US Issues Visa, Allows 88 Days for Citizen to Remain in Country
Unleashing the Australian Adventure: A Guide to the Work & Holiday Visa
Hey Mate! If you're intrigued by the land Down Under but don't know where to start, don't sweat it! I've been there too, and I've managed to figure out the ins and outs of the Working Holiday Visa in Australia. Let's dive into the details so you can embark on your epic journey hassle-free.
The Working Holiday Visa is the perfect ticket for any eager adventurer aged 18 to 30 (even 35 for some countries!). As a German citizen, you've got a good chance of securing this visa, as long as you're not a troublemaker.
So, how do you apply for this Australia-bound pass? Hop online and head to the Australian Visa*. All you need is a valid passport and a bank statement showcasing you've got a cushy 5,000 AUD (about 3,000€) stashed away. Remember, you shouldn't be on Australian soil while applying. The process is straightforward, with a questionnaire guiding you every step of the way, and you should receive approval within 4-6 weeks. Oh, and it'll set you back around 400€.
But what can you do with a Working Holiday Visa, I hear you ask? The visa allows you to work and travel for 12 months, with the opportunity to extend it by a second year. How? Complete 88 days of specific work throughout your first year, that's how!
So, what is "88 days of specified work" exactly? In Aussie lingo, it's called "specified work." Everyday tasks, like fruit picking, are still part of the picture, but there are many more jobs that qualify now. Let's take a closer peek.
For example, point 1: Tourism and hospitality jobs in Northern, "Remote" and "Very remote" regions of Australia. Now, this doesn't mean you have to work in the tiniest outback towns. The beautiful region around Cairns, for instance, counts!
Don't miss out on that second year, mate! It could change your life forever! Remember my story? I visited Australia four years ago with a working holiday visa, but given my short-sightedness, I didn't complete the specified work. I returned to Germany, felt trapped in my studies and job, and thought, "What an idiot I was not to leave the door open for a second year." Just in the nick of time, I discovered the Covid visa, allowing me to apply for a new Working Holiday Visa until the end of 2022. Feels like a dose of serendipity, doesn't it?
These days, I'm working as a roofer (no prior experience needed!) on the Sunshine Coast for over two months now, sharing a house with a Canadian and an Aussie, just a stone's throw from the nearest surf spot. Plus, this gig also ticks the box for my next year!
The biggest question I've encountered during my farm stint is this: you complete 88 days based on the hours you work each week. The details might not be crystal clear, but here's a general idea: if you clock 30 hours (some say 35) a week, you've ticked off 7 days towards your 88. The Australian government provides more details on their official website, but I've found their examples a bit puzzling. If you prefer simplicity, try downloading the "88th day" app. You can document your job and log your hours each week, and the calculator will do the sums for you.
Once you've reached your 88 days, you can breathe easy, explore further, pick up a new job, or revel in the peace and quiet – whatever rocks your boat. Just ensure you keep your payslips; you'll need 'em for your second-year application.
I hope this post has brought you some clarity, mate! If you have more questions or fresh insights to share, don't shy away from commenting. Until next time – cheers!
Jesko
Here are two sentences that contain the words 'other', 'lifestyle', and 'travel':
- After you complete the 88 days of specified work, you can explore the diverse other lifestyles that Australia has to offer through travel.
- The Working Holiday Visa not only gives you an opportunity to work but also encourages you to experience various lifestyles and cultures during your travel through Australia.
