The Working Holiday Visa (WHV) allows young people to experience foreign life and work in a visa-issuing country to compensate for financial shortfalls. The nature of the WHV visa is about = a work visa + tourist visa. Today, this guide mainly introduces dealing with working holiday visas in Australia. The same rules apply to cities like Melbourne and Sydney.
Australia Working Holiday Visa Introduction
A Working Holiday Visa is a travel permit allowing travellers to work in the country where the visa is issued to compensate for their travel funds. Most working holiday visas are guaranteed by reciprocal agreements between the countries concerned and are used to encourage travel and cultural exchange between citizens of both countries. It allows young people to experience life in a foreign country without the usual need to seek job sponsorship in advance or participate in expensive university exchange programs.
The working holiday visa encourages and facilitates cultural exchanges between young citizens of both countries through working Study Tours.
The Australian Working Holiday visa is only granted once in a lifetime to eligible people. However, those participating in prescribed agricultural work may be entitled to an additional 12-month WHM visa.
Note that each year refers to the Australian financial year, which runs from 1 July to 30 June the following year. From the beginning of the new financial year, the Australian Visa Centre will gradually issue quotas to China in batches until all 5000 quotas are issued.
Australian Working Holiday Visa Type
Australia has two Working Holiday visas: the Working Holiday Visa (462 Visa) and the Work and Holiday Visa (417 Visa), or WHV.
417 Australian Working Holiday Visa
The 417 Working Holiday visa is a cultural exchange program that allows young travellers to visit and work in Australia for a short period. If you work in a specific industry in a remote area for three months, you can also set up a second or third visa to stay in Australia for the second or third year. The 417 visa allows you to study for up to four months (17 weeks).
462 Australian Work and Holiday Visa
The conditions for the 462 working holiday visa and the 417 visa are roughly the same; the most significant difference between the two visas is the passport country held by the applicant. The 417 visa is for Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, and other countries and regions to apply for passports, while the 462 visa is for China, Malaysia, and other countries to use.
Australia and New Zealand are the only countries that open working holiday visas to China.
Working and Holiday (Category 462) visa holders can engage in cultural exchange activities and tourism. In addition, the visa holder can:
Stay in Australia for 12 months after first entry,
Work for 12 months during your stay in Australia,
After four months of study,
Under the terms of the 8547 visa, you can work for the same employer for no more than six months.
Application Qualifications
The general eligibility requirements for China’s first working and holiday visa applicants are as follows:
Hold a valid Chinese passport;
Be at least 18 years of age at the time of submission of the application but under 31 years of age;
Travel to Australia without children;
Have sufficient funds to support a working holiday in Australia (approximately $5000);
Having sufficient funds at the end of the working holiday to purchase a return or further travel ticket;
No record of travelling to Australia on a working holiday (category 417) visa;
Have a higher education degree or have completed at least two years of undergraduate study;
Basic English proficiency
Meet moral and health requirements and
I have a genuine purpose for going to Australia.
Australia Working Holiday Visa Rights
Working and Holiday Visa (visa category 462) holders can seek work and travel.
Entry within one year after obtaining the visa;
You can stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the entry date.
Can travel to and from China and Australia several times within the one-year validity period;
Work in Australia for 12 months, but not longer than six months for the same employer
Can participate in short-term study for up to four months;
It can be converted into a student visa, work visa, etc., provided that you get a school offer or find a suitable job (or the employer is willing to sponsor, meet the conditions of independent immigration, etc.)
The renewal policy has been published, and those who have worked in the specified area for more than three months can apply for a second visa.
You can still apply for a working holiday visa from another country (such as New Zealand).
2024 New Working Holiday Visa Requirements for Australia
In February 2024, following the opening of Australia on the 21st, followed by yesterday afternoon on the 22nd, Australia announced that working holiday visas are open for application to China!!
The 462 working holiday visa has also been closed due to the epidemic’s impact. The opening of its application process has also undergone significant changes, from the previous [snatch signing system] to [the lottery system]. Let’s take a look at it.
