Many countries provide working holiday programs for young people. The idea of a working holiday visa is to facilitate a bridge between two or more countries by allowing the youth to explore a new culture without spending too much money. This way, people between 18 and 25 can visit different countries while working to support their holiday.
What Is a Working Holiday Visa?
Working holiday visa schemes are programs that allow you to spend a holiday in another country, while working there to finance your trip.
Typically, working holiday visas are the result of a mutual agreement between two countries, so they are not available to everyone.
Working Holiday Visa Eligibility Criteria
You have to meet the following criteria to qualify for a working holiday visa:
- You must be between 18 and 25.
- You must be a citizen of a country with a working holiday visa agreement with your destination country.
- You must be a first-time working holiday visa holder.
Most Popular Working Holiday Programs By Country
Many countries offer a type of working holiday visa. But, you can only apply for this type of visa in a specific country depending on whether they have an agreement with your home country.
- US J1 Visa.
- Australia Working Holiday Schemes (subclass 417 and subclass 462).
- Japan Working Holiday Scheme.
- Ireland Working Holiday Scheme.
- UK Youth Mobility Scheme.
See the best countries where you can get a working holiday visa.
Working Holiday Visa Fees By Country
Here is an overview of how the current working holiday visa range from country to country:
Australia | AUD 495 |
Canada | CAD 285 |
France | EUR 99 |
New Zealand | NZD 245 |
Spain | EUR 80-167 |
The United Kingdom | GBP 244 |
Working Holiday Visa Application Process
Here’s how you can apply for a working holiday visa:
- Check the eligibility criteria.
- Locate a visa office.
- Assemble your documents.
- Go to the visa interview.
Step One: Check the eligibility criteria
First, you need to make sure that you are from an eligible country with a working visa agreement in place with other countries. Plus, you need to meet the age requirement, usually between 18 and 30, but some countries may allow you to apply up to 35 years old.
Step Two: Locate a visa office
For a working holiday visa, you must apply at a local embassy or consulate. You have to make an appointment at the visa office first to attend the visa interview and submit your application.
Step Three: Assemble your documents
Next, you have to prepare your documents for submission. Make sure your travel document is up-to-date and gather your other documents on time. Please note that you may be required to translate some records or get an apostille stamp to verify them.
Step Four: Go to the visa interview
Finally, you can go to your visa interview on the scheduled date and apply for the working holiday visa. At this point, some embassies may ask you to pay the application fee— they will let you know beforehand.
Documents Required for a Working Holiday Visa
You must prepare the documents listed below for your working holiday visa application:
- Working holiday visa application form.
- A passport that is valid for three or more months.
- Identity pictures.
- Birth certificate.
- Purchased travel health insurance.
- Evidence of financial means.
- Other documents as requested.
How Much Does a Working Holiday Visa Cost?
Your working holiday visa usually costs between €200 and €400. The fee is liable to change depending on the country you will visit.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Working Holiday Visa?
It usually takes a week to process your working holiday visa. But, some countries may take longer to verify your information and issue the issue.
Working Holiday Visa Duration
A working holiday visa is valid for one year from the date of issue. Some countries may issue a work-holiday visa for less than a year— you can check with a visa office before applying.
Can I Apply Again For a Working Holiday Visa?
No, you can only apply for a working holiday visa once. The only exception to this rule is Australia— it issues a second and third-year working holiday visa for those who already had a visa first.
Can I Apply With Family Members For a Work-Holiday Visa?
No, you can’t apply with family members for a working holiday visa. Even if you have minor children, you still cannot bring them with you on a working holiday visa program.
Work-Holiday Visa Guidelines
You need to keep in mind the following guidelines when applying for a working holiday visa:
- You can apply for the visa only once.
- You can only work in specific industries (as highlighted by your host country).
- You can only work a specific amount of hours per week.
- You can’t extend your stay.
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