really helpful. I’m going to Sydney at the end of December and planning to travel for a couple of weeks then maybe end up in Cairns to look for a job! Who knows haha.. Do you think £3,500 is enough as a start up?
Awesome, Iris! I think that amount should be fine. I’d just make sure to get a job right away and be careful how you spend it initially. It’s always more expensive in the beginning until you get your bearings!
Hi Nina!
Thanks for a really great article!
I’m 38, wife and 2 kids. Working in automotive industry as a manager. My wife is a Life style photographer. I’m wondering if it possible to get a simmilar jobs near Melbs?
Hi Kuba. You’d need to do some research. I have no idea. You aren’t able to get this visa either so you’d need to look into it. Good luck.
Hey Nina, great explanation thanks! How about if you wish to work as a programmer or in IT, would that be feasble with this working visa??
Unfortunately I’m not sure, you’ll have to look into it further. I would venture to say likely not since you can only work for six months and it seems like a waste for an IT company to hire for such a short time.
Planning to get my working holiday visa around September. I’ve been trying to get advise on the best way to handle a cell phone. I currently have Verizon and an iPhone 6s. Do you recommend getting it unlocked and buy and Australian SIM card or is it easier to get a new phone in Australia? Any insight would be helpful.
Yeah just get it unlocked! Optus was $30 a month for me. Easy! Absolutely no need for a new phone, that’s a total waste.
Hey Nina !!
Its been great to read such post.I really appreciate it.he Australian economy is booming right now, which makes a working holiday visa a tempting prospect, allowing you to earn, rather than struggling along on a small backpacker budget.A working visa permits you to work for up to one year (capped to 6 months per employer) either simply to fund your travels, or as a career move in the hope of sponsorship like myself. Wages are good, so if you’re savvy you can save up for further travels – many round the world tickets will take you via Asia or South America, where your earnings in Aussie dollars will go a long way.
keep sharing !!
Have a great day
December and probably late November will be tricky for hospitality because of all the school leavers (and uni students on holidays) who are also looking for work, particularly those who’ve just graduated grade 12. School and uni start up end of January through to mid Feb depending on what grade/year they are in.
Hey Nina,
Thanks so much for this guide it was extremely helpful!
A few questions: would you suggest coming in January? Or is that still not the best time to come for jobs?
Also, as far as hospitality jobs go, is it necessary to have years of experience or will high school experience be substantial? I am currently 27 and have worked a government desk job for the past 5 years, do you think this would put me at a disadvantage for jobs (it seems as most are looking for younger workers).
Thanks!
Hey Lauren! Jan was fine for me but really it depends on the city you end up at. Hospo- it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to be in hospo 🙂 as long as you’re bubbly and nice you should be fine. PS- I was 30 when I got the job! Age is none issue. Just be outgoing and persistent and you should be ok! Hope that helps 🙂
Thanks for the useful info Nina. I’m going to visit Australia this summer and I hope I’ll find some part-time job there.
You’re welcome! And I’m sure you will! 🙂
They recently updated the new tax law to 19% Just looked this up while reading your article! Great Information as I am considering this for next year!
Yep and changed the age limit to 35!! So good! I’ll update the article soon. Thanks!
Awesome guide, thanks for sharing! I’ll be in Melbourne on the WHV in October and I can’t wait! I’m looking to open a bank account soon. How do you like ANZ?
Perfect! And ANZ is great!
Easily one of the best guides for this I’ve read yet! I’m planning on heading over in January to Melbourne since all my Aussie friends tell me I’d love it. My plan is to also save a bunch before traveling. Super helpful, thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much, Taylor!! Omg you’ll love Melbs. It’s an incredible city. Jan will be a great time of the year. Shoot me a message if you’d like around that time if you need any more help. I can also recommend Carlton/ Fitzroy as an excellent place to live. Super close to the CDB but a bit cheaper since its outside. So much character in that area. It’s been my fav “home” yet!
Hi Nina,
Found this article to be one of the most complete guides on obtaining a working holiday visa.
One thing about the 2nd year visa for Americans (subclass 462) – good news is at the end of the year it will be available. However, you have to have completed your regional work after the new program kicks in, meaning future applications (those who work in Australia in 2017) will be able to extend their stay downunder. Official statement & complete requirements here – https://www.border.gov.au/Trav/Visi/Visi-1/work-holiday-visas-noth-aus.
Thanks,
Daniel D
Visa First
Hi Daniel,
Thanks so much for this information! I’ll def have to look into the second year option, what great news! Thanks for the comment and the helpful link.
Awesome guide Nina! Didn’t know American’s couldn’t get a second year, bizzare. Having worked with a few agricultural works the last couple weeks a couple tips.
– Aim for hourly jobs, some farmers make you work for 10$/hour on contract….that’s working ya arse off
– If you a job listing on backpackerjobboard.com.au or gumtree go up, ring up ASAP otherwise you’ll be eating dust
– Don’t pick tomatoes on contract
– Write down every single hour you work and take photos of everything if need be, they’ll take a few dollars off where ever possible
– Ring around the working hostels nearby and say you are available tomorrow if you’re desperate
– If the job say 6/7 DAYS os work/week….don’t count on it
Remember, if you work with fun people you’ll have a good day
Thanks so much Jub!!! I was hoping some people would chime in on farm work as its a grey area and I don’t have experience with it. I know!!! Such a bummer we don’t get a second year. Blah
Hey,
Thank you very informative.