FAQ
Working Holiday visa requirements
DO I NEED A VISA FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY IN AUSTRALIA?
Yes. The Australian Immigration legislation requires all non-citizens to have a valid visa before entering the country. If you also want to work in Australia, you have to make sure to choose a suitable visa, like the Australian Working Holiday visa.
WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
To be eligible for an Australian Working Holiday visa, you have to be between 18 and 30 years old, hold a valid passport of an eligible country and want to travel as well as work in Australia occasionally.
More information can be found on our Working Holiday page.
More information can be found on our Working Holiday page.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN WORKING HOLIDAY VISAS AND WORK AND HOLIDAY VISAS?
These are different visa classes with different regulations. The most important difference is that the eligibility for one of these visa classes depends on your citizenship. There are distinct lists of countries eligible for these visas. There are no nationalities which are eligible for both visa classes. Consequently, provided that you do not have dual citizenship, you are eligible either for a Working Holiday visa or a Work and Holiday visa (or for neither of these because you are a citizen of a country that has no agreement with Australia regarding these visa classes).
WHEN SHOULD I APPLY FOR THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
As a rule, most Working Holiday visas (subclass 417) are processed and granted within a few working days. However, processing times can differ significantly.
Processing times for a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) can be longer, especially if you hold a passport from a country in which the application process is still paper-based.
In all cases, we recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Processing times for a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) can be longer, especially if you hold a passport from a country in which the application process is still paper-based.
In all cases, we recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
CAN MY VISA APPLICATION BE REFUSED?
Your visa application can be refused if you, for example, do not meet the criteria for the visa or you do not respond to any queries or requests by the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
More information can be found on our Working Holiday page.
More information can be found on our Working Holiday page.
WHEN DOES THE 12-MONTH PERIOD COMMENCE?
From the date of the visa grant, you have 12 months to enter Australia. From the time of entry, you can stay in the country for a maximum period of 12 months.
ARE THERE ANY ALTERNATIVES TO A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
A Working Holiday visa is an easy and uncomplicated visa option. Depending on what you want to be able to do while you are in Australia, there are also other pathways.
If you don’t want to work during your stay, a tourist or visitor visa should be sufficient. These visa subclasses don’t carry any work rights, but enable you to travel as well as to participate in trainings or courses for a certain period of time. More information can be found on our Visitor visa website.
If a Visitor visa is not a fit for your purposes, you can, for example, consider a student visa or one of the Australian work visas.
If you don’t want to work during your stay, a tourist or visitor visa should be sufficient. These visa subclasses don’t carry any work rights, but enable you to travel as well as to participate in trainings or courses for a certain period of time. More information can be found on our Visitor visa website.
If a Visitor visa is not a fit for your purposes, you can, for example, consider a student visa or one of the Australian work visas.
CAN I APPLY FOR THE VISA BEFORE MY 18. BIRTHDAY?
Unfortunately not. In order to be eligible for an Working Holiday visa you must have turned 18 at the time of application.
But as a Visapath Australia client you can commission us to apply for your visa before your birthday. We will take care of your application punctually on your birthday and send you your visa immediately after grant. Simply talk to us.
CAN I APPLY FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA AFTER MY 30TH BIRTHDAY?
Yes, that is no problem as long as you lodge your visa application before your 31. birthday. Relevant is the date of submission, not of the visa grant. After your visa is granted you have 12 months to enter Australia and spend up to 1 year working and travelling the country.
Visapath Australia usually needs 2-3 days to prepare your visa application. In urgent cases, please contact us in advance.
Visapath Australia usually needs 2-3 days to prepare your visa application. In urgent cases, please contact us in advance.
WHY IS THERE AN AGE LIMIT FOR WORKING HOLIDAY VISAS AND WORK AND HOLIDAY VISAS?
The Working Holiday visa was introduced in 1975 with the objective of promoting youth exchange between countries that have concluded a corresponding agreement. The basic concept behind this agreement is to enable young people to broaden their horizons and gain intercultural experience. For this reason, this visa is not available to persons aged over 30.
