Today, we will learn about the eligibility requirements and pros and cons of applying for an Australian working holiday visa. Australia is the first country to sign a working holiday agreement with Korea, and it is the country that people under 30 go to the most because it can issue visas more easily than other English-speaking countries.
Once you are legally permitted to work in Australia for one year, you can work for one employer for up to six months. *After November 5, 2018, approved First Visa holders can work in certain fields such as agriculture for up to 12 months.
Australia Working Holiday Visa
There is one policy that is unique to the Australian Working Holiday Visa. That is, a second visa. A second visa is a visa that allows you to stay in Australia for one year under the same conditions as the first one-year Australian working holiday visa.
People who like the leisurely life in Australia and want to live longer often go to factories or farms to obtain a second visa.
Conditions for obtaining a second visa
A person with a record of entering Australia on a first working holiday.
A person with proof of work experience for more than 88 days in primary industries (agriculture, fishing, forestry, meat processing plants, etc.) in low-density areas of Australia.
A person with no physical disqualifications
Application fee: $635
3rd VISA
Once the second visa is approved, you will be eligible to apply for a third visa if you work in the primary industrial construction industry for six months from July 1, 2019. The conditions are a little more difficult compared to the second visa, which requires 88 days.
The working holiday visa policy issued by the Australian Immigration Department changes every year. The reason why the tax refund rate for Warhol holders is decreasing is because of this policy. If you have decided to take a working holiday or are living in Australia on a working holiday visa, we recommend that you check the policy periodically.
Eligibility to apply for an Australian working holiday
Korean nationals residing in Korea
Age 18 to 30 at the time of application
As of 2023, only those born in 1992 whose birthday has not passed can apply.
Visa approval age is 30 years or younger.
Those who have never entered Australia on an Australian working holiday visa (a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity)
Those who have passed a physical examination at a hospital designated by the Australian Embassy
Cost: Visa application fee $635 + physical examination fee 167,000 won
Advantages of working holiday in Australia
Can start at any time (can apply for visa 365 days a year)
: There is no limit to the number of participants and recruitment is ongoing, so you can leave the country at any time according to your schedule.
Living in an English-speaking country
Compared to other English-speaking countries, obtaining a working holiday visa in Australia is easier. Many people who want to improve their language skills choose Australia because it provides natural exposure to English. There is no limit to the number of students, no official English score is required, and you can study for up to 17 weeks.
high hourly wage
: Australia’s minimum wage is $18.93 per hour and $719.20 per week, which is approximately 16,600 won at the current (2024.01.24) exchange rate. The minimum wage in Korea also increases every year, but Australia’s hourly wage is attractive because it is still below 10,000 won.
beautiful natural environment
: As the meaning of the working holiday visa suggests, there are plenty of environments to enjoy the holiday. The natural environment is vast and beautiful, so there are a variety of things you can do to enjoy Australia’s nature, such as road trips to the mountains, the sea, and the desert, surfing, and swimming.
Of course, there are many disadvantages. Living abroad is not always easy.
Disadvantages of working holiday in Australia
There are a lot of Koreans
: It is both an advantage and a disadvantage, and since it is the country that most Koreans choose for working holiday agreements, there are many good and bad cases. There are many Koreans already living in large cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane, so it is possible to make a living even if you are not fluent in English. However, if you hang out, work, and live only with Korean people, it becomes no different from life in Korea.
It is not right to rely only on Koreans, but as you live in Australia, there will come a time when you need information on Koreans. At that time, please get information through local Korean websites.
Competition for jobs with European Warhol holders
: There are many Asians from Taiwan, Japan, and Korea in Australia, but there are also many working holiday holders from European countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom. Because they are relatively more fluent in English than us, they have a higher chance of being selected than you when you apply to the same job. Because this is a country where racial discrimination still exists, knowingly or unknowingly, you need to increase your competitiveness.
high prices
: Even if the hourly wage is high, finding a Korean job is often not guaranteed. If you find a casual job, the working hours are not fixed, so there are fewer working days and there are many days when the weekly salary is lower.
Transportation costs, dining out costs, and housing costs (sharing costs) are higher than in Korea, so fixed expenses are high. Since the proportion of fixed expenses is already large, those whose purpose of working in Australia is ‘money’ may not be able to save as much money as they think.
There is an amount refundable when you return home after your visa, but it is better not to think about it too much. ‘15% tax is no longer my money.’ Thinking and clearing your mind is good for your mental and physical health. Because the barrier to entry for a working holiday in Australia is low, it is often an easy decision to make.
Finish
We have looked at the eligibility requirements and pros and cons of applying for an Australian working holiday visa. Working holiday visas are called a privilege of youth, but I hope you think carefully and prepare before you go to Australia. We support your workhol life.
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