Working holiday visa in Australia
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The Ultimate Guide to The Australian Working Holiday Visa

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Have you been thinking of getting an Australian Working Holiday visa?

If not, maybe this Australian Working Holiday visa guide will change your mind!

Here’s everything I wanted to know about this visa when I was researching, how to get it, and everything I learned from living and working in Australia.

It can be intimidating to jet off to a faraway country (where crazy animals roam the streets and probably can kill you… jk!) and not know where to start before you even get there.

I hope this guide will help put those nerves at ease and answer some questions!

What is an Australian Working Holiday Visa?

Simply speaking, it’s a visa that permits you to work in Australia! Easy as that. I’m from the USA, so everything here is based on my experience as an American citizen working in Australia but this visa is for many countries around the world.

You can take this advice regardless of where you’re from, it’s all very similar.

Who Can Get 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
  • Ecuador
  • Greece
  • Hungary
  • Indonesia
  • Israel
  • Luxembourg
  • Malaysia
  • Peru
  • Poland
  • Portugal
  • San Marino
  • Singapore
  • Slovak Republic
  • Slovenia
  • Spain
  • Switzerland
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • Uruguay
  • United States of America
  • Vietnam
Passport visa stamp for working holiday visa in Australia
The working holiday visa in Australia is an amazing opportunity to explore the country

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.

2022 Australian Working Holiday Visa Updates

โ†’ As of December 2021, Australian borders are open to fully vaccinated travelers, including Working Holiday Makers.

โ†’ From 19 January 2022 until 31 December 2022, you may continue to work for the same employer or organization on your WHV without requesting permission. (Prior to 2020 you could only work for the same employer for 6 months)

Things Youโ€™ll Need to Apply for The Australian Working Holiday Visa

  • Passport (Make sure you have at least 1.5 years+ before it expires)
  • $5000 AUD in the bank ($3710 USD). Side note: Most donโ€™t get asked to show this. I didnโ€™t. If they did ask you, it would likely be after your visa was approved and youโ€™re at the airport (as opposed to when youโ€™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. You will need it!
  • The ability to speak functional English.
  • Money for the application fee ($495 AUD/$368 USD)
  • 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!)

Other Things You May Need To Qualify for the WHV in Australia

Fees, age, and requirements will differ, and further documentation might be needed depending on where you are from.

If youโ€™re not from a native English-speaking country, youโ€™ll likely need to take a test proving your English abilities.

Melbourne city view on a working holiday visa in Australia
I lived in Melbourne for part of my working holiday visa

If needed, you might need to provide documentation of having a higher education beyond high school.

Like me, if youโ€™ve been traveling and living abroad, 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.

Donโ€™t meet some of the requirements? There are other visas to check out. These are just the two standard working holiday visa opportunities. Hereโ€™s more info on other visas you can obtain.

RELATED: The Longest Tourist Visas for U.S.A. Citizens, How to Extend Visas, and More.

Resources for Your Trip:

Don’t forget insurance!

Get a quote with the best and easiest travelers insurance: Safety Wing

Where to Stay?

How to Get Free Accommodation Anywhere!

Check my top 3 (legit) ways to get free stays!

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 donโ€™t want to mess anything up. They won’t refund you.
  • Apply OUTSIDE of Australia.
  • Donโ€™t visit Australia if your application is pending, as it can cause issues with your approval process.
  • Donโ€™t apply, visit, then decide to leave. You donโ€™t โ€œget those days back.โ€ Once you enter, your one year starts even if you leave the next day. Once you arrive, stay as long as possible to use it to its full potential.
  • Do I need an agency to help me do this? No! 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 straightforward. Save your money; you’ll need it when you get there.

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 varyโ€ฆ Hereโ€™s a bit of an idea to get your wheels turning.

Road works construction on working holiday visa in Australia
Construction work can earn you some serious cash on the working holiday visa in Australia

(Amount is per hour and in AUD and USD)

  • Call centers can pay around $25-$30 (US$18.50-$22.50) an hour, but youโ€™ll likely also get a commission.
  • Trade and labor work can be anywhere from $25-$40+/hour (US$18.50-$30+).
  • Au pairs/nannies get $25-$35/hour (US$18.50-$26.50).
  • Office jobs will earn you anywhere from $18-35+/hour (US$13.50-$26.50+) depending on what youโ€™re doing.
  • Hospitality can get you $20-$25/hour (US$15-$18.50) and even a bit more with tips. (Don’t expect tips like the US, itโ€™s not customary to tip that much or at all, but it does happen). You could also get paid less if itโ€™s cash in hand, like $15-$18/hour (US$11.50-$13.50).
  • Farming is where you might see the biggest variance. If you drive a tractor, youโ€™ll earn more. If youโ€™re willing to work crazy hours and do backbreaking work all day, youโ€™ll make more. And if you happen to be unfortunate enough to cross paths with a sheisty farmer, you could get screwed; Iโ€™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 $600-$1500 (US$450-$1125) per week depending on experience, season, and hours worked. Accommodation is often provided or offered at a discount.