IS IT TRUE THAT THE AGE LIMIT FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA MIGHT BE RAISED TO 35 YEARS?
According to the current legal situation, the age limit of 30 still applies to all countries.
The only exception is currently Canada. For Candian citizen the age limit has been raised to 35 years in November 2018.
The only exception is currently Canada. For Candian citizen the age limit has been raised to 35 years in November 2018.
Working Holiday visa application and procedure
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE UNTIL THE VISA IS GRANTED?
As a rule, most Working Holiday visas (subclass 417) are processed and granted within a few working days. However, processing times can differ significantly. Processing times for a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462) can be longer, especially if you hold a passport from a country in which the application process is still paper-based. Especially if further documents or also a health examination have been requested by the Department, the processing time can increase significantly and take several weeks. In all cases, we recommend applying for your visa as early as possible, to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
CAN I USE MY NATIONAL ID CARD TO APPLY FOR MY AUSTRALIAN VISA?
A National ID card is no official travel document and will, therefore, not be accepted. For an application for an Australian visa, you need to have a valid passport.
DO I HAVE TO SEND MY PASSPORT IN WHEN APPLYING FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
No. It is not necessary to send original passport documents. Your visa is granted electronically and is linked to your passport number. All visa records are stored in a central database, which enables the Australian immigration authorities to easily check your visa status. Passport visa labels are no longer required.
DO I HAVE TO ATTACH ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS TO MY WORKING HOLIDAY VISA APPLICATION?
Usually, the information provided in the online form is sufficient. However, in some cases the Department of Home Affairs requests further documents which must be provided accordingly. This can be, for example, a colour scan of your passport or, should you apply for a second-year visa, payslips as evidence for your work in regional Australia.
If you wish to work in certain facilities (such as child care or health facilities) during your working holiday, it is highly likely that further documents such as a police certificate will be requested or a health check will be required.
If you wish to work in certain facilities (such as child care or health facilities) during your working holiday, it is highly likely that further documents such as a police certificate will be requested or a health check will be required.
DO I HAVE TO UNDERGO A MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA??
In the majority of the cases a health check is not required although it will be requested under certain circumstances.
For example, if you wish to work in certain facilities (such as child care or health facilities) during your working holiday, it is highly likely that a health check will be required.
For example, if you wish to work in certain facilities (such as child care or health facilities) during your working holiday, it is highly likely that a health check will be required.
MAY ANY GP CONDUCT THE MEDICAL EXAMINATION FOR THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
Unfortunately not. Medical examinations for visa purposes may only be conducted by a panel physician. Those physicians have been approved by the Australian Government as a member of the panel to perform medical examinations on visa applicants who have applied from outside Australia.
HOW DO I GET MY VISA?
You will receive a so-called IMMI Grant Notice by e-mail. This visa is electronically linked to your passport and can therefore be checked easily by the immigration authorities. Passport stamps and labels are not required. You only need your passport when entering Australia. Nevertheless, we recommend that you have a printed version of your visa grant notification with you when you enter Australia.
WHAT IF I GOT A NEW PASSPORT AFTER MY WORKING HOLIDAY VISA WAS GRANTED?
Your Working Holiday visa is linked to your passport number. Therefore, should you get a new passport since having applied for the visa, for whatever reason, you must notify the Department of Home Affairs immediately and before your departure, otherwise there will be problems at your arrival in Australia. We are happy to do this for you at Visapath Australia. A short email with a picture or scan of the new passport is enough.
WHAT IF MY DETAILS HAVE CHANGED?
If your details have changed, you have to notify the Department of Home Affairs right away. We are happy to do this for you at Visapath Australia.
WHAT IF I MADE A MISTAKE IN MY VISA APPLICATION?
In this case, the data on which the visa grant is based do not match the information in your passport. The result may be that you do not have a valid visa and will have to re-apply, thus incurring double costs. In the worst case, you may also be denied entry to Australia. Please make sure that your information is accurate and complete in order to avoid unnecessary complications. If the visa has not yet been granted, it may be possible to make corrections. In this case, please contact us. We are happy to do this for you at Visapath Australia. Please note that it can sometimes take several weeks for the Department to process such requests.
