Working Holiday Maker Visas for Australians

Whether you are planning to go to the traditional working holiday countries like the UK or Canada, or want to try one of the many other European countries with this visa option, or even the more recent US program, working holiday visas are a way to stay beyond the traditional 90 day tourist period and gain employment expanding opportunities to experience life abroad. 

The UK working holiday program, called the ‘Youth Mobility Scheme’, is still the most popular, but don’t forget that you now need to undergo biometric fingerprinting as part of the application process – so you need to allow enough time to get this organised.  The visa costs approx £200 and requires you to show proof of at least £1,800 to support yourself on arrival while you search for work. But you can work the full 2 years of your visa period anywhere throughout the UK (including Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), in almost any field of business, and you can also secure work before you touch down. 

In the past it has been extremely difficult to obtain a visa or green card to legally work in America due to tight immigration laws and strict regulations. Things have now changed with the Australia/US Work and Holiday J-1 Visa program giving Aussies the chance to work for one employer for up to twelve months in the United States. Visa requirements are strict and candidates need to be enrolled in a post secondary course or be within a year of completing a secondary course. The process is also pricey as sponsorship must be arranged prior to departure with a US Government pre-approved organisation that can cost anywhere between a couple of hundred US dollars to a couple of thousand dollars on top of the US$160 visa application fee. So start saving and get organised to take advantage of this special offer to work in the land of opportunity!

A number of companies run working holiday programs in the US and can help you apply for the J-1 Visa or H-2B Visa for temporary non-agricultural work. Companies to contact include IEP, Camp Counsellors USAand Camp America.

Whether you want to work a ski season in British Columbia, practice your French in Canada’s eastern provinces, or simply supplement an extended holiday by earning some coin, Canada has always been a popular travel destination for Australians. Eligible Aussies can apply for the two-year International Experience Canada working holiday visa for around CAD$150 (must show proof of CAD$2,500 funds). Even better, if you’re looking to extend your stay in Canada or return, it is possible to apply for a second visa.

Want to teach English in Japan? The single-entry Japan Working Holiday Visa is available for six months, with a further six month extension available. While there is no application fee at present, you do need to provide proof of AU$2,500 and a return ticket or confirmed reservation. The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers can help you with job referrals, accommodation and getting over culture shock. Ability to speak some Japanese is recommended but not compulsory.

This information is regularly updated, however note that visa conditions can change from year to year. It is very important to contact the relevant embassies before making travel arrangements. Australia is also always negotiating with new countries to join the reciprocal scheme - you can see a good summary on the Department of Immigration website.