After a few years of working my butt off, I thought, “What's the point? I am young, and I have yet to do something amazing.” I wanted adventure, I wanted to test the boundaries, but instead, I kept to the 9 to 5 grind. 

When my boyfriend told me about the Working Holiday Visa in Australia, I knew deep in my gut; I had to live there. I overcame whatever BS was keeping me in Santa Monica and ventured out of my comfort zone. 

The visa was an opportunity to move abroad and have work-life balance! A chance to feel excited about walking around every new corner! As a young professional that’s precisely the motivation, I needed to break free from my cubicle.

Here’s everything you need to know about applying for the Working Holiday Visa so you can live in Australia and break free from the walls of your office!

Why You Should Move to Australia For a Year

Hopefully, you’re selling everything you own, packing your bags, and buying a one-way flight to “Oz.” But if you’re in need of more encouragement here's why you should apply for the 462 Visa right now!

WORK IS OVERRATED

We are groomed to believe that we need to get a job, work hard and eventually we will have time to travel. 

It's BS! 

Once I was in Australia, I realized that life is less about work, multi-tasking, or checking phones for new emails. In fact, life is about slowing down, focusing on one task at a time, finding a balance between work and life, being with friends and family, and smiling 

It may be hard to believe, but once you start living and working in Oz, you’ll understand what I mean. 

WHEN ELSE WILL YOU BE ABLE TO LIVE IN AUSTRALIA

Seriously, when will you be able to live in Australia? After your kids go to college? 

Dear friends, you can only apply for the Australian Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18-30. After age 30, a company will need to sponsor you. In which case, you or the company will need to pay a pretty penny for a sponsorship. It’s not impossible, but it can be a lot of work.

Waiting for all aspects of your life to line up is a waste of time. We must take advantage of the opportunities today! 

If you need a change of scenery, let Australia be that change! Don’t get a new job, or move to a new apartment, gain some perspective and move to the other side of the world!

YOUR DREAMS CAN BECOME REALITY

Think of these scenarios: Hiking through beautiful untouched Tasmania; swimming with beautiful whale sharks off Coral Bay; taking a Helicopter ride through Darwin; and drinking wine in the Yarra Valley with amazing new friends.

If you can’t imagine it, let Buzzfeed convince you.

WHY THE HELL NOT?

There are millions of reasons why I told myself that I couldn't move to Australia for a year. My parents are getting older. I’ll miss my family and friends. What about my career progression? What do I do with my stuff? 

Life was going to happen regardless of my location. But as long as I kept in touch with my family and friends, I would be okay. I sold my stuff and stored my treasured items with family. My boss told me I always had a job if I came back.

What is the Working Holiday Visa?

The official name of the visa is the Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462). It's a visa that allows young people from the US to holiday and work in Australia for a year. 

What can you do on the WHV?

• Stay in Australia for up to 12 months

• Work in Australia for up to six months with each employer

• Study for up to four months

• Leave and re-enter Australia any number of times while the visa is valid.

working holiday visa 462 requirements

Before you apply you must meet some basic requirements:

• You must be between the ages of 18-30

• You must have a valid US Passport that is not expiring within the next year

• You must have graduated High School or completed an equivalent qualification

• Evidence of sufficient funds $5,000 AUD in your Bank or Credit Cards

• No dependent children

Read the rest of the requirements border.gov.au

WHAT DO I NEED TO APPLY

• Not be in Australia! You must apply OUTSIDE of Australia. Or else it effs everything up.

• Application fee $440

• Passport photos x2 (45mm x 35mm)

• If you’re going to be working with kids, be a doctor, or you’ve spent more than six months in a third world country you will need a health check. Once it's complete, the doctor will send a note to Australia clearing you from major illnesses. Once the government receives the clearance, your application will process.

americans APPLYING FOR THE VISA

First you must create an account at IMMI.gov.au

Once logged in, create a new application for the 462 Work & Holiday Visa. The process takes anywhere between 30 - 40 minutes. 

What Happens After I Apply for the whv?

VISA APPROVAL

As long as you meet the requirements and you are not a felon you are likely to be approved for the visa. Make sure to

• Not apply for the visa while you are in Australia. Be in any country except Australia.

• Do not visit Australia when your visa is processing.

WHEN DO I GET MY VISA

When you apply, they will ask you if you want to receive your visa approval by email or post. Choose email!!

My boyfriend got his approval in 30 minutes, and I got mine in three hours. I’ve read stories of others getting their approval in two weeks and four weeks. So be patient. 

WHEN DO I GO TO AUSTRALIA

You can enter Australia as soon as you get your approved visa. Woohoo! Don’t forget these documents when you go through customs if asked. 

• Certified copies of your passport (notarized)

• Certified copies of your birth certificate (notarized)

• Two recent passport sized photos

• Evidence of sufficient funds AUD $5000

WHEN SHOULD I GO?

Right now!!!! But the responsible answer is once you have enough money, and buy your flights. 

If your budget is tight and you want to make money as soon as you land, go to Oz in July. Why?

• July is the start of the Australian Tax Year

• It’s Winter in July, and there won't be as many people competing for jobs

• It will be winter. If you go to Melbourne or Tasmania, it will be cold. The off months are an excellent time to get your foot in the door.

Working Holiday Visa Questions & Answers

What if I’m 31? For now, you have missed your opportunity. While there is talk of extending the age to 35, as of now any person over the age of 31 cannot apply for the visa. If you’re close to turning 31, apply now (read below as to why). Don’t wait. It’s time to enjoy life and Koalas!

Can I use my Working Holiday Visa if I was approved when I was 30, but am now 31? Yes, you can still enter Australia on a Working Holiday Visa if you are 31. Just make sure to apply and get approved while you were still 30. You have one year from the approval date to enter Australia.

Do I need to have evidence of the AUD 5k when I apply? You don’t need to have it when you apply, but they might ask you to provide proof of sufficient funds when you arrive. My boyfriend and I were not asked, and I know a lot of people who were not either. Luck of the draw.

Can I use a credit card to prove sufficient funds? Yes, you can use a credit card or a combination of credit card and bank.

Why do I need evidence of sufficient funds? Australia wants to know that you can afford to live/travel in the country, but also to get home.

Should I pay someone else to apply? NO! The process is super easy. Plus you can save your application, log off, and get back to it later. Double check if you answered all vital information correctly!

What is an electronic visa? When you get approved for a visa, Australia adds your visa number to your passport in their system. Now when you go through customs, and immigration scans your visa, your visa approval will appear.  Easy peasy!

There you have it! A complete guide to the Working Holiday visa.

Who is packing their bags right now? If not, how soon will you be applying for the 462 Working Holiday Visa? 

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