How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa in Australia
Australia is a popular tourist destination with an abundance of things to see and do. For many, a quick trip is not enough time to experience everything on the to-do list. Fortunately, Australia offers qualifying U.S. citizens a Work and Holiday visa (Subclass 462), which authorizes visitors to stay in the country for up to 12 months. It also allows temporary employment for up to six months in length with each employer. Students looking to continue their educations are permitted to study for up to four months. Follow the guidelines below to successfully apply for this visa.
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Things You'll Need
- U.S. passport
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Travel health insurance
- Documented proof of funds of approximately $5000 AUD
- $230 AUD
- Documented proof a clean criminal record
- Return flight
Instructions
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The Twelve Apostles, Victoria, Australia Visit the Australian government's website (see the Resources section) and review details of this specific visa. To be granted a visa, you must be between the ages of 18-30 and make sure you will not be accompanied by a child. Australia does not require, but has the right to request, police certificates for each country you have lived in for 12 months or more over the last ten years since turning 16.
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Kangaroo Gather together your passport, high school diploma (or equivalent) and proof of funds. Scan each document in order to include them in the online application.
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Surfer's Paradise, Queenland, Australia Apply for the visa at the Australian government's website (see the Resources section). Provide your personal information on the application. Attach the required documents when instructed. Submit payment $230 AUD to complete the application.
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Ayers Rock After 48 hours, check the status of your application on the website. If granted this visa, purchase departing and returning flights. You must arrive in Australia within 12 months of the date your visa is granted.
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Koala Purchase travel health insurance before departing for Australia.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do not already have one, open a checking account with Bank of America, which has a partnership with an Australian bank called Westpac. With a Bank of America checking account, you are able to withdraw all of your funds from any Westpac ATM without receiving international charges. Transferring your money into Australia this way not only lets you travel safer by not carrying large amounts of cash or traveler's checks, but also allows you to easily show proof of funds.
Many insurance companies require that you purchase travel insurance before you depart from your country of residence. If you need to purchase an insurance policy once you are already overseas, World Nomads (see Resources) is an insurance company that allows you to do so.
Be aware of the constant fluctuating currency exchange of USD to AUD. Although at times the difference is as minimal as 98 cents USD to $1 AUD, it has been known to drastically change. In the July of 2008, the currency exchange between the US and Australia was approximately 95 cents USD to $1 AUD. By February of 2009, only seven months later, the currency exchange dropped to 64 cents USD to $1 AUD. Due to these fluctuations, the amount of money you enter or leave the country with could be significantly affected.
If you are granted a Work and Holiday visa and fail to enter the country within 12 months, your visa will be voided and you may not apply for it again. If a personal emergency is the cause, you may contact the Australian Government for an extension.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit sydney harbour bridge image by Steve Lovegrove from Fotolia.com Twelve Apostles Great Ocean Road Australia image by RichGold from Fotolia.com Close-up Kangaroo image by Jiveturkey from Fotolia.com gold coast of australia image by NorthShoreSurfPhotos from Fotolia.com Outback Australia - Ayer"s Rock , "Uluru" image by Danny from Fotolia.com koala image by Lukasz Ozimek from Fotolia.com
