A working holiday visa is a great way to visit a country without the high expenses of international travel.
This type of visa is especially popular among young travelers. It allows visitors to have an extended holiday that they can fund with short-term jobs.
Working Holiday Visa Definition
A working holiday visa is a specific type of visa that allows the holder to legally work during their stay in the country.
If a country offers a working holiday visa, it means that it has specific agreements with other countries that allow its citizens to work while they travel.
Usually these visas last for 12 months, although some countries allow longer.
A Working Holiday Visa is different to employment sponsorship as the applicant is not required to have a job offer before arriving. The visa allows the holder to work, but it is not an obligation.
How to get a Working Holiday Visa
A working holiday visa is generally aimed at young people to encourage travel and cultural exchanges between countries.
Usually the age requirements are aged 18 to 30, although in some countries it is 18 to 35.
Working Holiday Visa Differences
Each country has specific requirements and criteria for a working holiday visa.
For example, in the UK they have the Youth Mobility Scheme Visa which allows young people between the ages of 18 and 30 to live and work in the UK for up to 2 years.
In Australia there is a 3-tier system, known as the First, Second, and Third Working Holiday Visas. Each visa is valid for up to 12 months, and you must currently hold the previous Working Holiday Visa and have completed 3 months of regional work.
Some countries, such as the United States, do not offer a Working Holiday Visa.
You can contact the relevant embassy to find out if a country offers this kind of visa and if you are eligible.
Applying for a Working Holiday Visa
Once you have confirmed that you are eligible for a Working Holiday Visa, it is generally straightforward to apply for.
For some countries, you can apply for this visa online. All you need are your personal details and the relevant documents.