Working Holiday Visa For Australia - The 417 Visa

Nothing can take away the memories I made with my friends when we traveled for a year to Australia with a working holiday visa. The Australia Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) gave my wanderlust soul a chance to travel to one of my favorite destinations! It's the perfect working holidaymaker if you want to enjoy traveling and working around the globe.

In this post, I'll tell you everything you need to know about the Australia working holiday visa. I will include important information such as what is the Australia Working Visa, Australian Work Visa requirements, and required documents.

Let's start…

What Is An Australia Working Holiday Visa?

The Australian Working Holiday Visa allows people between 18 and 30 (unfortunately, the visa has an age limit). You also require a passport eligible for a working holiday visa to travel to Australia for a holiday while working there to help fund their trip. Please keep in mind that the Australia Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is only valid for 12 months. I know it might not suit your needs, but luckily you can extend your WHV for Australia.

The Australian Working Holiday Visa At First Glance

Now that you have an understanding of the Australian Working Holiday Visa, we can get to the juicier details of the Australian Working Holiday Visa. In this section, we will look at who can apply for WHV Australia, the requirements, and the visa fees.

Later in this post, I will cover the Working Holiday Visa application process and the required documents. But first, let's understand the basics.

Who Can Apply For The Australian Working Holiday Visa?

The first and most important requirement for the Australian Working Holiday Visa is that you are between 18 and 30 years old. In addition, however, you must be a passport holder from one of the following countries to be eligible for the Australian Working Holiday Visa:

Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom.

Can I Volunteer, Work, And Study On An Australian Working Holiday Visa?

Yes, you can! The visa allows you to stay and work in Australia. The Australia Working Holiday Visa is not required for specified work, which means you can work for any company in Australia. You can work full-time or part-time, and you can also do casual work. Remember that you can also do some voluntary work if you'd like.

If you want to study with the Australian Working Holiday Visa, keep in mind that you can only study for 4 months. I know it's very exciting, but ensure you do not overstay your visa. If you overstay your Australia WHV, you can be liable for a fine.

Remember that you can not use the Australian Working Holiday Visa if you want to work permanently in Australia. To work in Australia, you must apply for an Australian Work Visa.

What Are The Requirements For The Australian Working Holiday Visa?

The Australian Working Holiday Visa has a set of requirements that you must meet before you are eligible. These requirements are:

You must be between 18-30 years of age (or 35 years old for some countries).

Must have a passport from an eligible country.

Not accompanied by dependent children.

Must have at least 5,000 AUD for your first visa.

Now that you know what this visa is, whether this is the visa for you and the requirements. Let's dive in a bit deeper.

How Much Does The Australian Working Holiday Visa Cost?

The Australian Working Holiday Visa costs AUD 635 or approx. USD 425. Please remember that the price can change at any time. I advise you to check the cost before applying for the visa.

What Is The Australian Working Holiday Visa Processing Time?

The processing time may vary, but most applicants get a response from the embassy within 90 days. Before applying, check the processing time to be informed.

The decision will be sent to you in writing, so ensure you keep a copy of it when you're in Australia.

What Are The Australian Working Holiday Visa Financial Requirements?

Before applying for the Australian Working Holiday Visa, you must understand and meet the financial requirements. The minimum financial requirement for the Australian Working Holiday Visa is 5,000 AUD for your initial stay. This means that you must prove that you have at least 5,000 AUD for your first Australian Working Holiday Visa.

What Are The Australian Working Holiday Visa Required Documents?

Before you apply for your Working Holiday Visa at the Australian Embassy, you're going to need specific documents. Also, be aware that you will have to go for medical exams, but the embassy will let you know when it is needed.

You're going to need:

Pages of your current passport showing your photo, personal details, and expiry date.

Copy of your birth certificate showing both your parents' names. If you can't get a copy of your birth certificate, show a copy of your government-issued identification.

If you have changed your name, you will need proof.

Enough Money To Stay And Leave Australia

You need to provide an original bank statement to show you have enough money for your stay in Australia (usually AUD 5,000). Also, provide proof that you have enough money to buy a ticket to leave Australia or a copy of your flight ticket if you've purchased one already.

My friend forgot to attach the evidence, which delayed her application! So please remember to attach all the documents in this post.

Character Documents

The Australian Government Department of Home Affairs will let you know if you need to present these character documents. If you have to, you will need the following:

An Australian police certificate if you have spent 12 months or more in Australia in the last 10 years since you turned 16.

