Working Holiday Visa Australia: Your ultimative guide

UPDATE 2020/07/19 – To start your Working Holiday in Australia you need the so-called Working Holiday Visa (WHV). We have created a step-by-step guide for you, with which you can quickly and easily apply for your Australia visa yourself. We also answer all important questions about the application of your Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

Tip: Save the money for an organization. You don't need a company to take care of your visa application. The whole application process takes 15 minutes and can be done comfortably from home. The application is simply completed online on the Australian government website.

If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask them in the comments section beneath this article. We hope you enjoy your trip to Australia.

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Note Regarding the Current COVID-19 Pandemic: Application & Delays

Update (1.7.2020) – Due to the Corona Pandemic, entry to Australia is currently not possible even with an already approved Working Holiday Visa.

Nevertheless you can still apply for the WHV in Australia. However, applications are currently not being processed any further and WHV confirmations will only be distributed again if the Australian authorities see a change in the current Corona situation.

I will turn 31 years soon: What should I do?
If you are approaching the maximum age for applying for a visa, we recommend that you submit your application before you turn 31. Therefore we cannot guarantee anything, but it seems that all applications will be processed with a delay as soon as the situation allows it. The date of your visa application is crucial here.

Attention: The COVID-19 information is subject to change at any time.

>>> Find current COVID-19 information regarding travel to Australia here. <<<

General Information about the Working Holiday Visa for Australia

The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is specially designed for young people who want to spend a year abroad for a working holiday. With this visa you can enter Australia within 12 months after approval of your application. Thanks to the WHV you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months and during the validity of your Australia Visa you can enter and leave Australia as often as you like. You may work for up to 6 months for the same employer and study in Australia for up to 4 months.

a) Difference of Working Holiday Visa subclass 417 and subclass 462

There are 2 different Working Holiday Visa for Australia. The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) and the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462). The biggest difference is the country of origin (nationality). For the WHV (subclass 462) you also have to have an education and an English certificate if you come from a non english speaking country. This is not required for the WHV (subclass 417).

● If you are British, apply for the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417).
● As an American you apply for the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462).
● As a Canadian you apply for a Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417). You can even apply for this from 18-35 years old.

Tip: Explore visa options for working in Australia with the Visa Finder:
>>> Here you can find the Visa finder for Australia <<<

b) Second and third Working Holiday Visa for Australia

Since 1st July 2019, both visas (subclass 417 and subclass 462) will also allow you to apply for a second and third Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

To get the second and third WHV you need some additional requirements:

Second Working Holiday Visa for Australia:
To qualify for a second Working Holiday Visa, you must have completed 3 months of specified work while holding your first Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

Third Working Holiday Visa for Australia:
To qualify for a third Working Holiday Visa, you must have completed 6 months of specified work while holding your second Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

More Information: “The second Working Holiday Visa for Australia“

c) Criteria for the Working Holiday Visa Australia

The Working Holiday Visa allows you to work and travel in Australia for up to one year. You are not tied to the same employer or a specific location. The visa is issued only once in a lifetime. However, as a British citizen you have the possibility to get up to two extensions in the form of the Second Working Holiday Visa and the Third Working Holiday. Here you can find the requirements for the Working Holiday Visa Australia.

• Age: 18-30 years
  The permitted age, which must not have been exceeded at the time of application. (Canadian, French and Irish citizens can be aged 18-35 when applying)
• British citizenship or citizenship of one of the other countries participating in the Visa programme.
• Valid passport:
  The passport should be valid for at least two more years when applying for the visa. When applying for a visa, a scan or photo of the passport must be uploaded.
• Financial funds $5,000 AUD:
  Proof of sufficient financial means must be submitted as a document when applying for a visa. A current bank statement of your current account is sufficient for this purpose.
• Application for the visa only from outside Australia
• Not accompanied by dependent children
• You have never been to Australia with a visa (subclass 417 or 462)
  If you already had a Working Holiday Visa, see if you qualify for a second Working Holiday Visa.
• International Health Insurance
  Health insurance must be presented upon entry (-> Best Australia Travel Insurance for Backpacker <-)
• Credit card for the application fee of $ 485 AUD
  A credit card is required for the processing fee. You should definitely get a credit card for the trip. Credit cards are accepted almost everywhere.

,,For 2022 we recommend Travel Credit Card from Revolut.
No Annual Fee, withdrawling cash abroad is free"

Find out more in the article:
Best Travel Credit Card for Working Holiday!

Important: If you have been within the last 5 years for more than 3 months in a tuberculosis risk country, you will probably be asked for a health test. You will be informed of this by e-mail during the application process.
The e-mail will also mention all the doctors who can carry out this test.

3 easy steps to your Working Holiday Visa for Australia

For British people the visa application for Australia is very simple. Because there is no limit to the number of travellers per year. So your chances to recieve a Working Holiday Visa in Australia are very good. For the application itself you need about 15 minutes. We will show you step by step what to do to get your Working Holiday Visa.

