Advice From a Stranger
While I was in Melbourne, over the summer of 2023, I stayed in the Selina hostel in St. Kilda, Melbourne. While staying there, I was introduced to people from a wide array of backgrounds. During a random conversation in passing with a stranger from Canada, I was told about a Work and Holiday Visa. I was immediately intrigued to find out more about this visa. It inspired me to learn more about it and begin my journey to living across the Pacific. I hope that the information I provide today can help someone else in their journey, as the stranger from Canada had done for me months ago.
Work and Holiday Visa
United States citizens are eligible for the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). Those looking for an extended vacation are allowed to find temporary work and live in Australia for up to a year. You must meet certain requirements to apply for the Work and Holiday visa. To be eligible you must be between the age of 18-30, with a passport, and meet the minimum educational requirement (high school diploma). You would also need to submit proof of a minimum of AUD 5,000 or around 3,300 USD within your bank account. Additionally, the visa costs AUD 635 or roughly 420 USD. Most Work and Holiday visas take approximately 3 to 5 months to process but can vary depending on the time of year.
Although I plan on initially getting this one-year visa, I am hoping to extend my stay through a second Work and Holiday Visa. You are eligible for a second Work and Holiday visa if you meet the criteria for working in specific fields over a minimum of three-month period. These eligible fields are very specific and vary by region. Find additional information on the second Work and Holiday Visa qualifications HERE.
Additional Visa Options For Tourists
Electric Travel Authority (subclass 601): visit Australia up to 3 months at a time as often as you wish within a year
Tourist Stream (subclass 600): stay in Australia for up to 12 months as a tourist only
Westward Migration