Working Holiday visa conditions and rights
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO ENTER AUSTRALIA FROM THE DAY OF VISA GRANT?
From the date of the visa grant, you have 12 months to enter Australia. From the time of entry, you can stay in the country for a maximum period of 12 months.
MAY I STAY FOR A SHORTER OR LONGER PERIOD THAN 12 MONTHS WHILE ON A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
Your Working Holiday visa is valid for exactly 12 months from the date of entry. Shorter stays are no problem. Staying longer, on the other hand, is only possible if you have applied for a second-year Working Holiday visa or any other suitable Australian visa.
CAN I LEAVE AND RE-ENTER AUSTRALIA WHILE ON A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
You can leave and re-enter Australia during the validity period of the visa multiple times.
IN WHICH OCCUPATIONS MAY I WORK AS A WORKING HOLIDAY MAKER IN AUSTRALIA?
As a working holiday maker, you are not legally tied to any particular kind of work as long you only work for the same employer for a maximum period of six months.
HOW LONG AM I ALLOWED TO WORK FOR THE SAME EMPLOYER?
During your stay on a Working Holiday visa you can only work for the same employer for a maximum period of six months (regardless of whether in one term or spread out across shorter periods).
AM I ALLOWED TO STUDY ON A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
Generally, yes, provided the study or course does not exceed a total duration of four months. However, you should check advance whether the desired training institution accepts participants with Working Holiday visas or whether they require Student visas. This is often the case with universities.
WHAT OTHER CONDITIONS ARE ATTACHED TO A WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
In addition to the employer work limitation of 6 months and the study limitation of 4 months there may be other conditions attached by the Department of Home Affairs, for example evidence of private health insurance.
DO I HAVE TO TAKE OUT MEDICAL INSURANCE IN AUSTRALIA?
The Department of Home Affairs can request evidence for private medical insurance cover and attach a respective condition to your visa. Some countries have signed reciprocal healthcare agreements with Australia which means that their citizens are automatically covered by Medicare and will, therefore not need a private health insurance while visiting Australia. These countries are Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Ireland, Slovenia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. If you are not a citizen of those countries, considering private health insurance is strongly recommended.
DO I HAVE TO PROVIDE EVIDENCE OF SUFFICIENT FINANCIAL FUNDS FOR MY WORKING HOLIDAY IN AUSTRALIA?
Yes. Upon entry, the Australian authorities may request proof that you have sufficient funds to support you in the initial period of your stay. A sum of A$5,000 is currently considered sufficient. In addition, you must provide evidence that you are able to cover the costs of your departure. This can either be by having a valid return ticket or an amount of money sufficient for the purchase of a return ticket.
HOW CAN I PROOF SUFFICIENT FUNDS?
As a working holiday maker you are required to provide proof for A$5,000 and either a valid return ticket or enough money to buy a return ticket.
Supporting documentation may include, but is not to be limited to:
bank passbooks
bank account statements and/or credit card statements (on a bank or financial institution letterhead)
letters from banks or other financial institutions (which should be on the bank or financial institution’s letterhead, dated and signed) and/or
written confirmation by a third party and documents to show that the third party has sufficient funds by providing bank account statement/passbooks.
All pieces of evidence must be current and translated into English.
bank passbooks
bank account statements and/or credit card statements (on a bank or financial institution letterhead)
letters from banks or other financial institutions (which should be on the bank or financial institution’s letterhead, dated and signed) and/or
written confirmation by a third party and documents to show that the third party has sufficient funds by providing bank account statement/passbooks.
All pieces of evidence must be current and translated into English.
IS IT TRUE THAT I CAN ONLY APPLY FOR MY TFN AFTER MY ARRIVAL IN AUSTRALIA?
Unfortunately yes. You can apply for a TFN only if you have already entered Australia. Any attempt to do this from home will
fail, as it will be checked during the application process with the Australian Immigration Department’s
database whether you are actually in Australia or not.
