How Long Does It Take To Process an Australian Working Holiday Visa?
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What is a working holiday visa in Australia?
The Australian Working Holiday Visa lets people between 18-30 years old, and Canadian French and Irish citizens 18-35 years old work while on a holiday in Australia.
The aim is that travellers experience what Australia has to offer while exchanging skills, knowledge and cultural values.
You must be a passport holder of an eligible country or jurisdiction. You are also able to apply for a second Working Holiday Visa if you meet certain criteria.
With this type of visa, you will be able to work full-time, but there is a maximum set period with each employer.
How long does it take to process an Australian Working Holiday Visa?
Applications are typically processed within 14 – 40 days.
Exactly how much time your application will take depends on a number of factors – such as your personal circumstances and the time of year you apply (summer is the busiest time of year).
What do I need in order to complete the Working Holiday Visa application?
You will need your passport and evidence that proves that you have the funds to stay in Australia – $5000. You must meet certain health and character requirements and in some cases, you might be asked to provide a police certificate.
Is there anything I can do to speed up my application?
Visa applications can be delayed or rejected due to many factors. The most common reasons that applications get denied or postponed is that the application did not follow the visa rules or did not have sufficient funds.
The best way to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible is to take your time when filling out your visa application paperwork.
Sometimes, you can sabotage yourself if you provide incomplete or inconsistent information.
Are visa applications currently being approved due to COVID19?
Due to the coronavirus, no travellers are currently allowed in Australia. You can still apply for your visa, but the approval of the application can take some time until the restrictions are changed.
Why didn’t I qualify for a Working Holiday Visa?
The two most common issues are:
If your passport is not from an eligible country.
Age – You must meet the age criteria mentioned above.
I have a child. Can I still get a Working Holiday Visa?
Working Holiday Visa holders are not allowed to be accompanied by dependent children. So, yes, you can apply for the visa, but your child cannot join you on your journey to Australia.
Can I apply for the visa before I turn 31 (or 36) but not enter Australia until after my 31st (or 36th) birthday?
Yes, you can. The issue with age affects the visa application lodgement only.
Can I study, work and volunteer in Australia on a working holiday visa?
You can work and volunteer in Australia, and you are allowed to study for a maximum of four months in addition to working.
Are there any employment restrictions I should be aware of while I’m in Australia a Working Holiday Visa?
You can work for anyone employer for a maximum of 6 months. Although you are allowed to work for the full 12 months of your stay.
Am I eligible for a second Working Holiday Visa?
To be eligible, you must have completed a minimum of 88 days of specified work in regional Australia while on your first visa.
Specified work is farming, fruit picking, tree farming and felling, fishing and pearling, construction, mining, plant and animal cultivation. This is just a small sample of the jobs available.
Who can help me with the visa application process?
Visa First is an Irish-based leader in visa processing and immigration services and has over 16 years of experience. We will dedicate an account manager to your individual case who will answer all your questions.
We will deal with all the stress around a successful visa application and will boost your chances to get one soon. No more waiting in lines in front of the embassy and no hidden fees. Why would you waste time and not trust the visa professionals?
Hi I have recently applied for my working visa for oz. I thought it was already sorted however as I'm in Bangkok (But UK citizen) I have to have a chest X-ray. My flight to Oz is on the 9th Feb and my X-ray is booked for 4th Feb, does that leave enough time for the boss to be completed if everything is done online. Thanks
Emo
Hi Joy,
Yes, the US are not eligible country for the working holiday visa, but there is another visa, almost the same with little exceptions - the Work and Holiday visa, which is the alternative for US citizens. You can check the difference between both visas here or get more information and apply for Work & Holiday visa (US citizens) here. About the processing time - it's the same as the Working Holiday visa, just a few days.
Regards!
Joy
I saw that the US wasn't listed as a country for the requirements to get a working Holiday Visa, what visa would I have to apply for specifically and how long would it take to receive it?
deyan
Hi Alex,
Your visa starts running from the moment you enter Australia and cannot be freezed up.
You can call us at +353 1 878 3329 to discuss your options. You can also reply me with your telephone number and a visa specialist will call you back to discuss it over the phone.
Best regards,
deyan
Hi Jeremy,
We need to locate your file on the system first, so we can advice you in a proper way.
Please call us at +353 1 878 3329 and we will assist you in your query.
Regards,
Alex
Hi,
I would like to know the options available for the working holiday visa.
I am looking to go for a month to work and then return once the month up. I would like to return to Australia 6 months later and wondered if its possible to then take the remaining 11 months when I return. Is this possible?
Thanks,
Alex
Jeremy
Hello,
I appiled for a woking holiday visa and due to previous health conditions I was forced to have a chest x-ray and physical. I have completed all that, and now I am wondering how long it will take to heard a response. Does anyone have an idea, or maybe have goon through same situation. Any info would help.
Thanks,
Jeremy
deyan
Hi Hannah,
We can confirm all the necessary details now and process your application, however in order for the work visa to be approved you need to be outside Australia.
