Working Holiday Visa Australia: The Complete UK Guide

TL;DR: If you’re a British citizen between 18 and 35 years old, you can apply for a working holiday visa Australia (subclass 417). This visa lets you live and work in Australia for 12 months, with the option to extend for a second or even a third year, potentially allowing a stay of up to 3 years. The application fee is $635 AUD (about £330 GBP), and you’ll need at least $5,000 AUD (around £2,600 GBP) in savings to cover initial costs.

Imagine landing in Australia, excited for a year of new experiences, only to realize you forgot a crucial document for your visa, or you’re halfway through your amazing adventure and find it hard to stay in touch with friends and family back home because you didn’t plan to keep your old phone number. Many people heading off on a working holiday don’t fully prepare for both the official steps and how to stay connected across continents. For Brits dreaming of a life Down Under, getting a working holiday visa Australia is your first big step. Understanding all the rules is key to avoiding any unexpected problems and making the most of your time.

What is the working holiday visa Australia?

The Australian working holiday visa (officially called subclass 417) is a special permit for young people, aged 18 to 35, who want to visit Australia for a longer period. With this visa, you can earn money to help pay for your travels and gain valuable experience working in another country. It’s a great way to experience Australia’s famous relaxed way of life.

During your time in Australia with this visa, you are allowed to do several things legally. This includes taking on short-term jobs to support your trip and studying for up to 4 months. You can also travel in and out of Australia as often as you like during your visa period.

The working holiday visa lasts for a set amount of time and usually cannot be directly extended. However, if you meet certain conditions, you can apply for another Working Holiday visa. Unlike some other countries’ working holiday schemes that might have a limited number of spots or draw names from a list, anyone who meets Australia’s eligibility rules can apply for this visa. It’s important to know that you cannot bring family members or children who rely on you with this type of visa.

A young person serving drinks at a beachside cafe with a clear blue sky and ocean behind them.

Is the Working Holiday visa the same as the Australian Work and Holiday visa?

It can be a bit confusing because Australia has two different working holiday visas with very similar names. These are the Australian Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) and the Australian Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). While they sound alike, there are key differences.

Both visas share many of the same rules and conditions for who can apply. However, the main difference lies in who is eligible for the Australian Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). This visa is only for people aged 18 to 30, which is younger than the 18 to 35 age range for the Australian Working Holiday visa (subclass 417).

Importantly, if you hold a UK passport, you are not able to apply for the subclass 462 visa. It is only available to citizens from specific countries, which include the US, Singapore, Vietnam, and a few European nations, among others. Also, the subclass 462 visa usually has an education requirement, meaning you might need to have a certain level of schooling depending on your home country.

In contrast, the Australian Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), which is the one available to British citizens, does not have any education requirements. This makes it a more straightforward option for many people from the UK.

Is Australia currently accepting working holiday visa applications?

Yes, at the moment, Australia is open for new applications for working holiday visas. However, immigration rules can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Australian government website right before you start getting ready to apply.

What are the requirements for an Australian working holiday visa?

To be considered for an Australian working holiday visa, you need to meet several key requirements. These cover your age, your home country, and other important factors like your health, character, and how much money you have. Let’s look at these requirements in more detail.

Who is this visa for?

The Australian working holiday visa is mainly for young people taking their first trip to Australia. It’s for those who want to stay for a longer time but also need to work to pay for their travels and living costs. Beyond your age and nationality, you must also meet these requirements:

You must have at least $5,000 AUD saved up. This money is to help you support yourself when you first arrive and to pay for your journey back home. This shows you won’t be without funds in Australia.
You need to meet the minimum health standards set by Australia’s immigration department. This might involve health checks.
You must not have a serious criminal record. Your character is an important part of the application process.
You must not have entered Australia before on a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or a Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Also, your past visa applications must not have been refused. This visa is generally for first-time working holidaymakers.

Is there an age limit for the working holiday visa?

Yes, there is an age limit. If you have a UK passport, you must be between 18 and 35 years old when you apply for your Australian working holiday visa. This age limit for UK nationals was recently changed, as it used to be 30 years old. This means more British citizens can now enjoy this opportunity.

Are British nationals eligible for this visa?

Yes, British nationals are definitely eligible for the Australian working holiday visa. Along with people from the UK, citizens from several other countries can also apply for this visa, up to the age of 35. These countries include:

Canada
Denmark
France
Ireland
Italy

This extended age limit for these countries, including the UK, makes it easier for more people to experience a working holiday in Australia.

