Most people around the world pin all their hopes on 2022 as being the year we finally put the Covid-19 pandemic behind us and we can resume our normal lives. One of the main things people missed during the pandemic is travelling and exploring the world, going to far away places and discovering a new culture and a new way of life. For many young people eager for new adventures Australia is on top of the list.
If you’re planning to visit Australia in the near future you’d better start preparing as there are certain formalities to take care of. Also, we have some tips on finding employment while you explore Australia,
What type of visa do I need to travel and work in Australia?
Australia has a very strict visa policy, but it welcomes young people looking to discover the continent and earn a bit of money while they do that. In order to be allowed to travel and work in Australia you should apply for a Working Holiday Visa.
These types of visas are available for people aged 18 to 30, or 35 if you’re a citizen of Canada, France or Ireland. Look up Working Holiday Visas Subclass 417 and Subclass 462. They both allow you to travel and work in Australia for up to 24 months, but you need to check out renewal criteria on both types.
Another thing you should check out as soon as possible are the eligibility criteria for a Working Holiday Visa as they are not available for citizens of all countries.
What documents do I need for a Working Holiday Visa?
You will need a valid passport and once you fill in the online form you will have to undergo a character assessment test. You’ll be asked a series of questions on your educational and employment background and you will have to provide a criminal record check. This is because people convicted to prison terms totaling more than 12 months are barred from obtaining a Working Holiday Visa.
You will have to provide such a background check for all the countries where you’ve lived for more than 12 consecutive months, including Australia. If you intend to study or work in Australia, you need to present a criminal history check. You can get such a check using an online service provider. There are several such service providers in Australia.
How can I get a job in Australia?
The best thing you can do while you prepare for your trip is to see what type of jobs are in high demand in Australia. If you have special skills you can contact an employer in advance and see if they’d be willing to hire you for a couple of months.
Otherwise, you can check out job boards after you get to Australia and find something to do while you spend time exploring a city like Sydney or Melbourne. Foreigners on a Working Holiday Visa can easily find jobs in cafes and fast food restaurants, call centers, and delivery services. If you want to be closer to nature, there’s always a place for manual laborers on a farm or vineyard.