If you can send us your telephone number at info@visafirst.com a visa specialist will contact you back and will explain you all the options you have if you decide to stay longer and work in Australia.
Best regards,
Hannah
Hi, I am currently in Australia on a holiday visa, due to return to the UK the end of March (we have return flights booked). Is it possible for me to get a working visa whilst I am out here as I am now thinking I may wish to work? and if so can I change my flights and stay here for longer-subject to me getting a job!
thanks, Hannah
maggie
i just purchased the visa, i would like to know how long it takes to officially receive it, I have a flight scheduled for October 10th, do you know if ill get my visa in time before then?
deyan
Hi Nick,
The official requirement states that you should have at least 5000 Australian dollars upon arrival ( can be in a bank account, credit card, travelers cheques, etc).
A one way ticket is fine, as long as you have enough money to purchase an outward ticket. In your case you will be able to prove that you can purchase such a ticket, so you are all fine.
Have you organized the visa already?
Best regards,
Deyan
Nicola
Myself and my husband would like to look into moving to Aus/Adelaide, we have two small chrildren 2 and 4, he is a carpenter by trade and I work in HR although not qualified have 12 years experience, I also have my uncle and family in Adelaide/ Australia, what visa's should we look at applying for etc etc, my husband is 47 is he to old also?
Nick Pomata
If i had 2200 GBP in my account and i have only a one way ticket is that ok??
London-Melbourne one way
then During my year in Australia, i will buy for sure my return ticket
is that ok???
or i really need to have with me a return ticket ????????
deyan
Hi Steffan,
If all is fine with your application, the visa will be granted just in a few days. Best thing to do is to proceed with it now and we will finalize the process once you turn 18.
Poly Brown, the visa agent that is dealing with your case can give you a call later on today to confirm the rest of the details over the phone.
Best regards,
Ivan Mullen
VF
Steffan
Hi I was wondering if you could help me out - I have a trip booked for the 9th December 2012 - but am not 18 till the 2nd December 2012 - Is that enough time to process my working holiday visa and how much will it be?
J
Hi,
I applied online for my working holiday visa (417) on the 17th of October. The government's website says that visas are usually processwithin 2 days but can take up to 4 weeks.
Even just a glance over google shows British citizens getting their visas within days, some of them even hours.
I've been in and out of Australia on tourist visas since 2008, my last trip being this July. My chest x-ray was clear and I've submitted a copy of my bio-data page of my passport.
Can you tell me what sort of factors are slowing up my application?
Thanks
J.
kirsty
Hi I want to go and visit my cousion in perth australia on a whv but won't have the sufficent funds that is needed but will get a return ticket is that possible to do thanks.
Boyana
Hello Gary,
We can't help you obtain a working holiday visa because you don't meet the age criteria anymore. However, immigration is still an option for you. Should you consider it, contact us back as this process can take several months, and is more expensive.
Regards,
Boyana
Boyana
Your query is somewhat complicated, so we have forwarded it to one of our specialists. Expect an answer in a couple of business days.
Regards
gary kelliher
hi just wondering anyone can help me out with this question.. i was in oz 3 years ago and i was a victim of crime which i ended up in hospital for 9 day. and four months in a cast. i didnt work for age after would i b able to apply for another visa under the circumstances?
Cam
Jenna,
How long did it take for them to process your Visitor's Visa to Australia? The Aussie embassy in DC received my application 2 weeks ago but they are saying it takes an average of 20 business days to process a tourist visa application. I'm scheduled to travel in 8 days so this obviously does not work for me. Any insight you can provide would be very helpful... Thanks!
Jenna
Hello
I live in Canada and have already acquired my Visitors Visa to enter Australia. I was just wondering how long it takes to physically receive your Holiday Working Visa, and if you can receive it while you're in Australia as long as you applied while in Canada? Do you need a physical copy, or does it work similar to an ETA in the way that it's electronically attached to your passport? Thanks a bunch :)
dylan taylor
I would like to apply for an australian visa not sure wich is best or what i can get.
My immediate family ie:father,mother and brother are over there already and have recntly aqquired thier residency permits......i heard there is a visa i can get if my family is over there already.
many thanks
Comments
Hi I have recently applied for my working visa for oz. I thought it was already sorted however as I'm in Bangkok (But UK citizen) I have to have a chest X-ray. My flight to Oz is on the 9th Feb and my X-ray is booked for 4th Feb, does that leave enough time for the boss to be completed if everything is done online. Thanks
Hi Joy, Yes, the US are not eligible country for the working holiday visa, but there is another visa, almost the same with little exceptions - the Work and Holiday visa, which is the alternative for US citizens. You can check the difference between both visas here or get more information and apply for Work & Holiday visa (US citizens) here. About the processing time - it's the same as the Working Holiday visa, just a few days. Regards!
I saw that the US wasn't listed as a country for the requirements to get a working Holiday Visa, what visa would I have to apply for specifically and how long would it take to receive it?