For your TFN application you will need an Australian postal address. Your TFN will be mailed to this address within four weeks of applying. As a Miller & Co Australian client, you can use our TFN postal service and enter our postal address here. As soon as your TFN arrives, we will scan the letter with your TFN and send it to your email address.
Find more information on our info page.
For your TFN application you will need an Australian postal address. Your TFN will be mailed to this address within four weeks of applying. As a Miller & Co Australian client, you can use our TFN postal service and enter our postal address here. As soon as your TFN arrives, we will scan the letter with your TFN and send it to your email address.
Find more information on our info page.
HOW DO I GET MY VISA?
You will receive a so-called IMMI Grant Notice by e-mail. This visa is electronically linked to your passport and can therefore be checked easily by the immigration authorities. Passport stamps and labels are not required. You only need your passport when entering Australia. Nevertheless, we recommend that you have a printed version of your visa grant notification with you when you enter Australia.
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY PROVISIONS FOR AUSTRALIA?
The Australian entry requirements are very strict and detailed. For further information, visit our Australian entry requirements page.
Stay longer after your Working Holiday
CAN I EXTEND MY STAY IN AUSTRALIA?
No. An Working Holiday visa is only valid for a maximum period of 12 months. Extending your stay is only possible if you decide to apply for another Australian visa.
CAN I APPLY FOR A SECOND WORKING HOLIDAY VISA?
You may be eligible for a second-year Working Holiday visa if you are under 31 years old and if you have worked in regional Australia for at least three months (88 days) in an approved job during your first working holiday.
More information can be found on our second-year Working Holiday page.
More information can be found on our second-year Working Holiday page.
SECOND WORKING HOLIDAY VISA WITHOUT FARM WORK - IS THAT POSSIBLE?
In order to be eligible for a second year Working Holiday visa you need to have worked in an approved job during your first working holiday. This can be, for example, farm work, but not exclusively. There are also several other options available. A list of all types of specified work can be found here.
WHAT EXACTLY IS "SPECIFIED WORK"?
There is a list of jobs that can be conducted in order to be eligible for a second Working Holiday visa, so-called “specified work”. They can be done in the following industries:
Plant and animal cultivation
Fishing and pearling
Tree farming and felling
Mining
Construction.
A list of all types of specified work can be found here.
Plant and animal cultivation
Fishing and pearling
Tree farming and felling
Mining
Construction.
A list of all types of specified work can be found here.
HOW DO I CALCULATE THE 88 DAYS FOR MY SECOND YEAR VISA?
To be eligible for a second Working Holiday visa you have to work for at least 3 months or, more precisely, 88 days in one of the above-mentioned jobs and areas for the same number of days a full-time employee would normally work in that specific industry during this 3-months-period.
More information can be found in our blog article.
More information can be found in our blog article.
WHAT IF I WASN'T ABLE TO COMPLETE MY 88 DAYS?
Completing the 88 days of specified work during your first Working Holiday visa is a mandatory requirement to be eligible for a second-year visa.
If you are not eligible for a second-year visa, there are still other visa options you can consider, for example visitor visa, employment visa or student visa.
If you are not eligible for a second-year visa, there are still other visa options you can consider, for example visitor visa, employment visa or student visa.
WHAT IS CONSIDERED "REGIONAL AUSTRALIA"?
Which areas are considered regional is determined by the Department of Home Affairs and depends on the state and the postcode. Currently, the areas listed here are considered regional areas.
WHAT EVIDENCE MUST BE PROVIDED IN THE APPLICATION FOR A SECOND-YEAR VISA?
The following evidence is accepted:
Earnings certificates
Payslips
Tax returns
Employer confirmations
Other documents containing the name and contact details of the employer and the period of employment.
Form 1263 Working Holiday visa employment verification (optional)
More information can be found on our second-year Working Holiday page.
Earnings certificates
Payslips
Tax returns
Employer confirmations
Other documents containing the name and contact details of the employer and the period of employment.
Form 1263 Working Holiday visa employment verification (optional)
More information can be found on our second-year Working Holiday page.
ARE THERE ALSO OTHER VISAS I CAN APPLY FOR IF I WANT TO STAY LONGER?