2024 WHV draw mechanism
Quota: 5000
Pre-application Lottery Registration: Pre-application will remain open from July 1, 2023 to January 31, 2024
Lottery process: Submit EOI application (deadline: March 28) → Random selection → Get invitation → Submit materials
ps: The deadline for this round of EOI is March 28, 2022, so applicants need to register their EOI before the deadline of this round, and the specific date of the draw date of this round has not yet been announced (expected in April)! If you are lucky, you will submit your visa application as before. You will be granted a one-year 462 working holiday visa if you meet the visa requirements.
This new (EOI) process only applies to those applying for the first work and holiday (category 462) visa. It does not apply to non-VAC WHM applications or second or third work and holiday (subclass 462) visa applications.
How Do I Apply for an Australian Working Holiday Visa?
Application Materials (Chinese Passport)
From February 2022, applicants will no longer need to submit the required documents in person at the Visa Centre, so all you need to do is follow the information in the invitation email and submit the necessary documents online on the immune system of the Australian Immigration Department’s official website. This also means that overseas applicants of Chinese nationality will also be able to apply for WHV, as long as they are not in Australia.
The following is a summary of the materials required for an Australian working holiday visa:
Required Form
1. Form 1208: Application for Working and Holiday Visa
2. Form 54: Family Member form, please fill in English and Chinese
3. Form 956: Immigration Agent/Individual to Provide Immigration Assistance Authorization Form This form is only required if the applicant has designated an immigration agent or other person to receive information about their visa application.
Personal Materials
(1) Submit an appointment confirmation letter
(2) Two copies of the first page of your latest passport. One copy shall be a color copy
(3) If the applicant is going to Australia for the first time, it also needs to provide
- Bottom page of passport (if signature page),
- and colour copies of all passport pages with visa labels, entry and exit stamps or signatures.
(4) A colour copy of the applicant’s household register
(5) A colour copy of the ID card
(6) Please provide two passport photos attached to the first page of the application form. Please note: Passport photos must show only the front and shoulders of the head on a light background. Please write your name on the back of the image.
(7) If the applicant has ever changed his or her name, he or she should provide relevant proof, such as a notarial certificate of change of name
(8) If the applicant has served in the armed forces of any country, the applicant shall provide a military service record or a notarized certificate of discharge.
(9) Please provide the applicant’s resume in both Chinese and English.
Financial Materials
(1) Please provide relevant documents to prove that the applicant has sufficient financial support (at least AUD 5,000) during his/her stay in Australia for 12 months.
(2) Relevant supporting materials may include:
A copy of the applicant’s bank passbook proving the applicant’s deposit history and salary income
A copy of the applicant’s recent bank account transaction details or pay slips
(3) Other supporting materials related to funds and property
Provide proof that you have a travel ticket to leave Australia or have sufficient funds to purchase a return ticket. Note: This proof of funds is not included in the above evidence of funds
Educational Materials
Provide proof of all university graduate qualifications or completion of at least two years of university coursework. The applicant should provide the following documents in Chinese and English:
University diploma notarial certificate;
And college transcripts, notarial certificate
English Proficiency
Applicants are required to provide proof of English proficiency when submitting their applications. Applicants must prove they have at least a basic level of working English. The specified English test system or corresponding English proficiency requirements are as follows:
The average score for the IELTS in all four subjects (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) should be above 4.5. Applicants must take and pass the examination no later than 12 months before the visa application is submitted. Note: Both academic (Category A) and training (Category G) are acceptable
An overall score of 32 or more in all four subjects (speaking, reading, listening, and writing) of the iBT should be taken. Applicants must take and pass the examination no later than 12 months before the visa application is submitted.
The total score of the four subjects (speaking, reading, listening, writing) in the PTE Academic English Test should be at least 30 points. Applicants must take and pass the examination no later than 12 months before the visa application is submitted.
The Cambridge English Test should have an overall score of 147 or more in all four subjects (speaking, reading, listening and writing). Applicants must take and pass the examination no later than 12 months before the visa application is submitted.
Completion of primary studies and at least three years of secondary studies in an English-only school
Have completed at least five years of secondary school studies in an English-only school
At least two years of full-time university coursework in an English-only school
Have completed at least one year of full-time university studies at an English-only school in Australia
Health Requirements
Working and holiday visa applicants are required to undergo a medical examination.
