YHA Australia Hostels - Working Overseas

There are heaps of options for Australians wanting to work overseas. Whether you want to volunteer in an African community, teach English in Japan, work at an American summer camp or just head to London to see what life brings, there are plenty of programs and organisations who can help you on your way.

Visas

Australia is part of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa program along with over twenty other countries. This is a reciprocal agreement which allows WHM visa holders to live and work in another participating country for a limited time. The essence of a WHM visa is that it is a holiday visa; with temporary work undertaken to supplement income while travelling.

There are two types of WHM visas with very similar names: The Working Holiday Visa and the Work and Holiday Visa.

The Working Holiday visa is usually valid for twelve months. The UK is an exception, allowing Australians to stay in the UK for two years (but only work for up to 12 months). There are restrictions on age and employment which vary between countries.

The Work and Holiday Visa more restrictive and is usually only available to people with tertiary qualifications. Australia and the US have a Work and Holiday Visa agreement. This visa allows Australians to work in the US for any one employer for up to 12 months. To be eligible for this visa you must be enrolled in a post-secondary course or have graduated from a post-secondary course in the last 12 months. You also need to be sponsored by a registered organisation. Further information on travelling to the US can be found on Backpacker Essentials.

Information on visas can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website as well as on Backpacker Essentials. For information about specific countries, contact the relevant embassy or consulate before making any travel arrangements.

Volunteering

If you're interested in volunteering overseas, International Volunteers for Peace is a good place to start. IVP organises people to do voluntary work which has been initiated by local community groups. Enthusiasm and motivation are considered more important than experience and training, and basic food and simple accommodation is provided free of charge. Volunteers are responsible for their travel costs, insurance and visas. Visit the IVP website for more information.

Backpacker Essentials, YHA's member magazine writes regularly about changes to the WHM visa program. For updates, search the Working Holiday story index.


	Australia Travel Deals Africa Travel Deals Americas Travel Deals Asia Travel Deals Europe Travel Deals NZ & Pacific Travel Deals UK & Ireland Travel Deals Travel Hints What's on in Australia Working Holiday ETAs & E-visas State Travel Information Overseas Travel Hints Working Overseas Travel Health Quarantine Tips for Shopping Overseas Traveller Information nights Find a Hostel Plan your Itinerary YHA Travel Centres Become a YHA Member YHA Member Discounts Hostelling International Web Site		There are heaps of options for Australians wanting to work overseas. Whether you want to volunteer in an African community, teach English in Japan, work at an American summer camp or just head to London to see what life brings, there are plenty of programs and organisations who can help you on your way. Australia is part of the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa program along with over twenty other countries. This is a reciprocal agreement which allows WHM visa holders to live and work in another participating country for a limited time. The essence of a WHM visa is that it is a holiday visa; with temporary work undertaken to supplement income while travelling. There are two types of WHM visas with very similar names: The Working Holiday Visa and the Work and Holiday Visa. The Working Holiday visa is usually valid for twelve months. The UK is an exception, allowing Australians to stay in the UK for two years (but only work for up to 12 months). There are restrictions on age and employment which vary between countries. The Work and Holiday Visa more restrictive and is usually only available to people with tertiary qualifications. Australia and the US have a Work and Holiday Visa agreement. This visa allows Australians to work in the US for any one employer for up to 12 months. To be eligible for this visa you must be enrolled in a post-secondary course or have graduated from a post-secondary course in the last 12 months. You also need to be sponsored by a registered organisation. Further information on travelling to the US can be found on Backpacker Essentials. Information on visas can be found on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website as well as on Backpacker Essentials. For information about specific countries, contact the relevant embassy or consulate before making any travel arrangements. If you're interested in volunteering overseas, International Volunteers for Peace is a good place to start. IVP organises people to do voluntary work which has been initiated by local community groups. Enthusiasm and motivation are considered more important than experience and training, and basic food and simple accommodation is provided free of charge. Volunteers are responsible for their travel costs, insurance and visas. Visit the IVP website for more information. Backpacker Essentials, YHA's member magazine writes regularly about changes to the WHM visa program. For updates, search the Working Holiday story index.