Do you dream of exploring Australia, seeing stunning sights Down Under and finding paid work on your gap year? As one of the most beautiful countries in the world, Australia is like catnip for the young and bold, the newly graduated, and the in-transitions looking for an adventure. The perfect launchpad for a year of work and travel in Australia is through the working holiday visa; an ideal gap year destination for experienced travelers and newbies alike. No matter who you are though, you probably have a few questions on how to prepare for a working holiday in Australia, what to do once you’re there, and how to wrap it all up.
In order to obtain an Australian working holiday visa, there are several criteria which you must meet. The visa is only granted to travellers between the ages of 18 and 30* who have no dependent children, and is given to those who intend on financing their travels with work in Australia. The person seeking the visa must hold a passport which has at least one year until it’s due for renewal. The person must not have any substantial medical conditions or criminal convictions in order to be granted a visa.
The Department of Immigration and Citizenship requires anyone seeking a working holiday visa to have sufficient funds in their bank account to support themselves once arriving in Australia, and enough funds to purchase a return or onward fare. This amount depends on how long the holiday itself is, but the department considers £3150 (AUD$5000) to be an adequate amount of money. You may be required to show evidence such as a bank statement or plane ticket.
An Australian working visa costs around $450 Australian Dollars. Once a working visa is granted, the holder has 12 months to travel to Australia, and the visa will be valid for 12 months once the holder arrives in Australia. You are entitled to work for up to a six month stretch with any employer at a time. You can leave and re-enter Australia during the time the visa is valid.
*The 30-year upper limit may be extended to 35. Contact your travel advisor for more info
SECOND WORKING HOLIDAY VISA IN AUSTRALIA
To stay in Australia for an additional year, the following requirement must be fulfilled:
NEW: THIRD YEAR WORKING HOLIDAY**
As of February 2019, we learned that the Australian Government plans to update the WHV rules to change the age, location, and work requirements, as well as to offer a third-year visa option. These changes are expected to be announced in the next few months. If you’re considering the Working Holiday Visa, be sure to check the Australian Home Office website, check your Working Holiday Visa eligibility or contact Grabatour Travel for the latest information, requirements, and restrictions before you apply.
If you are planning to work in Australia whilst you’re here you’ll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. To be eligible for a working holiday visa, applicants need to hold a passport issued by an eligible country or region. Please check the below country list for your eligibility.
The Working Holiday Visa subclass 417 is available to passport holders who come from:
Belgium
Canada
the Republic of Cyprus
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Hong Kong SAR
the Republic of Ireland
Italy
Japan
the Republic of Korea
Malta
the Netherlands
Norway
Sweden
Taiwan
United Kingdom
The Work and Holiday Visa subclass 462 is available to passport holders who come 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
To be eligible for a working holiday visa, applicants need to meet the following requirements:
If you’re eligible for working holiday visa subclass 417: You can choose to book your Oz Gap Year programme with the visa included during checkout or apply for it yourself through the Australian Government website.
If you’re eligible for the Work and Holiday Visa subclass 462: Grabatour Travel cannot apply for this visa on your behalf, however once you obtain this visa it will allow you to participate in our Australia Paid Work program. The Visa application can be completed directly through the Australian Government website.
Please note: If you have a criminal record, you are still able to apply for a Working Holiday Visa, but due to the specific information required while filling out the application form we won’t be able to process your visa for you, and this must be applied individually.
If you’re from the UK, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium or the Republic of Ireland you may be eligible for free healthcare (Medicare) whilst in Australia, although its always advisable to have adequate travel insurance also. We’ll help you arrange Medicare once you arrive in Sydney.
A perfect way to get your Working Holiday off to a great start! If you are between 18 and 30* years of age, we at GRABATOUR can help you complete your dream to live and work Down Under in Australia. Travel and work your way around the country to get some extra pocket money and an unforgettable experience where you get under the skin of the locals and make new friends from all over the world.
Our Working Holiday packages are designed to give you the best start on your work and travel experience in Australia. For a start you will stay at the best youth hostels in Australia and get an easy and simple introduction to start your adventure. We know the drill and just want you to avoid all the hassle and get to work! Start with a week of fun in Australia plus the inclusions below:
See the amazing sites of Sydney or Melbourne, explore stunning beaches, trek the mountain and splash around in waterfalls. Learn how to surf, discover the Aussie culture then kick back at a BBQ Aussie style. Get up close and personal with the local wildlife and take a selfie with a kangaroo, fun night out in town…welcome to Australia!
Life was meant for good friends and great adventures and with our small groups (up to 20 people) that’s just what you’ll get. You’ll meet some fun, young and amazing people from all over the world, as well our awesome group leader who will be there with you from the moment you step off the plane. This is perfect way to make friends and share the experience – after all, who wants to explore Australia alone?
Australia Bank Account
Australian SIM Card
Tax File Number
Medicare Guidance
Free Mail Holding
Support the whole time you’re in Australia
Luggage Storage
After a brilliant week of fun in the sun! Then it’s time to get job hunting with the help of our expert jobs team: We’ll help you find a job and get you set for up to a year of paid work. Get advice and assistance organising interviews & arranging accommodation, training course, plus lifetime access to employer database and advice.
All Accommodation
All Activities
An Instant Group of Friends
All Transfers
Airport Pickup Arrangement
Support before, during & after the trip
Some Meals & Drinks, BBQ and Party
Our tour leaders are what make us special. They’ll be your best mate, dance partner, share all their local knowledge and work their bums off to show you the trip of a lifetime!
Some typical areas of employment include: Accounts, Banking, Au-Pair, Nanny, Childcare, Hospitality, Chef, Beauty, IT, Media, Office, Admin Jobs, Retail, Customer Service, Sales, Marketing, Teaching, Coaching Jobs. Please click here for more.
If you are planning to work in Australia whilst you’re here you’ll need to apply for a Working Holiday Visa. You can choose to book your Oz Gap Year programme with the visa included. Please click here for further details.