Take a medical examination before submitting your application. Please see My Health Declaration for details. Please note that having a medical examination before submitting your application can shorten the visa review time.
For health requirements guidelines for more details, please refer to: http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/Trav/Visa/Heal.
China’s designated doctor details, please refer to: http://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/about/contact/offices-locations/china.
Details about Character
Applicants may be asked to provide Form 80 – Assessment of personal circumstances, including character. If the applicant is at least 16 years of age and has resided in any country for 12 months or more in the past ten years, the applicant will also/or be required to provide proof of no criminal record in all those countries.
The Visa Office will inform the applicant whether the above documents are required during the visa application assessment process.
Applicant Information
For official use only: AVAC staff must verify the applicant’s PRC passport.
Note that the Australian Immigration Department requires all materials to have English translation. Materials with English translation can be ignored, and non-English originals need to be translated by NAATI-certified translators. The translated document needs to contain: the translator’s full name, address or telephone number, the translator’s qualifications, and the general standard NAATI translation will be included, with a bit of attention.
How to Apply for an Australian Working Holiday Visa and How to Handle it
Application Method
There are two ways to apply for an Australian working holiday visa: paper delivery and online application (for US citizens only).
Paper delivery – You must complete the medical examination in advance, complete the visa form, prepare the original and copy of passport, the original and copy of ID card, AUD 5,000 financial proof and application fee (cash or credit card) and other relevant materials summarized above to the Australian Visa Office. (China has three visa processing centres: Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.)
Online application—To apply, Enter the online application website and prepare the English address of the residence and credit card (we only accept online credit cards). A medical examination must be completed within 28 days of sending the application.
Since domestic partners are applying for Australia’s 462 working and holiday visa, the following takes the 462 visa application as an example to organize the detailed Australian working and holiday visa processing process:
Australia Working Holiday Visa Application Process
462 Work and holiday visas must be booked in advance. After the appointment is successful, I will submit my application in person at the selected date and time at the Australian Visa Application Centre. Before booking, please prepare all documents according to the materials checklist, including a completed visa application form.
Note: If members of the same family or team are booked separately, each must reserve a place. For example, a family of two adults and two children must reserve four places.
The general process is as follows: have a Chinese passport → Pre-apply when the pre-application is open, and then wait for the lottery invitation → receive the invitation letter → Submit the materials online in the immigration system → physical examination → wait for the visa.
Step 1: Prepare Materials
A passport is a must. You don’t have to but know the passport number.
Since the Australian working holiday invitation is full of randomness, and there are three months after the invitation to prepare materials (3 months + 28 days after the submission of materials can be made up of other materials), the English test results are only valid for one year, so the application materials can generally be prepared after the invitation, unless the time is rushed or in a hurry. (See above for details of the Australian working holiday visa application).
Step 2: immiAccount submit the pre-application and wait for the draw (grab the slots)
The pre-application page will be open at certain times according to Australia’s needs. Applicants must fill in their personal information during the opening and then wait to be selected. You can click here to check the invitation status. The Australian Department of Home Affairs will send out a working holiday invitation to the lucky candidates by random email.
Applicants are required to submit their applications within three months after winning the lottery.
ImmiAccount Pre-application Guide
First, log in to the Australian Immigration and Immigration visa application system “immi account“, register an account without an account, and log in directly with an account. The steps to register an account are as follows:
Remember that the Australian Immigration account will require the number master to change the password for network security reasons. After some time, be sure to record the password in the notepad. Remember to keep the account password and secret security. You will likely often deal with this system in the future (including study abroad and immigration will be used).
This system is English; do not type Chinese, and all information is filled in in English numbers.
It doesn’t matter if the number is 86; the lottery won’t call you.
Domestic mailboxes, such as qq mailboxes and 163 mailboxes, can also be registered and used usually. If you want to receive mail, do not worry.
There may be a delay in the mail, it has nothing to do with what email address you use, it is the delay of the immigration system.