Are you curious about the type of work in Australia and how to find the best gigs? These posts will help:

What Else You Need to Know About The Working Holiday Visa for Australia

Sorry, friend, things are about to get REAL boring. BUT you need this info! It’s important you know about everything involved with working in Australia and all the specifics of the visa. So I did my best to explain that below, in the least boring way!

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. It’s a mini saving account for those who are saving inept or a welcomed surprise cash topping for those who have been saving. More info here.

Taxes in Australia

OMGโ€”so boring, I know. Bear with me! Let’s get excited about taxes!

In 2016 the government introduced the highly controversial “backpacker tax,” which would be 32.5% of every single dollar earned while working here on a working holiday visa. There’s been a lot of back and forward since then, including a ruling that the tax was invalid.

Aerial view of St Kilda beach Melbourne on a working holiday visa in Australia
St. Kilda beach in Melbourne – do you need another reason to apply for a WHV?

So what’s the current status? Well, it’s complicated. The rate of tax you pay will ultimately depend on whether your employer is registered with the WHV scheme or not.

The best advice I can give is to check the latest information on the ATO website.

Regarding applying for your tax return:

“The Australian income year starts on 1 July and ends on 30 June the following year. Depending on your circumstance, you may want to lodge a return.

You don’t need to lodge a tax return or a non-lodgment advice if both of the following apply:

  • all of your income was earned as salary or wages while you were a WHM (working holiday maker)
  • the total of your taxable income for the income year was less than
    • $37,001 for 2019โ€“20 and earlier income years
    • $45,001 for 2020โ€“21 and later income years.

You will need to lodge a tax return to claim any deductions.

If you leave Australia permanently before 30 June, you can lodge your tax return early.”

You can refer to the ATO website for more official info regarding taxes.

What About My Taxes for the USA?

Unfortunately, the US is one of two countries that double taxes its citizen. Luckily there are exemptions! There’s the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion that will likely help you avoid being double-taxed.

Timing Your Move to Australia

Depending on what industry you want to get into, you should be careful about the timing of your arrival. I tried to get into the hospitality industry, and coming in December proved to be the wrong move. I thought some procrastinators would surely need holiday staff, but in a happening city like Melbourne, everyone was full.

While I tried very hard, I only got a job after five weeks and after the New Year. If you want to get into farming, check out when the harvest season is. There are many sectors, so thereโ€™s no exact answer to this. Youโ€™ll have to see what your particular industry needs. Don’t forget to keep the weather in mind.

Ways to Use Your Australian Working Holiday to Its Full Potential

These are some personal goals and tactics I used that may be helpful to youโ€ฆ

Darwin waterfront apartments on working holiday visa in Australia
Try a less crowded city like Darwin to get the most out of your working holiday visa in Australia
  • I can easily get a tourist visa for Australia anytime. So I worked while I legally could, THEN I’ll come back and play tourist. Iโ€™m using my visa a bit more wisely 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.
  • 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 will be applying to those jobs that you so desperately want? Like, a million. This also means they can get away with paying less. This is a very generalized statement I formed after speaking to many people and it’s not solidified in stone or anything. You may have great luck. It’s just some food for thought.

2nd Year Australia Working Holiday Visa Eligibility

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 precisely 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 Qualify For A Second Year Visa in Australia

It’s not that hard, but it will take some work. In short, you have to do particular work in Australia during your first year, usually something in the agriculture industry, for about three months to qualify. Without this, you don’t qualify.

Farm workers on a working holiday visa in Australia
You’ll probably have to do some agricultural jobs on your working holiday visa in Australia to get a second year.

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 may have to do some kind of agricultural work which is usually not that fun, and a bit competitive because there are a lot of people who want their second-year visa. 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. It 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 were 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.

RELATED: How To Complete Farm Work in Australia & Extend Your Work Visa .

Money Tips For Your WHV in Australia

  • This place is EXPENSIVE!!!!! If you come with $300 in the bank, expect to find a job the next day and โ€œbe alright,โ€ youโ€™ll have a terrible surprise waiting for you. Things take time. Bring backup money everywhere you travel, especially in one of the priciest places on earth.
  • On a similar note, donโ€™t forget about deposits. If you donโ€™t have enough money to put a deposit down on your flat, youโ€™re not getting a flat (apartment).
  • 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 crazy stupid expensive (and drinking even worse!). Find your local grocery and buy food to cook and maybe have a beer at home!