How long can I stay in Australia with a working holiday visa?

If your application is approved, your Australian working holiday visa will allow you to stay in the country for 12 months. This gives you a full year to explore, work, and enjoy everything Australia has to offer.

Can I extend a working holiday visa for Australia?

If you’ve loved your time in Australia and wish to stay longer, there’s good news! While you cannot simply extend your current Working Holiday visa, you do have the option to apply for a second, and even a third, Working Holiday visa. This means you could potentially stay in Australia for up to 3 years.

In the past, to be eligible for further visas, you generally needed to complete three months of specific types of work, often in regional areas. However, for UK citizens, things have changed significantly thanks to the new Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-UK FTA). Under this new agreement, Brits no longer need to complete any specified work to qualify for additional working holiday visas.

This change makes it much simpler to extend your stay in Australia. You can apply for a second visa, and then a third, without the previous work requirements. This is a great benefit for those considering a longer stay, giving you more freedom to plan your travels and work experiences.

If you decide to stay longer, it’s a good idea to think about how you’ll keep your UK phone number active. This way, you can easily stay in touch with friends and family back home and manage important affairs, even if you are extending your stay in Australia. Many services allow you to keep your UK number while you are living abroad.

What is the cost of the Australia Working Holiday visa?

There is an application fee you must pay for the working holiday visa for Australia. This fee is $635 AUD, which is about £330 GBP, and it applies to all three visa types – the first, second, and third working holiday visas. You need to pay this fee when you submit your application.

Beyond the main application fee, you might also have to pay extra costs for other things. These could include fees for biometrics (like fingerprints), specific health examinations, any vaccinations that are required, or police certificates from your home country or other countries you’ve lived in. Whether these are needed and how much they cost depends on your nationality and personal history.

Remember that you also need to show you have at least $5,000 AUD (about £2,600 GBP) in your bank account. This is to prove you can cover your initial travel and living expenses when you first arrive. It’s important to check the rules about taking cash in and out of Australia before you travel. Once you are in Australia, you will also have other costs like healthcare, renting a place to live, and daily expenses, which you’ll need to manage.

When applying for a working holiday visa, you usually do this from outside Australia. This means you’ll likely pay the application fee while you’re still in the UK. If you use a regular bank for this payment, you might face high international transfer fees and get a less favorable exchange rate when changing your British pounds to Australian dollars. It’s smart to look for payment options that help you avoid these extra costs.

How to apply for an Australian working holiday visa: Step-by-step guide

Are you ready to apply for your Australian Working Holiday visa? The process is straightforward if you follow these steps carefully.

1. Do you need to have health examinations?

First, visit the official Australian government website to find out if you need to arrange any health checks. Some nationalities or previous travel might require specific examinations. If health checks are necessary, it’s best to complete these before you begin your visa application. This can help speed up the process.

2. Gather your supporting documents

You will need to collect various documents to support your application. This includes proof of your identity and documents that show your character. We will go through the full list of necessary documents in a moment, but starting early can save you time.

3. Create an online ImmiAccount

To apply for your visa online, you must have an ImmiAccount. This is the Australian Department of Home Affairs’ online portal. If you don’t have one already, you’ll need to create a new account. If you’ve applied for Australian visas before, you can simply sign in to your existing account.

4. Apply online

Once your ImmiAccount is set up, you can fill out your application form online. Make sure to provide all your personal details accurately and complete every required section. You will also need to attach your supporting documents digitally to your application. Double-check everything before moving on.

5. Pay your application fee

The application fee must be paid online when you apply. You can use a credit or debit card, PayPal, UnionPay, or BPAY to make this payment. Ensure you have enough funds and choose a payment method that avoids high foreign transaction fees.

6. Submit your application

After filling in all details and paying the fee, carefully review your entire application one last time. Once you are sure everything is correct, submit your application. Make sure to write down your transaction reference number. This number is important if you need to contact the immigration department later. You should then receive a confirmation that your application has been submitted successfully. All that’s left is to wait for their decision.

7. Wait for a decision

The Australian government will review your application. If your application is successful, you will receive a visa grant number and a specific date when your visa officially starts. If, however, your application is refused, you will be informed of the reasons why. You will also be told if you have the option to ask for the decision to be reviewed.