After the account registration is successful, the email will receive a confirmation email; remember to go to the email and click the activation link:
People will always fill in the wrong mailbox, activate it, and continue operating. You can reduce the probability of a registered account using the wrong mailbox.
The next step is to register for the lucky draw:
When logged in, select any of these steps to go to the WHV Pre-application page
Method A: jump straight to the following link: https://online.immi.gov.au/reg/REG-462, and then directly down into the form-filling process
Method B: After landing on the https://online.immi.gov.au/ola/app page, click on “new application,” create a new application form, and click on “pre-application of Visa registration.” Then click on the “Registration—Work and Holiday Visa (462)” option.
The pre-application form to fill out is only one page; if you enter a form to fill in a dozen pages (after being invited to submit a visa form), you are in the wrong place; please follow the page carefully.
After filling in the above steps, ensure your information is not wrong, especially the passport number (such as the number 1 and child I). Click here for the identification method for to-distinguish letters in the passport because the wrong one may not be changed! The last seven digits of the passport are numbers, not letters. Only the first two may be letters.
After checking, click “Submit” below.
After all this is completed, the pre-application work is done, and the next thing is to wait for the lottery.
If you are selected, you will receive an email with the name “Notification of Registration Selection” sent to the confirmation email filled in by the immiAccount. You must submit a formal 462 visa application within three months of being invited.
Note: After submission, you will receive a confirmation email from the immigration Office (probably in the bin), confirming that they have received your pre-application, you can also see your pre-application in the immigration office account. To view the page: https://online.immi.gov.au/ola/app
Step 3: USCIS Immune System to Submit the Application
If your pre-application is invited, you can proceed to the next step and submit your visa application online to the immune system of Immigration Australia; click here to see the detailed process.
According to the previous invitation letter reminder (sample invitation letter), the following conditions should be met when applying:
You will need to submit your documents online within three months after winning. If you do not submit your information within three months of winning the lottery, you cannot re-register for the plan year. (After submitting the formal application, you can make up the materials that have not been submitted within 28 days, so you have a maximum of 3 months +28 days to prepare the materials after the successful signing) The invitation letter that has not been submitted in time will be invalid.
The invitation letter does not mean the applicant will be issued a Working Holiday (subclass 462) visa, which must meet the visa requirements.
Visa applications must be submitted online through ImmiAccount. Applicants must use the same information in the initial pre-application when filling out the application; otherwise, they will not be able to complete it.
The passport’s validity must be over six months; if it is less than six months, you must replace it first.
If the applicant’s passport information has changed since the EOI was submitted, they must complete Form 929 and send a colour copy of the expired passport along with the new passport to PRC462lodgement@homeaffairs.gov.au.
If you fill in the wrong information, you should also send the above form to the above email address to explain the reason for the incorrect information.
Applicants cannot apply online until the new passport is connected to the internal system of the Immigration Department.
After submitting the visa application, you will receive a confirmation letter. The visa officer will review the application based on the information provided by the applicant and may ask for more information during the process.
After receiving the invitation letter, you can only apply for one Working Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
Uscis will not respond to inquiries.
Immigration does not provide immigration assistance.
The latest WHV policy is that no matter which city you book an appointment in, you can submit your materials to any of the four cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu. The date and time must be the one you booked; it is not optional. Please keep the original passport with you, but it will not be removed.
If you do not hand in the materials, it is equivalent to giving up the quota; it will not be rejected, and you can grab the quota again next time. If part of the materials are not ready when the visa is submitted, you can choose to make it up, but it is not recommended to delay too long, generally within 14 days, a long time there is a risk of rejection. You only need to send the scanned copy to the visa centre’s email address; there is no need to go again.
If you receive a registration notification letter, you should:
See the letter for information on how to apply
Only apply once
Application must be made within three months of the selected date
You must use the same personal information request as submitted on the registration form
Your registration number must be included when submitting your application (provided in the letter)
If you do not submit your application within the specified time frame, you cannot register again during the program year.
You cannot apply for the first Working and Holiday (Category 462) visa if you are not selected randomly.
Please note:
If your registration is not randomly selected, USCIS will not notify you.
