A Working Holiday Visa allowing me to spend the next year enjoying the beaches, exploring the vast country of Australia and making a little cash to make it all possible.
Using an Agent
I used VISAFIRST but there are many great companies out there offering working holiday visas. Look around, ask around and find one that works for you.
Applying
Applying for the 417 visa was easier than writing this blog. It took less than 48 hours to process and the company I chose did a lot of the work for me. They applied for a bank account and tax flle number on my behalf they also mailed me a SIM card for my phone before I left.
The Application
The application part took very little time at all. The other steps took a little longer. If you are applying last minute I would find a company that doesn’t offer as many perks. It takes time to mail the SIM card and apply for the TFN number. Those are also things now that I have been over here I would feel comfortable doing myself but when I applied originally I had no idea where to start so it was nice that they took some of the guess work out of the process.
Making the Transition
It made the transition here very easy. When I arrived I had to go to the bank to pickup my bank card, pop the SIM card in my phone and wait for an email with my TFN number. All of this allowed me more time to do what I came here to do in the first place learn how to surf, feed a Koala and do some exploring.
Having Problems
I fully expected to have problems when I arrived in Australia because everything went so quickly and smoothly that it seemed too good to be true. It was a pleasant surprise when the customs agents waved us through with big smiles on their faces.
Having done a lot of international travel this is the part of the trip I am always anxious about. I have seen the questioning room in a few different countries (don’t worry not for anything serious always just luck of the draw)
Good Luck and hope to see many of you on beaches really soon!
Amanda
