The Australian Working Holiday Visa allows you to work and travel in Australia finding casual emlpoyment as you travel. You only get one of these if your lifetime and so if you are only entering Australia to travel you would be better getting a Tourist Visa.

If you want to work to fund your travel around Australia then the WHV is a great option. Although you are not allowed to undertake permanent employment (max three months for each employer) its a great way to get some extra cash together as you work your way around!

Countries That Can Apply

The Working Holiday Visa is available for citizens of the following countries: United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, Japan, Republic of Ireland, Republic of Korea, Malta, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) of the People's Republic of China, Finland, the Republic of Cyprus, France, Italy, Belgium, Estonia and Taiwan. If you are not included in one of these countries then you will have to obtain a tourist visa and not work.

Working Holiday Visa Conditions

• Have a passport from one of the countries above
• Be aged between 18-30
• Don't have any dependent chidren
• Your main reason to go to Australia is to holiday not to work
• Sufficient funds (approx £2000 to fund your initial stay)
• Return flight booked or funds to purchase one
• Have not had a Working Holiday Visa before

Applying for A WHV

You can either apply for a Working Holiday Visa online or send an application form through to your local Australian Immigration Office.You can apply online by visiting www.immi.gov.au/e_visa/visit.htm. If you wish to apply using a form then you will need to download it from the Australian Immigration Website (www.immi.gov.au) and then follow the instructions supplied.