Visitor & Working Holiday Visas
Visitor Visas and Working Holiday Visas are two popular options for individuals who wish to visit or work temporarily in Australia.
Visitor Visas
Visitor Visas allow individuals to travel to Australia for various purposes, such as tourism, visiting family or friends, attending business meetings, or engaging in short-term study. The specific requirements and conditions may vary depending on the applicant's country of citizenship.
Key features of Visitor Visas include:
- Multiple Entry: Visitor Visas typically allow multiple entries into Australia during the visa validity period, allowing individuals to travel in and out of the country as needed.
- Duration of Stay: The duration of stay allowed on a Visitor Visa can range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the visa subclass and individual circumstances.
- No Work Rights: Generally, Visitor Visas do not permit the visa holder to work in Australia. If a visitor intends to work, they would need to explore other visa options that allow employment.
Visitor Visa program streams:
Tourist Stream (subclass 600): This stream is for individuals who wish to visit Australia for tourism, holidays, or to visit family and friends. It allows for a short-term stay and can be granted for a single entry or multiple entries.
Sponsored Family Stream (subclass 600): This stream is for individuals who are sponsored by an eligible Australian citizen or permanent resident family member. It allows for visiting family members in Australia for longer periods, typically up to 12 months.
Business Visitor Stream (subclass 600): This stream is for individuals who need to visit Australia for business-related purposes, such as attending conferences, meetings, or exploring business opportunities. It is not intended for work purposes.
Approved Destination Status Stream (subclass 600): This stream is for citizens of certain countries who are travelling as part of an organized tour group under the Approved Destination Status (ADS) arrangement between Australia and the visitor’s home country.
eVisitor (subclass 651) and Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (subclass 601): These are electronically stored authorities that allow individuals from eligible countries to visit Australia for tourism or business purposes. The eVisitor is available to citizens of European Union countries, while the ETA is available to citizens of select countries, including the United States, Canada, and Japan.
Working Holiday Visas
Working Holiday Visas are designed for young individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 in some cases) who wish to work and holiday in Australia for a specified period. These visas promote cultural exchange and allow individuals to fund their travel and experience life in Australia.
Key features of Working Holiday Visas include:
- Work and Travel: Working Holiday Visa holders are allowed to work in Australia to supplement their holiday funds. They can engage in short-term employment with various employers while exploring different regions of the country.
- Duration of Stay: The initial duration of stay on a Working Holiday Visa is typically 12 months, but it can be extended in certain circumstances.
- Age Limit: There is an age limit for Working Holiday Visas, which varies depending on the applicant’s country of citizenship.
- Limited Work Period: Working Holiday Visa holders are usually restricted to working with a single employer for up to 6 months. However, there may be exceptions and variations depending on the specific visa subclass and individual circumstances.
The subclass of Working Holiday Visas in Australia is subclass 417 (Working Holiday visa) and subclass 462 (Work and Holiday visa).
Working Holiday visa (subclass 417): This visa is available to young individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for certain eligible passport holders) from eligible countries. It allows them to have an extended holiday in Australia and work temporarily to supplement their travel funds. The Working Holiday visa is typically granted for up to 12 months and allows multiple entries into Australia.
Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462): This visa is available to young individuals aged 18 to 30 (or 35 for certain eligible passport holders) from specific countries that have a reciprocal Work and Holiday arrangement with Australia. Like the Working Holiday visa, it allows for an extended holiday in Australia with the opportunity to work and earn money. The Work and Holiday visa is also granted for up to 12 months and allows multiple entries.
Both visa subclasses offer similar benefits, including the ability to work for any employer in Australia, study for up to four months, and leave and re-enter Australia multiple times during the visa validity period. The primary purpose of these visas is to encourage cultural exchange and provide opportunities for young individuals to experience the Australian way of life while also engaging in short-term work.
