Step-by-step guide to a WHV
Australia, with its stunning coastlines, vibrant cities, and laid-back lifestyle, is a dream destination for many travellers. But what if you could experience the country in a more immersive way? The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) programme is your ticket to exploring Australia while earning money to fund your adventures. Here’s an overview on how to get started with a working holiday in Australia.
What is a Working Holiday Visa?
The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa that allows young people (aged 18-30, or 18-35 for some countries) from eligible countries to work and travel in Australia for up to a year. Let’s face it, travel can be expensive and working along the way is not only a great way to be able to afford more travel options, it is also the best way to make friends and immerse yourself in the local culture. This visa can be extended for up to three years if certain conditions are met, such as completing specified work in regional areas.
Eligibility Criteria
Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old (or 35 for some countries) at the time of application.
Passport: You must hold a passport from an eligible country.
Health and Character: You need to meet specific health and character requirements.
Funds: You must have sufficient funds to support yourself (typically around AUD 5,000) and have a return ticket or enough money to buy one.
Step 1: Planning Your Trip
Research and Preparation
Before you jet off, it’s essential to do your homework:
Choose Your Arrival City: Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane are popular starting points. I actually arrived in Adelaide (just because it was the cheapest place to fly to from Bali) and although it is a really great destination and I would highly recommend visiting, I think that it lacked the ‘backpacker’ culture and think that it is a place to visit once you are more established in the country. I wish that I had done a bit more research before I went with regards to the starting destination. Cities like Melbourne and Sydney are very geared towards starting your working holiday journey. You’ll also find much more people in the same boat which is comforting when you are possibly on the other side of the world to where you are from.
Step 2: Applying for the Visa
The visa application process is straightforward and can be done online:
You just need to visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs website and create an account. Complete the application form and pay the application fee (approximately AUD 510). Make sure that you go through the official government websites as I believe that there are scam websites around that look very legitimate. Submit your application and wait for approval, which typically takes a few weeks. I was quite lucky and my visa was accepted in just 20 minutes. It was so fast that I thought it was just a confirmation of receipt of my application! So, make sure to thoroughly read any emails that you receive and check your junk / spam folder.
Step 3: Finding Work in Australia
Australia offers a variety of job opportunities for working holidaymakers:
Hospitality and Tourism: Popular in cities and tourist regions. In order to legally serve alcohol in Australia you will need to complete a Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course. You can do this online or in person, I opted to do a half day course in person in Sydney. Please note that each state has different laws in relation to alcohol, if you think that you will be travelling around from state to state it is worth paying extra to obtain an RSA that is valid in most or all states. The RSA usually costs between 100-200 AUD.
Farm Work: Common in rural areas and necessary for visa extensions.
Retail: Jobs in shops and supermarkets.
Office Work: Temporary administrative positions in cities.
For WHV you can usually only work for 1 employer for a period of 6 months, however when you start a second or third year WHV this is usually reset and you might be able to work for that employer again.
Job Hunting Tips
Use Online Job Portals: Websites like Seek and Indeed are excellent resources.
Networking: Join Facebook groups or attend meetups for travellers.
Walk-in Applications: Especially effective in hospitality; drop off your resume at cafes, bars, or restaurants. I was able to get a few hospitality jobs this way!
Working Conditions
Tax: You’ll need to apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) before you start work and will need to set up an Australian bank account.
Superannuation: A portion of your earnings will go into a superannuation fund, which you can claim when you leave Australia.
Step 4: Extending Your Stay
Second and Third Year Visas
To extend your stay for a second or third year, you must complete three or six months of specified work in regional Australia:
Types of Work: Farming, mining, construction, and other approved industries.
Regional Areas: The work must be done in designated regional areas.
I managed to stay in Australia for almost 4 years without needing to do any farm work, however this was mostly down to COVID and working in a critical sector. There is also the option of obtaining a student visa which allows you to work for 40 hours a fortnight and more in the school holidays.
Travel Tips
Backpacking: Australia is backpacker-friendly with plenty of hostels and budget accommodations.
Public Transport: Efficient in cities, but renting a car is recommended for exploring regional areas. I personally think that buying a car is a great option and in the long run can help you to save money.
A Working Holiday in Australia is an incredible opportunity to explore the country’s diverse landscapes while earning money to fund your travels. Through the Working Holiday Visa (WHV) program, young people from eligible countries can live and work in Australia for up to three years. The process involves applying for the visa, finding work in various sectors like hospitality and farm work, and potentially extending your stay by completing specified work in regional areas. With careful planning, from choosing your arrival city to understanding work conditions and job-hunting strategies, you can make the most of this immersive experience. Travelling across Australia is both exciting and manageable, especially if you consider options like renting or buying a car. Whether you’re staying for a year or extending your adventure, a working holiday in Australia offers a unique way to experience the country while gaining valuable life experiences.