The Australian Department of Home Affairs has announced that Filipino citizens may now apply for Australian Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) starting July 1, 2024. This type of visa allows individuals aged 18 to 30 to extend their stay in Australia by engaging in short-term work to supplement their finances. It is only valid for twelve (12) months which grants its holder to enter and exit the country multiple times. Its visa holders may also work for up to six (6) months for a single employer and study for up to four (4) months. Additionally, those who completed three (3) to six (6) months of their specified work may qualify for other types of Subclass 462 visas.
What are the Other Types of Australian Work and Holiday Visa?
The Australian Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) allows individuals to work and travel in Australia for an extended period. Its holders can also engage in short-term work to support their trip financially and can study for up to four (4) months. Under this program, applicants can apply for one of its following visa types:
- First Work and Holiday Visa is eligible for individuals aged 18 to 30 who want to extend their vacation in Australia by working to fund their trip. The applicants for this visa must have a valid passport, not be accompanied by a dependent child/children, and not have previously entered Australia on a Subclass 462 or 417 visa. Additionally, this visa shall be applied from outside Australia.
- Second Work and Holiday Visa is granted for individuals aged 18 to 30 who have completed three (3) months of specified Subclass 462 work and have previously entered Australia on a Subclass 462 visa. The applicants must have a valid passport and shall not be accompanied by a dependent child/children. If they are in Australia, they must have a substantive visa or their last substantive visa expired less than 28 days ago.
- Third Work and Holiday Visa is eligible for individuals aged 18 to 30 who have completed six (6) months of specified work and have previously held two Subclass 462 visas in Australia. For this type of visa, the applicant is required to have a valid passport and must not be accompanied by dependent children. If they are in Australia, they must also have a substantive visa or their last substantive visa expired less than twenty-eight (28) days ago.
What are the Benefits of Having an Australian Work and Holiday Visa?
The Philippines is now an eligible country to apply for the Australian Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462). This program fosters cultural exchange and strengthens ties between Australia and the Philippines. Additionally, this visa offers numerous benefits to its holders:
- Multiple Entries. The Subclass 462 visa is valid for twelve (12) months from the date of entry into Australia, which allows its holders to enter and exit the country multiple times. They can also travel freely in Australia throughout its validity period.
- Work and Study Rights. The Subclass 462 visa holders are allowed to apply for a work while spending a trip in Australia. They are granted to work for up to six (6) months with a single employer to support their living and traveling expenses. Additionally, they can study for up to four (4) months while in Australia.
- Work Opportunities. Completing specified Subclass 462 work for at least three (3) months makes its holders eligible for a second Work and Holiday Visa, which allows them to extend their stay by another twelve (12) months. Furthermore, completing specified work for six (6) months qualifies them for another extension. This provision encourages its holders to explore the country and contribute to regional communities.
- Cultural Exchange. Beyond work and study, the Subclass 462 visa facilitates cultural exchange. It allows the visa holders to experience Australian life and culture, share their own cultural perspectives, and build lasting connections. This visa program also promotes cross-cultural understanding and economic exchange between Australia and the Philippines.
How to Obtain an Australian Work and Holiday Visa?
To obtain a working holiday visa in Australia, the applicants must meet specific requirements and follow the application process:
- Provide Necessary Documents. Applicants must provide the necessary documents, such as their valid passport, birth certificate, bank statement showing proof of $5,000 AUD or approximately PHP195,000.00 in their bank account, a National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) clearance or police clearance, and a medical certificate showing their physical fitness.
- Create an Account. Applicants must create an account on ImmiAccount and provide the necessary personal information.
- Pay Fees. Applicants are required to pay a non-refundable application fee of $635 AUD or approximately PHP24,000.00.
- Approval of Status. Upon submission, the applicants will be notified regarding their visa approval status, which usually takes fourteen (14) days or longer depending on the circumstances.
Furthermore, applicants shall be between 18 to 30 years old and possess either a university degree or have completed at least two (2) years of undergraduate or post-secondary education. It is also crucial for the applicants to ensure that they have sufficient funds to cover their return flight expenses before initiating the visa application process.
What is the Difference Between Subclass 462 and Subclass 500?
Obtaining an Australian visa is essential in order to enter the country. Australia offers a variety of visas designated for different purposes. Some of these visas are the Australian Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) and the Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
The Subclass 462 visa is granted for individuals aged 18 to 30 who are seeking short-term work opportunities to fund their holiday stay. On the other hand, the Subclass 500 visa is granted for students pursuing full-time educational programs in Australia. Unlike the Subclass 462, there is no age restriction for Subclass 500 applicants. Both visas permit holders to work and study but under different conditions. Subclass 462 visa holders can work to finance their stay and study for up to four (4) months. While Subclass 500 visa holders have limited work rights intended to support their studies financially. Its holders are also allowed to study until they finish their course.
Moreover, it is crucial for applicants to apply for the visa that aligns with their specific intentions. Choosing between Subclass 462 and Subclass 500 depends largely on the applicant’s purpose for visiting Australia—whether it is for a working holiday experience or to pursue an educational degree. Understanding the different types of Australian visas is also essential for the applicants to make an informed decision.
Need further information and assistance regarding Australian Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)? Talk to our team at Duran & Duran-Schulze Law to know more about the requirements and process. Call us today at (+632) 8478 5826 or +63 917 194 0482, or send an email to info@duranschulze.com for more information.
