The working holiday visa provides an exciting opportunity for young people to explore new lifestyles of a foreign country. There comes the good news for Filipinos. The Philippines has been involved in the Australian working holiday visa scheme since July 2024. This article will introduce what the visa is and how to apply for a working holiday visa for Filipinos in Australia.
What Is an Australian Working Holiday Visa?
The Australia working holiday visa (WHV) is issued to people aged between 18 and 30 from eligible countries, allowing them to work while traveling. The upper age limit can be relaxed to 35 years for some countries. It is considered a combination of a work visa and a tourist visa, aiming to help young people fund their trips while experiencing life in the country. Besides Australia, WHV for Filipino citizens is also available in New Zealand and Canada.
Advantages of Applying for an Australia Working Holiday Visa
Australian working holiday visas are popular among young people due to the following benefits.
- Stay for a longer period than a visitor visa.
- Take temporary jobs to compensate for financial shortfalls.
- Travel around Australia and experience the local culture as well as lifestyle.
- Take courses or training lasting no more than 4 months (17 weeks).
- Travel in and outside Australia multiple times.
Types of Australia Working Holiday Visa
Australia offers mainly two categories of working holiday visas: subclass 417 for citizens from the United Kingdom, Canada, and many EU nations while subclass 462 for citizens from the United States and many Asian countries, including the Philippines. Depending on its requirements, it is divided into 3 types.
- First Working Holiday Visa
It is issued to people who are 18 to 30 (or 35 for some eligible countries) years old and have never applied for extended holidays in Australia before.
- Second Working Holiday Visa
It is available to those who are holding or have held a WHV in Australia.
- Third Working Holiday Visa
It can be obtained after completing specified work in designated areas.
Am I Eligible for an Australia Working Holiday Visa?
Starting from July 1, 2024, the Philippines is listed as one of the eligible countries for the Australian Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa program. To apply for a visa, Filipinos must satisfy the following requirements for working holiday visas in Australia.
- Age
You must be 18 to 30 years old at the time of application.
- History
You haven’t entered Australia on subclass 462 or subclass 417 WHV.
- Education qualification
A tertiary qualification is required. Alternatively, you are also allowed to apply after completing 2 years of undergraduate university study.
- Functional English level
You must be able to communicate effectively in English in daily life, including reading, writing, speaking, and listening capabilities.
- Financial support
You must have enough money to fund their trip, preferably AUD5,000 (approx. PHP188,197) for your initial stay plus the fare for returning home or onward trip after leaving Australia.
- Health requirements
You must be physically and mentally healthy.
- Good character
You must not have a substantial criminal record, a conviction of sexual crime involving a child, or a conviction of breaking immigration laws.
What Are the Requirements for an Australia Working Holiday Visa?
Applicants must submit a variety of documents to prove their identity and eligibility. To apply for a working holiday visa from the Philippines, you should prepare the following required documents. Please note that all documents must be in English, otherwise, an authorized translation should also be included.
- A valid Philippine passport;
- Proof of education qualification, such as a degree, graduate certificate, or diploma from a university, college, or training center;
- Proof of funds, such as bank statements or letter of support from a sponsor;
- Health Insurance or health examination report;
- Police Clearance Certificate.
How Filipinos Can Apply for Their First Australia Working Holiday Visa
After confirming the eligibility and preparing the supporting documents, you can apply for a working holiday visa for Filipinos online. Here is a step-by-step instruction for online application.
Create an ImmiAccount
- Visit the ImmiAccount portal.
- Enter a valid email address and click on “Send verification code”.
- Enter the email verification code that is sent to the email address that you provided before. Click on the “Continue” button.
- Select whether you are applying as an individual or Organisation and enter the user details, including name, phone number, etc.
- Enter account details, set passwords and security questions, agree to the ImmiAccount terms and conditions, fulfill the security checks, and click on “Continue”. Make sure all required fields (marked with an asterisk) are filled.