If you do not receive a selection notification, please do not send an enquiry to the Home Affairs Department.
Uscis will not respond to inquiries about whether they have been selected to apply for a visa.
Step 4: Physical Examination
Currently, the new policy does not support advance physical examinations, waiting for the physical examination notice mail after submitting the materials (generally 1-2 weeks after the notification), and going to the designated hospital for physical examination within the specified time after the notice.
After the physical examination, you can go home and wait without uploading your information. The hospital will handle the following steps and submit your information to the immigration office.
Preparation before physical examination:
First, into the application system: https://https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/login/login
Find your application. Then click on View details and click on the Health assessment option on the left. If you have just completed the WHV online application, there may be a delay, and the health assessment link may not be displayed. This situation can wait a few hours or recheck the next day.
You can organize your health examination by clicking on the right. Then, you go to another page and fill it out. If it’s not described, just put no.
Complete the options, check the statement, click submit, and you’re done
On this page, click Print Referral Letter at the bottom left. Finally, the PDF file of the medical examination form will pop up, and it will be OK to download and print it out to take the medical examination.
Please provide the HAP ID in the upper right corner when making an appointment.
Step 5: Visa Officer Review, Inform the Result
After submitting the materials, the Australian authorities claim that 75% of the audit will be completed within 65 natural days (usually 1-2 weeks after the medical examination results are received). According to experience, the fast is a few days, the slow is one or two months, the average is 1-2 weeks.
The official will notify the final result by email. The signature is in the form of an electronic signature. You can print out the attachment in the email and take it with you when you go abroad.
About the telephone survey:
Before signing the visa, it is possible to be surveyed by telephone, which is usually done by the consulate in Guangzhou, so please pay close attention to the phone number beginning with 020, submit the materials, and keep your mobile phone open after the materials arrive at the visa centre. Pay attention to the number at the beginning of 020, and some are played by Shanghai, and some will hide the call number, or unrealistic number, these calls should be paid attention to, can not be missed. If you don’t get it, don’t call back. They’ll call again. Don’t shut down your phone.
What are the General Problems of Electric Modulation?
Your job information, what industry, are you still doing it, are you going to quit your job, why do you want to go to work travel, why do you want to work vacation when you already have a job? Do your parents (wife) approve of it? What are your plans to go there? What are your plans after the working trip? Are you willing to consider any job opportunities there?
Rule of thumb for answering this question: Be sure not to show that you have immigrant tendencies!! Remember!
Australian Working Holiday Visa Fee, Processing Time and Location
Visa fees
Australian Working Holiday Visa application fee: $635
Note: In the May 2023 Budget, the Australian working holiday visa application fee was increased by 15%. However, in Australia’s latest updated regulations, the visa fee increase has been further expanded since July 1. Increase from 15% to 21% + 3.25% = 24.25%
Of these, 21% were newly determined increases, and 3.25% were CPI-driven price increases. As a result, the application fee increased from $510 to $635 on July 1.
Other expenses:
PTE/ IELTS: about 1800-2000.
Notarial translation: about 500-800.
Physical examination fee: about 800-1400.
Note: Airfare and insurance are not included. The Australian WHV visa is available through an online lottery, with invitations sent after the draw. The application process is electronic, eliminating the need for paper applications and submitting materials offline.
Processing Time
Average processing time for visa applications
50% of applications have a result within about 1 day
75% of applications have a result in about 17 days
90% of the applications have a result in about 4 months
Visa validity:
You can enter Australia at any time within 12 months from the date your visa is issued.
Stay in Australia for 12 months from the day you first enter Australia.
You may enter and exit Australia more than once within 12 months of your first entry into Australia.
Note: The 12-month validity period cannot be extended.
How far in Advance is it Appropriate to Prepare Materials?
According to the official website, the materials required to apply for an Australian working holiday visa include a visa application form, passport, photo, travel health insurance certificate, language proficiency certificate, and proof of a specific fee amount. It is recommended that the information be prepared and timed in advance when preparing the certification classification materials so as not to delay the application’s progress.
