FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions:


Am I eligible as a high school student?
Any person is eligible for a working holiday maker visa so long as they are aged between 18 and 30 and meet the rules as governed by The Australian government. See Visa regulations section.


Is there any flexibility on the age limit to obtain the working holiday maker visa for Australia?
No. Unfortunately, the Australian governments set the age limits, and we must abide by these restrictions.


What is support funds (the bank letter) and why do I need it?
Before a work visa is granted, the foreign governments have the responsibility of ensuring that you are entering their country with the necessary support funds. Since you’ll be incurring basic living expenses (such as first and last month's rent and food), this money is intended to help you settle in and tie you over until you have found employment and your first paycheck arrives. You simply have to prove, in the form of a bank letter, that you have the adequate amount of support funds. The amount required for the bank letter is set by foreign governments and may change at any time. Please note that lines of credit and investments will not be accepted as support funds.


When do I hand in the bank letter (i.e., show proof of support funds)?
Workinholidays.com will provide you  with an example letter that you can take to your financial institution. Once completed by your bank, this form indicates how much money you have available in your account. Return the completed bank letter to us at the same time you submit your application.


How early should I register?
You need to register at least  6 weeks in advance of your [planned departure. We may accept applications up to 4 weeks in advance if you already have your flights booked, however we offer no guarantee you will receive your visa on time. We recommend 6 weeks and preferably more.


Is it difficult to register?
Registration is easy, so long as you meet all the terms of the working holiday maker visa you can be accepted. Please note however that maturity and independence will help you a lot in Australia. We provide you most of the things you need but the rest is still up to you..


How will I know if my registration is successful?
If you meet all requirements and have correctly completed all documents, and submitted payment to workinholidays.com you will receive your Application Pack (this pack contains all the forms and various documents you need to apply). You will receive this via email. If for some reason you did not receive your Application Pack, simply give workinholidays.com a call in three business days to check on the status of your application.


What do I do after I have successfully registered?
Once you have your Application Pack read the information included so you know how to fill in your visa application forms and how to submit the forms. It is all very easy to do. When we receive the application, we will obtain your visa, book your arrival accommodation and orientation and inform you to book / confirm flights.


What do I do when I arrive in Australia?
When you arrive in Australia everything is taken care of…. You will be picked up and taken to the hostel, given instructions on everything that happens next. Our partners in Australia are committed to looking after you and helping get everything you need sorted as soon as possible after your arrival.


Is there a minimum amount of time that I need to stay overseas?
There is no minimum length-of-stay required. We do however recommend 3 – 4 months so you can really get a job and have a good experience.

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Will I return to Canada with lots of money?
You should earn enough money to cover your expenses while working abroad. However, any money saved usually goes to further travels, which is the point of your experience overseas! In the long run, saving money


When should I book my flight?
You should book your flight as soon as you have an idea of when you’d like to travel as it will be cheaper however you should not confirm your ticket until you know you get the working holiday maker visa.


Am I allowed to register and travel with a friend?
Yes and we will also try to book friends in the same dorm room. Please note that during peak seasons, particularly September – February this is sometimes not possible.


What is a visa?
A visa is  granted by a foreign country allowing you to visit, work or study in that country. Working definitely requires the specific permission of the foreign government and this is what we obtain for you. The visa legally entitles you to work for a specified period of time in the country of your choice. The visa is stamped in your passport or is on an official government form that you carry along with your passport. In some countries, you receive a special employment card that you must exchange for a work visa after you have arranged a job.


How long will it take to get my visa?
After we receive your application we should have your visa processed in less than a week.

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Can I extend or get a new working holiday maker visa?
There are possibilities to extend your visa or to apply for a second working holiday visa and possibilities to get another working holiday in New Zealand.


Can I stay in the host country permanently after my working holiday?
No, this is not permitted under this visa, however you may be able to be sponsored to stay in the country but this is ver difficult.


Do I require special medical exams?
Some people may require a medical examination or chest x-ray. Workinholidays.com will inform you if you do. Usually however this is required if you have spent 3 months or more of the past 5 years in a country deemed as high risk for tuberculosis.


Do I get guaranteed a job?
Our overseas staff provides you with employer contacts, have 3 recruitment companies in their office and have all the resources and helpful hints about locating employment in your host country; however, we’re not able to guarantee a placement. Most people are able to find work within 7 – 14 days… however some people prefer to go on our cowboy school or surf school prior to working…. Don’t forget it is a holiday too….


What types of jobs are available?
Most of the jobs posted at the hosting centre’s are in the retail, clerical, and hospitality/tourism industries and through our recruitment firm partners they are in warehouse, offices and clerical positions. If you don’t have much experience a good way to start is to work on a fruitpicking farm with other travelers.

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Can I use the program to gain professional experience?
Yes you can, although most people like to work in seasonal jobs we do have 3 recruitment companies in our partner office in Sydney and they have a lot of professional positions available. Please remember though, you need to be realistic, 6 months is the maximum you can work for one employer so you are not likely to get a high end high paying job as employers are more likely to hire an Australian.


Were will I live?
We include Sydney’s best hostel after you arrive, and if you want to extend in this hostel you can. Our partners in Sydney will give you  advice on how to find share house accommodation and apartment in Sydney and around Australia. Usually it takes about 7 – 14 days to find an apartment and the costs range from about $150 per week to $250 per week for a room in a house, Many working holiday makers like to share rooms to save money.


How do I find a job?
When you apply to workinholidays.com we will rovide you with all of this information and our partners in Australia will help you when you get there too!


Do I need a return ticket?
No, not if you hold a working holiday visa, but you will have to show sufficient funds for one upon arrival (we advise approx $1,000) this is in addition to your AUD$5,000 funds.

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When should I book my flight?
The Australian High Commission request that you do not book your flight until your visa has been granted.


Do I Need a Medical Examination?
No doctors letter is required but if you are hoping to work in healthcare, childcare, nursing homes or be in a classroom situation for more than 4 weeks you will have to provide a chest x-ray as standard.

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