The first step in starting your Australian Working Holiday right is understanding the visa you’re about to apply for. Here are the three most important details to know before applying:
- It’s digital:
The visa does not get stamped into your passport. It’s electronically linked to your passport number. So, there is no need to post your passport anywhere. Just make sure you keep note of all the information you provide when applying for the visa because it is up to you to keep it up-to-date. - Activate within 12 months:
From the date your Working Holiday Visa is granted, you have 12 months to set foot in Australia. You activate the visa by landing in Australia and passing through customs.Tip: This is a great way to commit to saving for a year! So take the leap, apply and start planning your adventure.
It is very important to remember and make note of the date you land because it is the date you need to leave the country by in one years time. - Your passport length is important:
Check the expiry date and save it in your calendar. I recommend having at least 12 months left on your passport before applying. It could mean the difference between the visa being valid for the full 12 months or until your passport expires.
When you renew a British passport, the time left on the old passport is added to your expiry date, so you won’t lose money renewing it.
Tip: Make sure you have a passport emergency plan!
If you lose or renew your passport it could take over two months to get one shipped to Australia, so start making a plan now.
Look for ways to get your passport home and quickly renewed if you are abroad. You could send it to a family member and pay for a quick renewal at the post office.
Tip: Know that once you get a new passport you to need let your visa company or the Department of Home Affairs (whoever you apply with) know as soon as possible. Your passport is the only thing linking you to your visa. It should only take them a few days to update your details.
Next, should you apply for a visa independently or through a company?
Now that you know more about the visa, you have checked your passport and made a plan, it’s time to work out if you want to apply for your visa by yourself or through a company. Follow my next step to see if visa company perks are worth the extra cost.
Other Helpful Resources:
Don’t have time to read all 4 visa blogs right now?
Sign up to receive these blogs step-by-step over 4 days in your inbox or opt-in for the full interactive starter pack below.