Check the list of materials: Check the application materials on the official website to confirm what you can prepare, and leave enough time to find an organization that can provide proof of language proficiency.
Planning time: Generally speaking, the time required to prepare the application materials includes the time needed to certify the classified materials and the preparation time before submitting the materials. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the preparation time, on the one hand, to allow more time for certification and translation and, on the other hand, to allow more time when submitting the materials.
Summary: You should start planning and preparing the required materials about three months in advance to avoid application failure due to incomplete information preparation or a delay in application time.
Place of Application
All Working and holiday visa (462) applicants must make an appointment to submit their visa application through the online booking system and then submit their visa application information in person at an Australian Visa Application Centre (AVAC) in China. Booking is required. The applicant must present his/her passport when applying.
What Should I Do When My Working Holiday Visa Expires?
The Australian working holiday visa is the first choice for many people to travel to Australia. However, if the passport expires, it will bring a lot of trouble and inconvenience to the holder. The following is a discussion of how to deal with the expiry of the working holiday visa in Australia from many perspectives to provide helpful references for visa holders.
Method 1: Request an extension
When an Australian working holiday visa expires, holders can apply for an extension. To apply for an extension, you must fill in the relevant forms and provide applicable materials and reasons. After a successful extension, visa holders can stay longer in Australia.
Method 2: Return home and apply for a visa
If the visa holder wants to stay in Australia after the working holiday visa expires, he or she can apply for a visa again after returning home. When applying for a visa, you need to provide specific financial guarantees and relevant materials, such as the purpose of the visa, and you also need to meet the requirements of the Australian Immigration Department.
Method 3: Apply for a Work visa
If you want to continue working in Australia after your holiday visa expires, consider applying for a work visa. To apply for a work visa, you need to meet the relevant requirements and provide some relevant materials.
Method 4: Apply for a Student visa
You can apply for a study visa in Australia after your working holiday visa expires. To apply for a study visa, you need to provide relevant documents and certificates, and you also need to meet the requirements of the Australian Immigration Department.
Method 5: Work and study 500 students sign
This is a relatively simple method. There is no English score requirement after high school. Applying for an Australian TAFE student visa allows you to continue to study and master new knowledge in Australia and work legally there.
Australia has abolished the restrictions on students’ working hours, so after the expiration of the working holiday visa, the applicant does not need to leave the country. Chinese students can continue to transfer to the work-study visa but must apply in advance.
Method 6: Leaving Australia
If the Australian working holiday visa expires and the visa holder has no other visa, he or she can only choose to leave Australia. Before leaving the country, visa holders must undergo various procedures, such as account cancellation and tax refund.
Note: After the Australian Working Holiday visa expires, the visa holder must deal with the visa issue promptly to avoid unnecessary trouble and inconvenience. If necessary, visa holders can consider various methods, such as extension, returning home to apply again, applying for a work visa, applying for a study visa, etc., to obtain a more extended stay or a better living and working environment.
FAQ
How to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)? What happens after you submit an Expression of Interest (EOI)?
Submit online. EOI selection is random and not based on any criteria. If your letter of interest is selected, you will receive an invitation to apply for your first Working Holiday (Category 462) visa. You will not be notified if your letter of interest is not selected. The Home Office will open invitations in April 2022.
If an Expression of Interest (EOI) is selected, how long does it take to apply?
If you receive an invitation to apply for a first Working Holiday (Category 462) visa, the invitation will provide you with a timetable for applying online. If you do not submit your application by the specified date, the invitation will expire, and you will not be able to submit your application.
How many Expressions of Interest (EOI) can each person submit?
Only one letter of intent per person can be accepted. Do not submit multiple expressions of interest. Your letter of interest will remain in the selection pool until June 2023. If your EOI is not selected, you must wait until the following EOI selection process begins if you still meet the eligibility criteria for the first Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.
Is there an age limit for the working holiday visa?
Yes. Applicants for a Chinese working holiday visa must be at least 18 years old but under 31 at the time of application submission.
How many times can I apply for a working holiday visa?
The Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa offers participants a unique “once in a lifetime” opportunity. Therefore, participants can only apply for this type of visa once.
