Want to experience Australia on your terms for up to a full year (or longer)? There are many great reasons to apply for a Working Holiday Maker visa to Australia, and it’s also one of the most simple and straightforward visas to apply for so long as you meet the eligibility criteria.
What exactly is the Working Holiday Maker visa and how can you apply for one?
What is a Working Holiday Maker Visa?
The Working Holiday visa (Subclass 417) is a one-year visa that entitles visa holders to travel to and within Australia, live, work, and study for up to four months. The purpose of WHM visas in Australia and elsewhere is to provide young people with the opportunity to experience a new country, work and/or study, make new friendships and develop professionally and socially, and to facilitate travel for eligible visa holders.
Most visas to Australia are generally for one specific purpose, i.e. just to work, just to study, just to live with a family member, etc. This visa works differently in that it allows holders the freedom to live and work, study, and travel while also allowing them to reapply for up to two subsequent WHM visas for a total of three years.
Unlike other visas, however, the WHM visa does not lead to permanent residence opportunities on its own. In other words, if your intention is to remain in Australia indefinitely, it is generally better to consider other visa subclasses that lead to permanent residence and citizenship, if desired.
Who Can Apply for a Working Holiday Visa?
The WHM visa scheme is available to individuals that meet specific criteria, namely they must be within a certain age range and be citizens and passport holders of a select few countries.
Citizens (and passport holders) of the following countries aged 18-30 can apply:
- Belgium
- Republic of Cyprus
- Estonia
- Finland
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Sweden
- Taiwan
Those aged between 18-35 in the following countries can apply:
- Canada
- Denmark
- France
- Republic of Ireland
- Italy
- The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
You must meet the above criteria in order to apply for a WHM visa. There are other eligibility criteria to consider, such as having sufficient funds to cover your stay (about AUD$5,000), as well as meeting the government’s character and health requirements.
Is a Working Holiday Visa Worth it?
There’s no doubt about it, the WHM visa scheme is absolutely worth it if you are an eligible citizen and passport holder of the above countries within the age range requirement.
Many young German students come to Australia after completing their Abitur, seeking honest work opportunities, backpacking across the country, making new friends and perhaps learning to surf, for example. Individuals from all eligible countries can better appreciate the quality of life in Australia as well as create unforgettable experiences.
Another important fact that makes Australia’s WHM visa appealing is that it can be renewed up to two times, provided you meet specific criteria, allowing you to live and work in Australia for up to three total years. For young individuals from eligible countries, the WHM is an excellent opportunity that should not be missed.
Gold Medal Visa
Apply for visas to Australia with the assistance of Gold Medal Visa.
