Was that work to surf, or surf to work?
A dream for many ; in 2006-7 some 134,612 traveled south. Sadly enough not everyone can apply for the working holiday programme and join the big barbecue down under.
Are you from one of the following countries?
Belgium, Canada, the Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong SAR, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom.
Most of working holiday makers come from the United Kingdom (31,000) , but many also come from Asia (Korea: 29,000 & Japan 12,000) and in between they squeezed a few Germans (16,000), Irish (14,000) , French (8000) and Canadians (7000).
And can Grandpa apply as well?
Tricky, unless your grandfather is still looking sprightly and can proof that he is under 30 which is the Australian working holiday age limit. And your younger brother has to be at least 18.
But there is hope for GrandPa yet — the work shortage in Australia is serious (so its easy to find jobs) and the government is trying to raise the working holiday visa age limit. I will keep you posted!
What else do I need to know?
If you manage to get the visa (just apply for it online here) it is valid for 12 months. The online application should be smooth and relatively easy — just make sure that you have a valid passport.
And you can only get one. So don’t apply for this visa if you are still in University and just want to spend you holidays in Australia ; get a Tourist visa instead. Wait until you finish university (or go before you enter university) so that you can enjoy the full year.
The visa is multiple-entry , so you can come and go for the period of the visa. If you decide to have a holiday in New Zealand you can come back as long as your Australian Working Holiday visa is still valid.
In addition you can use this visa to study (English for example!) for up to 4 months.
If you find a job – you can work for the same employer for up to 6 months.
Can I stay longer than 12 months?
It is possible to obtain a second working holiday visa, but you need proof that you have managed the most difficult task of all: having worked in some of the most remote parts of Australia for at least 3 months in mining, construction, tree farming fishing… because they will only accept the true heir to Crocodile Dundee.
Drive on Left – Image by Irene