An overseas police certificate from every country, including your home country, where you spent 12 months or more in the last 10 years since you turned 16.

Military service records or discharge papers if you served in the armed forces of any country.

Prepare All Your Documents

Make sure that your documents are translated into English. For example, suppose you use a translator outside of Australia. In that case, they must include their name, address, and telephone number, as well as their qualifications and experience in the language they're translating. Also, ensure that all the documents are scanned in color and that all the information is clear.

How To Apply For Your Australian Working Holiday Visa?

Okay, we've discussed the basics and essential information about the Australian Working Holiday Visa. Now, we can get to the application process. The main benefit of the Australian Working Holiday Visa is that the application process is online. Therefore, you do not have to go to your nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate. Just ensure that you have a stable internet connection, enough time, and your required documents in electronic format.

Let's start with your Australian Working Holiday Visa application:

Step 1: Create An ImmiAccount

Step 2: Start A New Application

Step 3: Provide Your Information

Step 4: Upload Your Required Documents

Step 5: Submit Your Application

Step 6: Wait For Your Application To Be Processed

Step 7: Receive Your Working Holiday Visa

Step 1: Create An ImmiAccount

First, you need to create an ImmiAccount, which allows you to save your application any time you want. You can also make changes whenever you want (like when you forget to attach a document).

Step 2: Start A New Application

Now that you've created your ImmiAccount, you must select the option to start a new application. After selecting the option to start a new application, you will see a list of visa categories you can apply for. In this list, select the bottom tab labeled "Working Holiday Visa." When the tab drops, you will select the "Working Holiday Visa, 417 Visa".

Step 3: Provide Your Information

During this step of the application process, you must first agree to the terms and conditions before you can begin to enter your personal information. Then, on the second page of the Working Holiday Visa application process, you must ensure to select the "Application Type." The application type indicates if it is your first Working Holiday Visa application, second, or third. If you apply for your first Working Holiday Visa, you must select the first option. However, if it is not your first Working Holiday Visa, you must select the second or third option. Finally, you can complete the rest of the pages with your personal and trip information.

Step 4: Upload Your Required Documents

Once you have completed your personal information, you must upload your required documents. This step is straightforward, but ensure you have your documents in electronic format before starting the online application process.

Step 5: Submit Your Application

The last thing you need to do is submit your application. You must check all your information before submitting it because I almost made the mistake of not checking my information.

Step 6: Wait For Your Application To Be Processed

After submitting your Working Holiday Visa application, you must wait for it to be processed. As I mentioned, the Australian Working Holiday visa's processing time is about 90 days. If your application takes longer, ensure to reach out to Australian Immigration to find out if there is something wrong with your application.

Step 7: Receive Your Working Holiday Visa

Once you receive confirmation that your Working Holiday Visa has been processed, the Australian embassy will let you know when you can start with your medical exam. They will also inform you if there is any outstanding information or documents (it's only human to forget, so don't worry!).

Can I Get A Second Working Holiday Visa For Australia?

Yes! Australia Working Holiday Visa Holders can apply for a second Holiday Working Visa if they meet the requirements. How great is that? This visa is the same as the first visa. You can apply again if you are between 18-30 and have a valid passport from an eligible country. So just apply again and enjoy your second year in Australia.

Requirements For My Second Working Holiday Visa For Australia

For your second Working Holiday Visa, the requirements are mostly the same as your first Working Holiday Visa application. Please keep in mind that the only additional requirement is that you must have worked for at least 3 months in Australia with your first WHV. The requirements for your second Working Holiday Visa are:

A passport from an eligible country.

You must have completed 3 months of work while you were in Australia with your first working holiday visa.

If you are in Australia, you must hold a substantive visa or proof that your last substantive visa expired no less than 28 days ago.

Not accompanied by dependent children.

How To Apply For Your Second Working Holiday Visa

This is very easy! You just do exactly what you did the first time you applied. I have mentioned the details of how to apply above.

Documents needed for the application are the same as the first working holiday visa (mentioned above).

How Much Will It Cost To Get A Second Working Holiday Visa?

It stays the same as what you paid for your first working holiday visa for Australia, AUD 635 or approx USD 425.

Now that you know everything you need for your working holiday visa, you can start your application immediately! Enjoy the land down under, especially if you're a backpacker. Australia awaits!