Work and travel in
Australia
Global travel advisory
For all essential travel, check travel advisories and requirements before you leave Canada.
Follow all additional local public health measures while travelling.
Stay informed when you return to Canada.
How to
apply
Who can apply?
To work in Australia through the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417), you must
- be a Canadian citizen
- be between 18 and 35 years old (inclusive)
- have a valid Canadian passport
Other requirements may apply, check Australia’s website for more details.
What type of work visa do I need?
You need to apply for a Working Holiday visa (subclass 417).
Do I need a formal job or internship offer?
No, you don’t need a job offer (prearranged contract of employment) or a formal internship offer.
In most cases, you can work for the same employer for a maximum of 6 months.
How long can I stay and work?
You can participate in Australia’s Working Holiday program up to 3 times (for a total of 36 months).
For the first 12-month participation: You can work for up to 12 months (typically 6 months maximum per employer) and study for up to 4 months. The total participation is 12 months.
For the second 12-month participation: You can work for up to 12 months and study for up to 4 months. The total participation is 12 months.
- You can only participate if you completed at least 3 months of “Specified work” while holding your first Working Holiday visa.
For the third 12-month participation: You can work for up to 12 months and study for up to 4 months. The total participation is 12 months.
- You can only participate if you completed at least 6 months of “Specified work” while holding your second Working Holiday visa.
Start your
Adventure
About Australia
Australia is on the world’s smallest continent, but is the sixth-largest country. Its amazing geography includes mountains, deserts, tropical forests, cultural cities and over 23,000 kilometres of coastline. There is no shortage of things to see and do once you arrive! Find out how you can get to Australia with International Experience Canada.
Economy and jobs
The Australian economy is well developed and among the largest in the world, focusing on IT, finance and tourism. Australia also has strong mining, manufacturing and agriculture industries.
Culture and language
Australia’s more than 500 First Nations give it a rich Indigenous history. They are a part of the longest continuous culture on earth.
English is the most common language in Australia, but Australia is also home to more than 45 Indigenous languages.
Plan your trip
The best way to make sure your trip is the experience of a lifetime is to plan. Review our travel checklist to find out what you should know or do before travelling to a foreign country and working there.
Before you leave, remember to register as a Canadian abroad to receive notifications in case of an emergency while you are abroad or of a personal emergency at home. The service also enables you to receive important information before or during a natural disaster or civil unrest.
Recognized organizations
Need help planning? One of International Experience Canada’s recognized organizations might be able to help you find a job and transportation, and provide travel advice.
Most recognized organizations charge a fee for their services.
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