If you want to stay longer but you do not meet the requirements for a second-year visa, there are other visa options to consider. Which visa is the best choice depends on your individual circumstances and goals.
If you don’t want to work in Australia, visitor visas are a suitable option. They do not carry work rights, but enable you to travel and to participate in study programs. For more information visit our Visitor visa page.
Furthermore, there are student visas or employment visas available.
If you don’t want to work in Australia, visitor visas are a suitable option. They do not carry work rights, but enable you to travel and to participate in study programs. For more information visit our Visitor visa page.
Furthermore, there are student visas or employment visas available.
Problems with the visa application or when entering Australia
WHAT ARE THE ENTRY PROVISIONS FOR AUSTRALIA?
The Australian entry requirements are very strict and detailed. For further information, visit our Australian entry requirements page.
WHAT DIFFICULTIES CAN ARISE?
If you made an error in your visa application, the data on which the visa grant is based do not match the information in your passport. The result may be that you do not have a valid visa and will have to re-apply, thus incurring double costs. In the worst case, you may also be denied entry to Australia. Please make sure that your information is accurate and complete in order to avoid unnecessary complications. If the visa has not yet been granted, it may be possible to make corrections. In this case, please contact us. In some cases, clients may not receive our e-mail messages and thus their valid visas, as they will end up in their junk folder. Please check your junk folder regularly.
WHAT IF MY VISA HAS NOT BEEN GRANTED YET?
Without a valid visa you are not allowed to enter Australia.
Therefore, we highly recommend applying for your visa well in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
Therefore, we highly recommend applying for your visa well in advance to avoid any unpleasant surprises.
WHAT IF MY DETAILS HAVE CHANGED?
If your details have changed, you have to notify the Department of Home Affairs right away. We are happy to do this for you at Visapath Australia.
WHAT IF I MADE A MISTAKE IN MY VISA APPLICATION?
In this case, the data on which the visa grant is based do not match the information in your passport. The result may be that you do not have a valid visa and will have to re-apply, thus incurring double costs. In the worst case, you may also be denied entry to Australia. Please make sure that your information is accurate and complete in order to avoid unnecessary complications. If the visa has not yet been granted, it may be possible to make corrections. In this case, please contact us. We are happy to do this for you at Visapath Australia. Please note that it can sometimes take several weeks for the Department to process such requests.
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE DEPARTMENT REQUESTS ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS OR INFORMATION?
Although queries of the Department are not the rule, they happen frequently. As Visapath Australia client, we advise you with regard to obtaining the necessary documents and evidence. For example, if a health check is required, we will navigate you through the process and make everything as uncomplicated as possible for you.
Questions regarding the ASH's Working Holiday service
WHAT DOES A MIGRATION AGENT DO?
A Registered Migration Agent is someone who has the necessary qualifications and registration to advise on Australian visas and to represent applicants to the Australian Department of Home Affairs. In other words, a migration agent is an expert in Australian immigration law and thus a competent and reliable contact and counselor. Our team of registered migration agents take care of applying for the visa for you, takes care of the review and processing quickly and competently and is your reliable contact person for this topic. A migration agent can not promise a visa or influence the processing speed of the authorities. But as an expert in this field, a migration agent helps to make the process as easy as possible for you, to discuss problem areas in advance and to work out possible solutions in order to achieve the best possible result in the end. As registered migration agents, we are committed to the high standards of the Code of Conduct for Australian Migration Agents. These can also be found in the Consumer Guide.
WARUM MEIN WORKING HOLIDAY VISUM ÜBER ASH AUSTRALIA BEANTRAGEN?