- Confirm your account according to the instructions on the screen.
File a Working Holiday Visa Application
- Log in to your ImmiAccount.
- Choose “New Application”
- Select the application type from the list
- Read the terms and conditions and check the box at the end to agree to them.
- Fill out the application form online which includes personal information, passport details, residence, contact details, qualifications, etc. If you how to fill it, click the question mark at each field for instruction.
- Review all the information that you provide. Make sure they are complete and accurate.
- Upload clear photocopies or scanned copies of the required documents.
- Submit the application.
After Application
- Pay your visa fees and note down the transaction reference number. Your application will not be processed until you fulfill payment.
- Monitor your case status and respond promptly if there are any further requirements.
- Submit biometrics at the consular office and have a health exam if you are required to.
- Receive your visa after your application is approved.
How Much Does an Australian Working Holiday Visa Cost?
It costs AUD650.00 (PHP 24,466) per application. It could be paid by credit/debit card, Paypal, or UnionPay. There might surcharge depending on the payment method you choose. Please note that the visa fees might change from time to time and the exact amount is subject to actual payment. It is suggested to ensure you have enough daily limits or balances in your account.
How Long Will I Receive the Visa?
It might take 1-7 weeks to receive the Australian working visa. The processing time varies according to the completeness of your application, the workload of the visa office, your response to any further requests, etc. It is advised to apply as early as possible and not to book your trip until the authority informs you of visa approval.
Popular Jobs for Working Holiday Visa Holders in Australia
Australia provides a wide range of short-term or temporary job opportunities for working holiday makers. They are usually physical or seasonal jobs in retail, construction, and tourism. The following are some common and easily accessible ones.
- Baristas
These positions are available in cafes, restaurants, and coffee shops. Working holiday visa holders are favorable employees due to their flexibility and willingness to work in different environments.
- Catering workers
Restaurants and hotels tend to hire backpackers and travelers to work as waitstaff or kitchen hands because most of them have flexible time and enjoy interacting with different people.
- Au pair work
Travelers can get accommodation and meals while working for a family and promoting cultural exchanges.
- Sales & marketing
Sales and marketing favor young and creative job seekers. Many working holiday visa holders would be willing to take this opportunity.
- Remote work
Working from is popular among those who like traveling around. These jobs do not require you to work on-site and you can communicate or deliver based on the Internet, which is commonly in the field of digital marketing, software development, graphic design, etc.
- Farm work
Engaging in agricultural activities, such as fruit picking or farm labor, might enable working holiday visa holders to get a second or third visa. Moreover, these seasonable jobs will not interrupt your travel plan.
FAQ
Is it difficult to get a Working Holiday visa in Australia?
No. The Australia Working Holiday visa is one of the easiest visas to get if you meet the eligibility requirements. It takes about half an hour to file online and the success rate is quite high.
Can I extend my Australian working holiday visa?
No. It is not allowed to extend the WHV beyond its original period of stay, but you may apply for a new one, known as a second or third working holiday visa if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Can you live in Australia after a Working Holiday visa?
Yes. You might be able to get a new visa type or convert it to a long-term residence permit to continue staying in the country after the current visa expires.
Can I apply for an Australia working holiday visa if I’m 32 years old?
No. The Australia working holiday visa is only available to Filipinos aged 18-30.
Which countries are eligible for a working holiday visa in Australia?
Currently, 50 countries and territories are eligible, including Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Chile, China, Czech, Ecuador, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Mongolia, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Thailand, Türkiye, Uruguay, United States of America, and Vietnam.
Summary
Working holiday visas for Filipinos in Australia opens a door to enjoy gorgeous landscapes and experience vibrant culture. With this visa, you can work temporarily while traveling in the country. Eligible young people between 18 and 30 can apply for it online. We hope this passage will help you secure your WHV. Spend your gap year in Australia and start a wonderful journey now!
Dolores Xiao