Once you have confirmed that your application has been approved, you can start planning the fun parts of your trip to Australia. This includes looking into accommodation, searching for jobs, understanding taxes and the minimum wage in Australia, and booking your flights. Also, consider how you’ll stay in touch with friends and family; you might want to look into international SIM cards or learn about Australia’s phone calling codes. If you already have a phone number you cherish, like an Israeli number or a French number, it’s worth exploring options to keep it active while you’re away.

The Sydney Opera House on a sunny day with people walking around and boats in the water.

What documents do I need for my visa?

To support your working holiday visa Australia application, you will likely need to provide some or all of the following documents:

Identity documents: This includes a valid passport, which must be current for your entire stay, and your birth certificate.
Proof of funds: You need to show you have enough money to support yourself during your initial stay in Australia. A recent bank statement, showing at least $5,000 AUD, is usually required.
Character documents: Depending on your history and where you have lived, you might need to provide police certificates from various countries.
Health examination documents: If required based on your health checks, you will need to submit these forms.

It is crucial to remember that any documents you provide that are not in English must be officially translated into English before you upload them with your application.

How long does it take to get the visa?

The time it takes for your Working Holiday visa to be processed can vary. However, the Australian government aims to process applications fairly quickly. They state that they process up to 50% of applications within just 1 day, and 90% of applications are processed within 22 days. This means many people receive a decision quite fast, but it’s always wise to apply well in advance of your planned travel date.

What are popular Aussie working holiday visa jobs?

You have a lot of freedom to choose what kind of work you do and how you earn money during your working holiday visa Australia. If you’re looking for ideas, here are some of the most popular jobs that people on a Working Holiday visa often take:

Bar or restaurant work: This is a very common choice, especially in cities and tourist areas, offering flexible hours.
Au pair: Working as an au pair involves living with a family and helping with childcare, often with accommodation included.
Festival or event staff: Australia hosts many festivals and events, creating temporary job opportunities in various roles.
Construction: Both skilled and unskilled construction jobs are often available, provided you have received the correct safety training (like a White Card).
Farm work: Many working holidaymakers enjoy farm work, which can be a way to experience rural Australia and often counts towards second or third visa eligibility if you’re not a UK citizen.
Contracting, especially in IT or recruitment: For those with specific skills, short-term contract roles can be found in professional fields.
Agency work: Many people find temporary roles through recruitment agencies, which can place them in various industries.

A young person picking apples in a large, sunny fruit orchard.

What are working holiday programmes?

You can also choose to join a working holiday program, such as those offered by companies like BUNAC or Global Work & Travel. These types of programs are designed to help you with almost everything, from assisting with your visa application to booking flights.

They can also help you find accommodation, connect you with job opportunities, introduce you to other travelers on the same scheme, and even help you open an Australian bank account. These programs aim to make your move to Australia much smoother by handling a lot of the paperwork and even arranging social events. However, it’s important to remember that these services come with their own fees.

How to manage your money internationally while on a working holiday?

When you’re living and working on a working holiday visa Australia, it’s really helpful to have an Australian bank account. This is essential for paying your daily bills and for your employer to pay your wages directly. However, you might still have financial needs back home, such as UK bills to pay, or family members who want to send you money from abroad.

Relying solely on a traditional Australian bank for all your international money needs can often be expensive. Many banks charge high fees for sending money overseas and for changing currencies. This can mean you lose a fair bit of your hard-earned money in fees and poor exchange rates.

When looking for ways to manage your money across borders, it’s smart to explore options that allow you to send and receive money internationally with lower fees and better exchange rates. This often means using services that aim for the mid-market exchange rate, which is the fairest rate possible.

You’ll want a way to easily pay bills both in Australia and back home, and to get paid by your Australian employer without any hassle. Consider ways to get local account details in Australia for receiving payments as if you were a local. This can significantly reduce costs and simplify your financial life while on your working holiday. Remember to also look into ways to spend money cheaply when you’re out and about, especially if you plan to travel widely within Australia or to other countries.

And that covers everything you need to know about the working holiday visa for Australia. You’re now ready to start your application and begin planning your adventure Down Under – good luck and have a fantastic time!

#	Source	Website
1	minimum health standards set by Australia's immigration department	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
2	apply for your Australian working holiday visa	immi.homeaffairs.gov.au