Step 1: Create your ImmiAccount

If you don't have an ImmiAccount yet, create one now using the link below. Make sure you remember your data, you will need it for all further steps. Click on “Continue” or “Submit” to confirm, click “Previous” or “Cancel” to return to the previous screen.

>>> Here you can create your ImmiAccount for free. <<<

1. Create your ImmiAccount

2. Provide your personal data & e-mail address

3. Create login & security questions

4. Confirm your ImmiAccount

Step 2: Fill out the Working Holiday Visa Application

Now it's time to fill out your Working Holiday Visa application. Make sure you choose the right visa (subclass 417 or 462). You can save at any time during the process and complete your application later.

>>> Here you can login to your ImmiAccount. <<<

1. Login to your ImmiAccount

2. Confirm the Terms & Conditions

3. Choose your current location & the right working holiday visa year

4. Enter personal data

5. Confirm data

6. Enter your residence & contact details

7. Do you have someone helping you with your visa application?

8. Occupation and Education

9. Stays abroad & health information (answers ideally truthfully all with “No”)

9.1 list all countries where you stayed more than 3 months (within the last 5 years)

10. Explanations about the character (ideally all answers with “No”)

11. Explanations for the Working Holiday Visa (ideally all answers with “Yes”)

12. Further explanations (ideally all answers with “Yes”)

13. Check all data carefully once again for accuracy

14. Attach required documents (more/different documents may be required depending on nationality)

15. Check e-mail address again & submit visa

16. Pay your visa application

17. Your visa application is getting processed now

Step 3: Wait for the final decision on your Working Holiday Visa

After you have filled out all pages, you pay and send the application. 90% of all applications are processed fully automatically and quickly. My visa was approved within 5 minutes and the confirmation email was in my mailbox.
Only about 10% of all applications end up in the manual check for various reasons. This takes considerably longer.
You can find the official processing times here on the Homeaffairs website.

Tip: Here you will find the processing times for subclass 417 and subclass 462.

Entry to Australia and activation of your Working Holiday Visa

After you received the WHV Grant Notification you have 1 year time to travel to Australia and activate your Working Holiday Visa.

On the airport in Australia, after the baggage pick up, you will receive your Working Holiday Visa from an immigration officer. He will check your passport number which is linked to your Working Holiday Visa and it should be automatically activated.

Tip: Bring a copy of your visa confirmation to the border. So you can prove that you have a Working Holiday Visa in case if there are any problems.

You need these documents at the border for your WHV:

● Valid Passport (Valid at least as long as you plan to stay)
● International Health Insurance (Best Australia Travel Insurance for Backpacker)
● Proof of 5000AUD + onward flight or additional money for the onward flight
● Proof of your visa

Working Holiday Visa Australia FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

Which countries can take a Working Holiday in Australia?
On the official Australian Government website you can see which countries can currently take a Working Holiday. You can also see if there are other types of visas available for you. -> Visa finder.

What does the Working Holiday Australia Visa cost?
The Working Holiday Visa for Australia currently costs 485 AUD. There is an additional fee of 1-1.8% depending on the payment method.

Can I get a refund of the Working Holiday Australia Visa application cost?
The visa processing fee is paid for the processing, not for receiving a visa. So the cost for a working holiday visa are not refundable.

Is the WHV Australia contingent limited?
The quota for Working Holiday Visa in Australia is not limited. Every British person who applies for a WHV Australia and fulfils all the conditions can receive a WHV. Some other countries have a limit on their visa applications.

When should I start my application for the Working Holiday Australia Visa?
Ideally you should apply for your visa at least 3 months before your planned departure to Australia. This way you will not get into any trouble if you have to submit additional information. You can apply for the Working Holiday Australia Visa maximum 12 months in advance.

Can I apply for the VISA while being in Australia?
No! You can't apply for the WHV when you're in Australia. The online procedure does not work if you are in Australia. However, you can apply for it in Germany and all other countries outside Australia.

When does my WHV for Australia start?
After you have received the confirmation from the visa application, you have 1 year time to enter Australia. Your WHV will be automatically activated upon entry and is then valid for 1 year.

Can I get another Working Holiday Visa for Australia?
YES! You can get up to 3 Working Holiday Visas in Australia

More Information: “The second Working Holiday Visa for Australia“

I want help with my Working Holiday Visa Application for Australia

You can book your visa application with our certified Immigration agency. So you have help with the application, processing and communication with homeaffairs. Just provide all needed information and sit back while your application get's processed. Book now!

>>> Book your Working Holiday Visa Application appointment now* <<<

Also Read

• Best Australia Travel Insurance for Backpacker
• 15 tips to ALWAYS finding cheap flights
• Ultimate Backpackers Packing List! [Free PDF]
• 10 Tips How To Pick A Good Hostel
• The most useful travel apps for your journey through Australia
• MELBOURNE: 11 Places To Visit Before You Die

Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links marked with a * are affiliate links, and, at no additional cost to you, I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. I use all the companies listed and recommend them because they rock and have made my travels better. If you are ready to book your trip and would like to support Working Holiday Blog, using these links is one way to do that. If you have any questions about the companies, e-mail me.

 

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