Thinking about spreading your wings and flying to Australia? With the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 417 & 462), you can explore new horizons, meet fellow backpackers, and create your own nest in this amazing country. Whether you’re looking to earn some cash while you adventure or simply want to experience life Down Under, this visa opens the door. 🦘
Who Can Join Our Flock?
Depending on your nationality, you’ll be eligible for one of two visa types. Here’s how to know if you can join the Birds community in Australia:
Subclass 417:
For these countries, the requirements are simpler:
- Age: 18 to 30 (or up to 35 for some countries).
- Financial requirement: Proof of AUD 5,000 to support yourself while you build your nest.
- No English test or higher education needed
Eligible countries:
- Belgium
- Canada (up to 35)
- Denmark (up to 35)
- Estonia
- Finland
- France (up to 35)
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- Ireland (up to 35)
- Italy (up to 35)
- Japan
- Korea
- Malta
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Sweden
- Taiwan
- UK (up to 35)
Subclass 462:
If you’re from these countries, you’ll need to complete a few more steps:
- If you’re from these countries, you’ll need to complete a few more steps:
- Age: 18 to 30.
- Prove functional English: This can be done by passing an approved English test (like IELTS or TOEFL, with a minimum score of 4.5 for IELTS or 32 for TOEFL) or by showing proof of past studies in English.
- Provide higher education records: You must show that you’ve completed at least 2 years of higher education.
- Financial requirement: Proof of AUD 5,000.
Eligible countries:
- Argentina
- Austria
- Brazil
- Chile
- China
- Czech Republic
- Ecuador
- Greece
- Hungary
- Indonesia
- Israel (with proof of English Bagrut exam)
- Luxembourg
- Malaysia (Good Conduct Certificate required)
- Mongolia
- Papua New Guinea
- Peru
- Poland
- Portugal
- San Marino
- Singapore
- Slovak Republic
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Switzerland
- Thailand
- Türkiye
- Uruguay
- USA
- Vietnam
How Long Can You Stay in the Nest?
You can stay in Australia for up to 12 months, and if you want to keep flying, you can extend your visa for a 2nd or 3rd year. For most countries, this involves completing specified work in approved industries, like:
- Agriculture and Farming: Fruit picking, pruning, harvesting, working with animals 🧑🌾
- Construction: Building and heavy-duty work 🏗️
- Tourism and Hospitality: Jobs in hotels, restaurants, or as a tour guide (in very very remote areas) 🏞️
- Environmental and Conservation Work: Reforestation or working in national parks 🌿
To extend your visa:
- 88 days of specified work for a 2nd year.
- 179 days of specified work for a 3rd year.
Note: If you’re from the UK, Canada, or Ireland (Subclass 417), you don’t need to complete specified work to extend your visa. You can extend simply by applying.
What Can You Do with This Visa?
- Work: Do short-term jobs to help feather your nest. You can work for the same employer for up to 6 months, but starting in 2024, there are exemptions if you work in certain sectors.
- Study: You can study for up to 4 months to pick up some new skills while you’re in the nest.
- Travel: You’re free to leave the nest and fly in and out of Australia as many times as you want during your stay.
Join the Flock and Explore New Horizons!
With this visa, you’re not just exploring Australia, you’re joining a community of like-minded travelers, building new friendships, and creating lifelong memories. 🌏 Imagine starting your day surfing in the morning and working in a café by noon, or hiking through rainforests on the weekend with new friends. It’s all possible when you fly with us! 🌿
Start planning your adventure, follow the visa conditions, and make the most of this opportunity to explore new skies. With One Bird Abroad, you’re never alone on this journey. 🦜🌟
Always double-check the official Australian Government Department of Home Affairs website (https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au) to stay updated on any changes.