Tips for Hospitality Workers

This is from my experience and speaking with other friends on the Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

Popular jobs in Australia for foreigners include working in coffee shops.
Cafe work is popular on the working holiday visa in Australia for Americans.
  • DONโ€™T go in December! OK, well, I canโ€™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, โ€œweโ€™re maybe hiring next year,โ€ 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 keep this in mind. For me, waitress and bartending jobs in Melbourne can get pretty competitive. I had to โ€œbattle it outโ€ with several other people for positions, and only after about five trials did I finally land a job. (I have ten years of experience, by the way!)
  • Trials are a thing. You are expected to do a free unpaid trial before starting a hospitality job. It shouldnโ€™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. Soโ€ฆ fly. Research the spot and show them youโ€™re interested in working there by knowing a bit of the menu already or SOMETHING to show youโ€™ve at least researched the place a bit.

How to Get Started and Getting a Job in Australia

  • Go old school, mate! Go around to places (during the nonbusy hours) with your CV and a smile on your face. Follow up, especially in areas where competition may be high (i.e., Melbourne). Places receive CVโ€™s all the time; what makes you different? Call, come in, follow up, and show them you’re serious. The bar I worked at, 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 youโ€™re in. Example: Melbourne Bar Exchange. Job opportunities are often posted in them.
  • Ring places. Sometimes itโ€™s exhausting to go around with a CV just to hear ten times in a row that people aren’t hiring. Sometimes itโ€™s OK just to ring up and ask first. I found my cafe job this way, and it was more efficient. Make sure to call during the nonbusy hours. If they say they are hiring, show up that day or immediately following the next day.
  • There are many jobs where you canโ€™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 in Australia

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. You only need to do these things when you’re IN Australia.

Working and living in Australia as an American
Wandering Darwin, Australia on my day off work.

Looking for a flat or house share is also easy. Most people look on gumtree.com, and Facebook groups are another excellent source.

You should really get an Australian number. SIM cards aren’t that expensive and how else can someone contact you for a job without it?! I went with Optus but there may be cheaper options since I lived in Australia.

You NEED Travel Insurance!

Travel insurance can save your @$$ abroad, and it doesn’t have to be expensive!

Safety Wing is what I use because it’s affordable, perfect for long or short-term travelers, and covers the important stuff.

โ†’ VISIT SAFETY WING โ†’ READ MY REVIEW

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 make 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 are essentially no negatives. Working overseas, especially in Australia, can be quite lucrative AND awesome! There are plenty of more options for finding ways to work abroad so you can travel more!

You should probably read about how I saved over $17k+ USD on my Working Holiday Visa next!

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?



>>> EVEN MORE ABOUT TRAVELING AND WORKING IN AUSTRALIA <<<

Moving to Australia: The Price of Living Down Under (11 Cities)

How I Saved $17k USD in 10 Months Living in Australia

An American Expat: Working and Living in Darwin, Australia

10 Tips for Moving to Melbourne After Your Travels

A Legendary 7-Day Outback Road Trip Itinerary (Australia)

7 Days in Sydney Itinerary- for Those Who Want a Bit of Everything!

How to Do a Campervan Relocation in Australia for $1

Cheap Things to Do in Melbourne When Youโ€™re Broke AF



 

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68 Comments

  1. 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!

    1. 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.

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. Did you purchase any health insurance while you were there? If so how did you go about finding a good plan for yourself?

  5. 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 ๐Ÿ™‚

  6. 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.

  7. 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?

    1. 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

      1. 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.

  8. 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?

  9. 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

  10. 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

  11. We are hoping to camper van from Cairns down to Sydney with two children, aged 8 and 6 in towโ€ฆ any recommendations on where to go to book โ€ฆ all seem pretty priceyโ€ฆ..many thanks

  12. 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!

  13. 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!

  14. 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?

    1. 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!

  15. 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 ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. 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!

  16. 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!

  17. Hi, I was just wondering if you know if WA is any good?? Specifically perth. Thank you so much! This helped a lot:)

  18. 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!

    1. 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 ๐Ÿ™‚ I paid a measly $60 or so in Thailand.

      1. 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

        1. 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.

  19. 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?!

  20. 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

      1. 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

        1. 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!

  21. 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 ยฃ3,500 is enough as a start up?

    1. 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!

  22. 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?

  23. 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??

    1. 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.

  24. 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.

  25. 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

  26. 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.

  27. 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!

    1. 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 ๐Ÿ™‚ 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 ๐Ÿ™‚

  28. 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.

  29. 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!

  30. 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?

  31. 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!

    1. 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!

  32. 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

    1. 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