So you’re thinking of heading over to Australia on a Working Holiday Visa (or maybe just a tourist visa). There’s a lot to prepare and think about before you catch that flight.
I travelled to Australia in May 2022 on a Working Holiday Visa (417). In this blog, I’ll give you a little run through of the preparation I went through for this adventure.
Applying for a Visa
This sounds really daunting but I promise you, it isn’t. When you apply for your visa, no matter what type of visa, you first must create an account on the Australian Immigration and Home Affairs website. I recommend you do it directly with Immi, that way you aren’t going through third parties, may get an answer quicker and have less chance of paying more than you should (or getting conned).
I applied for a Working Holiday Visa (417). This allows those travelling on UK passports that are 18-30 years old to 1 year in Australia with the right to work to support your travels. For full listing of who is eligible for the 417 visa or the Work and Holiday 462, check out the Immi website. Note: as I write this in February 2023, terms for UK passport holders are due to change imminently as the new UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement enters force, check the Immi website for the latest updates.
I would advise you to sit alone with no distractions when applying. Immi website tells you which documents you need ready for the application. I recommend scanning these on to your computer ready before even starting the application for the visa (this will make your life so much easier plus you’ll have scanned copies of all your documents already on your computer should you need them in the future or when you are travelling).
I found the application process relatively easy. My biggest tips would be to read and reread everything before you respond. There were explanations/clarifications for everything as well so if you don’t understand something straight away, have a read of the explanation for the question. Just take your time.
Visa processing times vary. I had seen people on social media wait months, days or like me, seconds. When your visa is granted, you have 12 months to enter Australia and activate the visa. If you do not enter the country within 12 months of the grant notification, you will not be able to enter Australia and you will not get a refund.
A Working Holiday Visa (417) currently costs $635 (updated March 2024).
Paperwork
Here is a list of paperwork I brought with me to Australia. I also gave a copy of each document to my family just in case of emergency.
Visa application grant
Passport and a copy (give a copy of your passport to your family too, this is very important)
COVID vaccine certificates – no one has ever checked mine but you never know.
Driving License and International Driving Permit – it’s easy enough to get an Australian license if you need to (some jobs will ask for one or you might want to get one if you plan on being here longer than a year.
Prescriptions for medication and letter from doctor if you need to – while I would recommend this, it is pretty easy to sign up to a doctor here in Australia and get medication. Please note that some medications that are available in the UK, are not available in Australia, this happened to me and I had the closest alternative.
Other things to think about before you leave for your trip
Tell your bank you are travelling – do this as soon as you book your flights. Telling your bank you are going away will avoid your card getting blocked. This applies to any and all trips you take.
Inform the local tax department etc that you will be leaving your home country. If you are paying back a student loan, also let student finance know.
Not essential but I went for a full medical check-up (blood tests, mole/skin check, medication review etc) just for peace of mind that I’m totally healthy to embark on this adventure.
Flight
Be prepared, this is a LOOOOOOONG flight.
You can fly with various airlines, I flew with British Airways via Singapore. My top tip here would be look at flights on SkyScanner and aim to book directly with the airline around 12 weeks before. Booking direct with the airline gives you more protection should your bags be delayed or lost, or if you are delayed etc. Top tip: apparently, booking flights on a Tuesday or Saturday makes them cheaper.
To combat jetlag when you land, try to stay awake and go to bed at your normal time. I landed at 5am and stayed awake until around 9:30pm (thanks to the friends I made and a delicious dinner we had). I went to bed and slept solidly for 12 hours and felt so good the next morning. Staying awake until a normal evening bedtime will help your body adjust to the time difference. If it helps you, put an alarm on for the morning so you wake up at a normal time too.
Arrival
I’ve watched a lot of Border Control programs on TV and I thought going through customs and immigration would take ages…. It did not. It was a breeze and the staff at the airport were great. You are given a landing card on the flight to fill in and declare anything you need to (medication, food etc.), if you are unsure if you have anything to declare just declare it anyway. This helps the staff direct you when going through customs. Just don’t stress, stay calm, be sensible and don’t act out.
I have had the best time in Australia. I really encourage anyone who is wanting to travel anywhere in the world to just do it. There's a quote I really like that says "Fill your life with adventures, not things. Have stories to tell, not stuff to show". You will have an amazing time, you will have stories to tell forever, you will have memories that will last a lifetime!
Have fun and good luck!
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