Working Holiday

Australia is part of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa scheme. This program provides opportunities for resourceful, self-reliant and adaptable young people to holiday in Australia and to supplement their funds through incidental employment. The visa allows a stay of up to 12 months from the date of first entry to Australia, regardless of whether or not you spend the whole time in Australia.

Currently, Australia welcomes over 85,000 working holiday makers every year!

Australia has reciprocal working holiday arrangements with twenty-one countries: the United Kingdom, Canada, the Netherlands, the Republic of Ireland, Japan, Korea, Malta, Germany, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, Finland, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Cyprus, Italy, Belgium, France, Estonia, Thailand and Chile. Only applicants from these countries who are aged between 18 and 30 years and without dependent children are eligible to apply for a Working Holiday visa.

People who hold valid passports from most of the countries are able to apply for a Working Holiday visa from any country (except Australia).

Working holiday makers are permitted to do any kind of work of a temporary or casual nature. As the main purpose of the visit is for holiday and travel, work for longer than six months with any employer is not allowed.

A second working holiday visa is available to people who have completed 3 months of 'seasonal work' in a 'regional area' as defined by the Department of Immigration. Click here for definitions of what is 'seasonal work' in a 'regional area'. For a list of postcodes classified as regional Australia please click here:

For further general information about the WHM visa scheme and online applications, please visit the Australian Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs website.

Alternatives to WHM Visa

One alternative option for travellers from other countries is International Exchange Programs.

For example, Work Australia is a program authorized by the Australian Government to allow young Americans (aged 18-30) to travel and work in Australia for up to four months. The Australian sponsor is IEP (International Exchange Programs) and the program is administered in America by BUNAC on behalf of IENA (International Exchange of North America). For more information visit http://www.bunac.org.

Health Care

Medical treatment in Australia can be very expensive and it is advisable to have both travel and health insurance. It is strongly advised that you take out private health insurance to cover yourself in Australia.

The Australian Government has signed Reciprocal Health Care Agreements (RHCA) with the governments of the United Kingdom, Sweden, the Netherlands, Finland, Norway, Malta, Italy, Republic of Ireland and New Zealand which entitles you to limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment while visiting Australia. For more information visit the Medicare Australia's website.

Tax/Super

If you have a working holiday visa, or are a student intending to work, you should obtain a tax file number (TFN). You can apply for this in person, or online at the Tax Office's website, www.ato.gov.au/individuals

If you start work before getting your TFN, you have 28 days to provide it to your employer.

When you stop work, ask your employer for a payment summary showing your total income and the amount of tax withheld, as you will need this to complete your compulsory tax return.

Temporary residents are able to access their retirement savings (superannuation) upon permanent departure from Australia. For more information please visit the Australian Taxation Office's website at http://www.ato.gov.au

Backpacker Jobs

Jobs generally available include:
•	Waiter/Waitress/Bar Person
•	Labouring and building work
•	Shop Assistant/retail jobs
•	Nursing
•	Nanny and cleaning services
•	Office and clerical work ('temping')
•	Horticulture and Agriculture work i.e. fruit picking, jackeroo

Helpful Tips

When searching for employment in Australia:
•	Mind how you dress, and how you approach prospective employers
•	Make sure you can leave them with your contact details. You must be contactable! A cell phone is the only way (as long as it is switched on).
•	Have copies of your resume printed or make some calling cards, include you name and contact details and leave with everyone you speak to.
•	Get a copy of your resume on disc or the web so you can email it to companies.
•	Register with online employment services such as: seek.com.au mycareer.com.au
•	The Harvest Trail Website provides jobseekers with important information about harvest work opportunities, working conditions, transport and accommodation options in the key harvest areas around Australia. For the latest up-to-date information on harvest labour opportunities please call the National Harvest Labour Information Service on 1800 062 332 or visit www.jobsearch.gov.au/harvesttrail
•	Always check the local papers for classifieds
•	If applying for qualified skill jobs such as nursing, please ensure you bring proof of your qualifications
•	Don't be afraid to revisit or keep in touch with prospective employers or agencies.
•	Be honest and fair to employers by letting them know how long you are available for and give them notice when you plan to leave. It is important to be considerate in this way, you are helping future Working Holiday makers - what goes around comes around!

And finally, be flexible! Remember you are a Working Holiday Maker, the most casual of the casual, and there are 100's of you all looking for the same job at the same time. Be creative, sell yourself and be persistent.