Do I need a special visa to work in Australia?

Yes. You will need a Working Holiday Visa. With this visa you can stay in Australia for up to 12 months and leave and re-enter Australia any number of times while the visa is valid. You can also work in Australia for up to 6 months with each employer and study for up to 4 months.  Apply online at www.immi.gov.au

There are two visa options when visiting Australia – a Tourist visa or a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa.? A Tourist visa is usually issued to allow a stay of three or six months, with no provision to work.? A WHM visa enables visitors to work with some restrictions and must be issued before arriving in Australia. Tourist visas can no longer be upgraded from within Australia. 

Visas

The WHM visa usually allows a 12 month stay and is for people between the ages of 18 and 30 wanting to see Australia while working to support their travels. Backpackers from countries such as: Canada, Denmark, Germany, the Republic of Ireland, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden and the UK (between the ages of 18 and 30) can apply for WHM visas. With a WHM visa you may only work for the same employer for a period of three months. Travel outside Australia is permitted, but before leaving check with DIMIA as you may need another visa to re-enter Australia.

Staying longer

Many people want to stay longer than their visa allows. This not usually possible and even marrying an Australian citizen or permanent resident does not necessarily make you eligible for resident status. If you want to remain in Australia or are looking to be sponsored by a company, the procedure can be lengthy and the criteria strict.

2nd WHM visa

If you hold a second Working Holiday visa, you may return to work for a further six months for an employer with whom you worked on your first Working Holiday visa.