You benefit from our experience, because we know the potential pitfalls and issues that can arise when applying for a Working Holiday visa. If necessary, we will consult with you and assist you to avoid problems as far as possible or to solve them in the best possible way. We will review your details carefully before submitting your visa application. Wir sind Experten auf dem Gebiet australischer Visa und kennen die möglichen Problemfelder und Fallstricke in diesem Zusammenhang. Sie profitieren also von unserer Erfahrung und Professionalität. Denn wir sehen uns Ihre Daten genau durch und halten auch mit Ihnen Rücksprache um Probleme weit möglichst zu umgehen oder einfach zu lösen. Nicht nur unser online Formular ist komplett auf deutsch, was die Antragstellung einfach und unkompliziert macht, auch die weitere Kommunikation zwischen Ihnen und uns erfolgt ausschließlich auf deutsch. Darüber hinaus erhalten Sie einen ausführlichen PDF-Guide mit 99 aktuellen und wertvollen Tipps rund ums Thema Working Holiday in Australien an, die den Start ins Auslandsjahr einfach und unkompliziert machen. Ebenso im Preis enthalten ist unser TFN Service. Dieser beinhaltet einen ausführlichen pdf Guide zur Beantragung einer TFN sowie einen kostenlosen TFN Postservice. Mehr Informationen hierzu gibt es auf unserer Bestellseite.
WIE LÄUFT DIE BEANTRAGUNG AB?
Sie füllen einfach unser online Formular aus und geben uns Ihre Reisepassdaten (wahlweise können Sie auch schnell und einfach ein Reisepassfoto hochladen und sich lästiges Eintippen sparen). Zum Schluss wählen Sie Ihre bevorzugte Bezahloption aus. Wir sehen uns anschließend Ihre Angaben durch und reichen daraufhin Ihren Visumsantrag schnell und zuverlässig beim Department of Home Affairs ein. Falls uns Fehler oder Unstimmigkeiten auffallen, halten wir zuvor noch einmal mit Ihnen Rücksprache (per E-Mail oder auch telefonisch). Außerdem kümmern wir uns um Rückfragen der australischen Behörden und halten Sie auf dem Laufenden über den Stand der Bearbeitung. Sobald Ihr Visum genehmigt wurde, erhalten Sie dieses direkt per E-Mail.
WAS IST, WENN ICH BEIM AUSFÜLLEN DES ONLINE FORMULARS UNTERBROCHEN WERDE?
Sie können das Formular jederzeit speichern und später fortsetzen, wenn Sie das möchten. In diesem Fall erhalten Sie von uns einen Link per E-Mail zugesendet, über den Sie einfach und schnell später dort fortfahren können wo Sie aufgehört haben. Ihre Angaben werden 30 Tage gespeichert.
WAS IST IM PREIS INBEGRIFFEN?
Im Preis inbegriffen ist nicht nur die Einreichung Ihres Working Holiday Visumantrages beim australischen Department of Home Affairs und die Zahlung der entsprechenden Visumgebühr, sondern auch die Durchsicht und Prüfung Ihrer Unterlagen und Angaben in unserem Fragebogen sowie ggf. Rücksprache mit Ihnen. Außerdem kümmern wir uns um Rückfragen der australischen Behörden und leiten Ihnen Ihr Visum nach Genehmigung per E-Mail weiter.
Zusätzlich enthalten sind unser PDF-Guide “99 Dinge – Work & Travel” sowie der TFN Quick Start Guide mit Bereitstellung einer australischen Postanschrift zur Beantragung einer Tax File Number.
Zusätzlich enthalten sind unser PDF-Guide “99 Dinge – Work & Travel” sowie der TFN Quick Start Guide mit Bereitstellung einer australischen Postanschrift zur Beantragung einer Tax File Number.
WIE KANN ICH BEZAHLEN?
Sie bezahlen den Gesamtbetrag in Euro. Als Bezahloptionen bieten wir Ihnen folgende Möglichkeiten:
Kreditkarte (Visa, Mastercard)
Paypal
Überweisung auf unser deutsches Bankkonto
Sie können diese am Ende des online Formulars auswählen.
Kreditkarte (Visa, Mastercard)
Paypal
Überweisung auf unser deutsches Bankkonto
Sie können diese am Ende des online Formulars auswählen.
HABE ICH EINEN ANSPRECHPARTNER FÜR FRAGEN?
Wir stellen Ihnen einen erfahrenen deutschsprachigen Migration Agent zur Seite, der Ihr fester Ansprechpartner für alle Ihre Fragen ist. Wir stehen Ihnen per E-Mail oder telefonisch zur Verfügung.