A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Successfully Navigate Applying Working Holiday Visa in Australia.

Australia is no doubt one of the hotspots for international travellers, with its vast, diverse landscapes, bustling cities, and unique wildlife. There are plenty of different ways to get here, but if you are interested in making some cash while you enjoy your holiday, a working holiday visa may be for you. It allows you to experience all that Australia has to offer while being able to fund your adventures. Whether you’re planning to work in a café or do farm work to extend your stay, we've got the first part of your journey covered for you!

Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Working Holiday Visa in Australia (Subclass 417)

1. Determine Your Eligibility

Before applying, make sure you are eligible:

• Age: You must be between 18 and 30 years old (inclusive). Citizens of certain countries can apply up to age 35.
  

• Belgium – 18 to 30 years

• Canada – 18 to 35 years

• Republic of Cyprus - 18 to 30 years

• Denmark - 18 to 35 years

• Estonia - 18 to 30 years

• Finland - 18 to 30 years

• France - 18 to 35 years

• Germany - 18 to 30 years

• Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China - 18 to 30 years

• Republic of Ireland - 18 to 35 years

• Italy - 18 to 35 years

• Japan - 18 to 30 years

• Republic of Korea - 18 to 30 years

• Malta - 18 to 30 years

• Netherlands - 18 to 30 years

• Norway - 18 to 30 years

• Sweden - 18 to 30 years

• Taiwan (other than an official or diplomatic passport) - 18 to 30 years

• The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (including British National Overseas passport holders) - 18 to 35 years

• (information above as of 28/062024 from https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/first-working-holiday-417#Eligibility)

• Passport: Hold a valid passport from an eligible country. Make sure you have more than 6 months on it. Most countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is about to expire.

• Funds: Have sufficient funds for your stay (usually around AUD 5,000) and a return ticket or enough money to purchase one.

2. Gather Required Documents

Prepare the necessary documents for your application:

• Passport: A scanned copy of your passport’s biodata page.

• Financial Proof: Bank statements showing you have enough funds.

• Health Insurance: Proof of adequate health insurance coverage.

• Character Documents: Police certificates if required.

3. Complete the Application

• Go to the Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs website  https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/  and create an ImmiAccount. Complete the application form, providing accurate details about your background, health, and travel plans.

• Be prepared to pay $ 635.00 AUD for the visa. This price is as of when this blog was posted

• Submit your application online and wait for confirmation. Processing times can vary, so be patient!

• Here is the link to the working holiday visa https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/work-holiday-417/first-working-holiday-417#Overview 

4. Prepare for Your Trip

While waiting for your visa approval, start planning your trip, make sure you read our blogs on key things to keep

• Location: plan where you are going to staying and what is in the area, if you have access to public transport, groceries and necessities.

• Accommodation: you van either stay in a hostel or hotel if when you arrive or you can lay in some groundwork with a site like www.flatmates.com.au and find some more permanent accommodation. It’s also a great way to meet people who are local and make lifelong friends.

• Job Search: Research potential job opportunities and the job market in Australia. Make sure your resume is up to date and that you have clothing prepared for interviews, flip flops won’t cut it!

5. Things to do when you arrive

Once your visa is approved, your flights are booked and prepare for your journey. Upon arrival, you’ll need to:

• Your working holiday visa will be activated automatically when you enter Australia and get through immigration.

• Make sure you set up the following ASAP:

  • Get an Australian SIM card,

  • Open a bank account,

  • Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN).

  • Set up a MyGov account

Once you have those things sorted, you can relax a little bit and explore your new city.

Pro Tip: We would recommend coming early in the morning (depending on your accommodation). If you arrive early in the morning, you have the opportunity to set up these things with minimal interruptions and enjoy your first day by getting those tasks done.

Well done for making it this far. You are in a new country and started your new adventure! Now go explore you good thing you! 😉

Ready to start your adventure? The W-Birds App is here to connect you with potential job opportunities. Make your own adventure!