Hi Alex, Your visa starts running from the moment you enter Australia and cannot be freezed up. You can call us at +353 1 878 3329 to discuss your options. You can also reply me with your telephone number and a visa specialist will call you back to discuss it over the phone. Best regards,
Hi Jeremy, We need to locate your file on the system first, so we can advice you in a proper way. Please call us at +353 1 878 3329 and we will assist you in your query. Regards,
Hi, I would like to know the options available for the working holiday visa. I am looking to go for a month to work and then return once the month up. I would like to return to Australia 6 months later and wondered if its possible to then take the remaining 11 months when I return. Is this possible? Thanks, Alex
Hello, I appiled for a woking holiday visa and due to previous health conditions I was forced to have a chest x-ray and physical. I have completed all that, and now I am wondering how long it will take to heard a response. Does anyone have an idea, or maybe have goon through same situation. Any info would help. Thanks, Jeremy
Hi Hannah, We can confirm all the necessary details now and process your application, however in order for the work visa to be approved you need to be outside Australia. If you can send us your telephone number at info@visafirst.com a visa specialist will contact you back and will explain you all the options you have if you decide to stay longer and work in Australia. Best regards,
Hi, I am currently in Australia on a holiday visa, due to return to the UK the end of March (we have return flights booked). Is it possible for me to get a working visa whilst I am out here as I am now thinking I may wish to work? and if so can I change my flights and stay here for longer-subject to me getting a job! thanks, Hannah
i just purchased the visa, i would like to know how long it takes to officially receive it, I have a flight scheduled for October 10th, do you know if ill get my visa in time before then?
Hi Nick, The official requirement states that you should have at least 5000 Australian dollars upon arrival ( can be in a bank account, credit card, travelers cheques, etc). A one way ticket is fine, as long as you have enough money to purchase an outward ticket. In your case you will be able to prove that you can purchase such a ticket, so you are all fine. Have you organized the visa already? Best regards, Deyan
Myself and my husband would like to look into moving to Aus/Adelaide, we have two small chrildren 2 and 4, he is a carpenter by trade and I work in HR although not qualified have 12 years experience, I also have my uncle and family in Adelaide/ Australia, what visa's should we look at applying for etc etc, my husband is 47 is he to old also?
If i had 2200 GBP in my account and i have only a one way ticket is that ok?? London-Melbourne one way then During my year in Australia, i will buy for sure my return ticket is that ok??? or i really need to have with me a return ticket ????????
Hi Steffan, If all is fine with your application, the visa will be granted just in a few days. Best thing to do is to proceed with it now and we will finalize the process once you turn 18. Poly Brown, the visa agent that is dealing with your case can give you a call later on today to confirm the rest of the details over the phone. Best regards, Ivan Mullen VF
Hi I was wondering if you could help me out - I have a trip booked for the 9th December 2012 - but am not 18 till the 2nd December 2012 - Is that enough time to process my working holiday visa and how much will it be?
Hi, I applied online for my working holiday visa (417) on the 17th of October. The government's website says that visas are usually processwithin 2 days but can take up to 4 weeks. Even just a glance over google shows British citizens getting their visas within days, some of them even hours. I've been in and out of Australia on tourist visas since 2008, my last trip being this July. My chest x-ray was clear and I've submitted a copy of my bio-data page of my passport. Can you tell me what sort of factors are slowing up my application? Thanks J.
Hi I want to go and visit my cousion in perth australia on a whv but won't have the sufficent funds that is needed but will get a return ticket is that possible to do thanks.
Hello Gary, We can't help you obtain a working holiday visa because you don't meet the age criteria anymore. However, immigration is still an option for you. Should you consider it, contact us back as this process can take several months, and is more expensive. Regards, Boyana
Your query is somewhat complicated, so we have forwarded it to one of our specialists. Expect an answer in a couple of business days. Regards
hi just wondering anyone can help me out with this question.. i was in oz 3 years ago and i was a victim of crime which i ended up in hospital for 9 day. and four months in a cast. i didnt work for age after would i b able to apply for another visa under the circumstances?
Jenna, How long did it take for them to process your Visitor's Visa to Australia? The Aussie embassy in DC received my application 2 weeks ago but they are saying it takes an average of 20 business days to process a tourist visa application. I'm scheduled to travel in 8 days so this obviously does not work for me. Any insight you can provide would be very helpful... Thanks!
Hello I live in Canada and have already acquired my Visitors Visa to enter Australia. I was just wondering how long it takes to physically receive your Holiday Working Visa, and if you can receive it while you're in Australia as long as you applied while in Canada? Do you need a physical copy, or does it work similar to an ETA in the way that it's electronically attached to your passport? Thanks a bunch :)
I would like to apply for an australian visa not sure wich is best or what i can get. My immediate family ie:father,mother and brother are over there already and have recntly aqquired thier residency permits......i heard there is a visa i can get if my family is over there already. many thanks