Australia
offers travellers the chance to work casually to support extended visits to the
country. This presents a fantastic opportunity to take some time to explore the
vast continent and experience life downunder. It is one that many visitors take
and end up having the time of their lives.
According
to the Australian Government department of citizenship website Australia offers
the visas ‘to encourage cultural exchange and closer ties between the
arrangement countries’. I think it is great that Australia enables people to
live and work in the country temporarily. I have had several different and
interesting job opportunities working in roles varying from journalism and
recruitment to the mining industry. It also offers international travellers the
opportunity to take a good look at Australia and understand the place,
something that is tricky to do on a 30-day tourist visa.
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| Kangaroos on the beach, Esperance, WA, Australia |
Which
visas are available?
Two
working and holidaying visas are available to visitors.
The
‘Working Holiday’ visa (417) is available to citizens of Belgium, Canada,
Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy,
Japan, Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the UK.
The
'Work and Holiday’ visa (462) is available to citizens of Argentina, Bangladesh,
Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey, the USA and Uruguay.
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| Geared up to work on a minesite in WA, Australia |
Visa
conditions
- Applicants must be over 18 years old but not yet 31 years old at the time of their application.
- Visas are available to those looking to supplement a holiday rather than join the workforce.
How
to apply
If
you meet the conditions above you can apply for the visas online. The cost in 2013 was AU $365. There is a financial requirement to have access
to at least AU $5,000. Health checks may also be required.
I
applied for my visa online without any drama. I
was never asked to prove my financial situation but I would strongly suggest
people do have at least that amount of money available to them when they arrive
in Australia as it is an expensive country.
 |
| Exploring Australia |
Things
to remember once your visa is granted
- You need to enter Australia within 12 months of the date your visa was granted.
- The visas are multiple entry which means you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish.
- The 12-month period for which your visa is valid starts on the date you arrive in Australia. It expires 12 months after your initial arrival even if you spend large amounts of time outside Australia.
- Health insurance is recommended because health care is expensive in Australia.
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| Koala, Australia |
What
if you love Australia and don’t want to leave?
If
you feel like 12 months is not going to be long enough to really experience
everything Australia has to offer it is possible to apply for a second working
holiday visa. This will enable you to remain in Australia for a further 12
months. In order to be eligible to apply you must complete three months of
regional work. This is usually in primary industries such as farming and
fishing, where the Australian labour market has a shortage of workers. Since it
takes a minimum of three months to gain the relevant experience it is worth
thinking seriously about how long you want to stay in Australia within the
first six months of your stay. There is a website called Harvest Trail that is
dedicated to suitable jobs harvesting fruit and vegetables. http://jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail/
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| Pick mangoes in Queensland, Australia |
Sponsorship
If,
during your second year in Australia, you feel like you want to make Australia
your home you will need to find another visa option. Australian employers are
able to sponsor people (457) in certain professions that Australia suffers a
shortage of, enabling them to stay for several years. It is normal for the
employer to meet the costs and is usually a condition of the visa that you
remain employed by the sponsoring company for the duration of your visa.
If
you have ended up with an Australian partner they are able to sponsor your
application for a partner visa (820). This is a long and expensive process
however as you must prove your relationship is genuine by providing a 12-month
history in the form of bank accounts, utility bills, statutory declarations
from friends etc. It is also expensive as you must meet the costs yourself.
For
further information visit the Australian Government’s department of immigration
and citizenship website. It is well set out with lots of information.
Have
you visited Australia on a working holiday visa? Did you have a great time and head home or did you stay in Australia?
