FAQ International

What are Working Holiday Visas?

Working Holiday Visa applicants need to be aged between 18 and 30, single or married without children. You need to establish that:

• The main reason for coming to Australia is for a holiday, and that any work you do is to support yourself while you are on holiday;
• You have a good chance of finding temporary work to supplement your holiday funds;
• You have a return ticket or sufficient funds for a return fare and the first part of your stay; and
• You intend to leave Australia at the end of your authorised stay.

Working holiday makers are permitted to stay 12 months from the date of initial entry to Australia regardless of whether or not you spend the whole period in Australia (ie you are not able to ‘top up’ your stay by obtaining a further Working Holiday Visa onshore).

Working holiday makers are permitted to do any kind of work of a temporary or casual nature while in Australia. As the main purpose of your visit is for holiday and travel, work for longer than three months with any one employer is not allowed.

Working holiday makers should be paid according to Australian award rates and conditions.

Please be aware that temporary residents are required to pay taxes on income earned in Australia . You do not have access to social welfare benefits or national public health cover. (Citizens of countries with which Australia has Reciprocal Health Care Agreements are entitled to emergency medical insurance cover.

What sort of Travellers’ Accommodation is available in WA?

Youth Hostels and Backpackers’ are the most popular form of accommodation for travellers to Perth . Youth Hostels and other backpackers’ accommodation are mostly found in and around Northbridge, Perth and Fremantle.

Just north of Perth , Northbridge is a short walk from the city centre and public transport. At the heart of Northbridge are hundreds of night spots, restaurants and cafes.

About 20 minutes drive south of Perth is the port city of Fremantle . Only minutes from the beach, Fremantle offers many historical tourist destinations, colourful markets, and plenty of cheap eating and live entertainment.

Many young tourists travelling through Perth stay at youth hostels. The hostels are not only inexpensive, but they offer a great opportunity to meet other young people from all over the world. The youth hostels are clean and provide all the amenities a young traveller would need, along with some friendly advice about places to go.

Billabong Backpackers resort is very popular, centrally positioned in close proximity to the city and nightlife of Northbridge. This facility provides great prices for dorm beds or single/family rooms, with swimming pool/gym, free breakfast, air con, internet cafe, access to 24 hour minimart, recreation room and friendly staff to help with your sightseeing plans.

Tax File Numbers

To work in Australia you require a Tax File Number, which will be valid anywhere in Australia for the duration of your stay. A Tax File Number can be obtained from any Australian Tax Office (free of charge). You will need to take along your passport showing your work visa and other suitable identification (e.g.: birth certificate or drivers licence). Once you have lodged your application you will receive a receipt and a tax file number notification will be sent to your nominated address in approximately 4 weeks.

Alternatively, you can apply for a Tax File Number online at http://www.ato.gov.au/individuals/content.asp?doc=/content/38760.htm

How Do I Open a Bank Account

Bank Accounts are reasonably easy to open in Australia. There are few special requirements beyond meeting the requirement for 100 points of identification.

Identification Type	Points Value
Birth Certificate Passport Citizenship Certificate	70
Drivers Licence (full / probationary / learner) Shooters Licence Public Service Employee ID card	40
Any card on which your name appears: Medicare card Credit Card (only 1 per institution) Store Account card Video Store Card Library Card Union Card	25
Documents on which your name and address appear: Car registration Utility bill Rental receipts Records of another financial institution showing youve been a member for 12 months or more	25

Most travellers prefer to use banks which are accessible throughout Australia such as the Commonwealth, ANZ, Westpac or National (NAB).