Australia is a popular destination for people looking for a change of atmosphere. The climate, culture and community encourage people to seek temporary or even permanent employment in Australia. If you wish to work in Australia, you can apply for a holiday visa which gives you the opportunity to stay and visit for up to a year. Once there, open a bank account and create a tax number. Finding work is not easy, but you have a choice of fields from retail to farming. With a short term job, you will have many opportunities to see the beauty of Australia.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Applying for a Work and Holiday Visa
Step 1. Apply for a work and holiday visa if you are between the ages of 18 and 30
If you are from Canada or Ireland, the maximum age limit is 35 years. Citizens of the UK and some other European countries should apply for a holiday visa (subclass 417). If you are from the United States, China or another country, apply for a work and vacation visa (subclass 462).
- The visas are very similar. You don't need to ignore the title. However, the requirements requested may differ depending on the country of origin.
- If you can't meet the work and holiday visa requirements, try applying for a student visa or temporary work visa. One of the easiest ways to get this visa is to find an employer who can sponsor the visa.
Step 2. Create a valid passport from the country of origin
You need a passport to get a visa and go to Australia. Complete the passport application process before applying for a visa. Apply for a passport at an immigration or government office, such as a post office if you are in the United States. Complete the application on paper or online and follow the passport creation process including verification of identity documents and taking photos.
- To make sure there are no problems, use a passport with a remaining life of more than 6 months. If your passport is about to expire, renew your passport before applying for a visa.
- The process of making a passport generally takes one week in Indonesia. Making a passport in America can take 6 to 8 weeks and costs around 35 US dollars. In Indonesia, the cost of making a passport is IDR 350,000 for a 48 page regular passport and IDR 650,000 for a 48 page electronic passport.
Step 3. Prepare birth certificates and other identity documents
Check the specific registration requirements for your country of residence. At the very least, you will need a birth certificate or other equivalent proof of identity. For some countries, a permit to go abroad from the government is required, proof of English proficiency, and proof of education. These conditions can be seen at the following link
- If you don't have a birth certificate, use an official government identity card or a court document that can serve as proof of identity. Also have a marriage certificate, divorce certificate, and a certificate of name change if you have one.
- Note that the Ministry of Home Affairs may contact you regarding medical or criminal records. The ministry may refuse a visa application if you have serious health problems or a criminal record.
Step 4. Show proof you have enough money to live on
Print out a bank account showing you have more than 5,000 Australian dollars in the account. You should also consider the cost of a return ticket when the visa has expired. Have a reserve fund in your bank account to pay for your return ticket if you don't have one.
- You can buy departure tickets well in advance. Upload this information as proof when applying for a visa.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs will check if you have enough money to survive and travel while in Australia. Remember that you may have to use this money the first time it comes.
Step 5. Get access to the visa application form from the Australian government website
Create an ImmiAccount first by entering your personal and contact information. After creating an account, select the visa you want. Through ImmiAccount, you can save your visa application, check the status of the application, and upload the necessary documents. Start by accessing the following link
- Upload all requested documents. Use a scanner to save and upload documents into the application form.
- In order for a visa application to be processed, the visa application fee must be paid in advance using a debit or credit card. In 2019, the visa fee was 489 Australian dollars or around IDR 4,800,000.
Step 6. Wait for 35 days
Many applications take as little as 12 days, but this process may take longer. Keep checking application status via ImmiAccount. When your visa is approved, you will also receive a notification via email along with your visa information. Print out visa information and take it with you when you travel.
- Work and holiday visas are valid for one year. If you want to stay in Australia or stay longer, you must apply for a permanent visa.
- Australia offers work and holiday visa extensions for a second and third year for people who wish to stay in Australia after their first visa has expired.
- With a valid visa, you can enter and exit Australia at any time.
Method 2 of 3: Traveling to Australia
Step 1. Choose a work destination
There are many job options once you arrive, but you have to choose where to start your adventure. Consider the opportunities and costs in the destination area. Big cities like Sydney and Melbourne are popular destinations with an interesting culture, but you may prefer a warmer city like Brisbane. You can also choose rural areas.
- Keep the itinerary in mind. If you live in a central location like Brisbane, you can travel to places along the east coast of Australia without having to stay overnight.
- If you don't really care about location, you can start looking for work right away. However, it's usually easier to find work around the place you want to explore.
Step 2. Find a place to stay while in Australia
Immediately find a place to live when you have decided on a destination city. Compare different housing options and take note of the ones that are already furnished so you don't have to buy. Try to find a place to live online and social media. You can also search for jobs that provide housing or live in someone's home through Airbnb.
- Standard rooms are usually IDR 1,300,000 to IDR 1,500,000 per week. So maybe you should share a room with a friend.
- Rent is paid per week in Australia. The owner usually arranges payment by direct deduction from the bank account every two weeks.
- You'll most likely have to stay temporarily in a hostel-like place when you first arrive. Renting permanent residency can be difficult at times, but it's easier when you're already in your destination country.
Step 3. Buy insurance before leaving
Purchase health and travel insurance policies to address issues that may occur while traveling. Health insurance covers the cost of medical care, while travel insurance covers you and your belongings. Talk to an insurance agent to arrange an insurance policy.
- If you don't have insurance, you can still get medical care, but you'll have to pay for it.
- Several countries have health care agreements with Australia. This agreement covers the costs of some types of health care. The UK and New Zealand are examples of two countries that have an agreement with Australia.
Step 4. Purchase a phone number after arriving in Australia
The best way to do this is to bring an unlocked cell phone and buy a SIM card. Insert the SIM card into the phone to connect to the Australian telephone network. Buy it at a telephone shop or shopping center. Don't forget to buy credit online or a phone card so you can use your phone.
- Bring your passport and other proof of photo identification. You need it to buy a SIM card.
- You may need a phone number to open a bank account. Phone numbers are also useful for finding work and places to live.
- You can also buy a new phone with a SIM card installed, but this option is more expensive.
Step 5. Open a bank account upon arrival in Australia
You need an account number in order to receive salaries and pay bills. Bring your passport, visa and other proof of identity when visiting local banks. After filling out the form, use proof of identity to verify account information. Several banks that accommodate the needs of tourists, among others, Commonwealth, ANZ, and Westpac.
You can fill out an account opening form online, but you still have to physically come to the bank to confirm the data you provide. The process required may take longer than expected. So, open an account as soon as possible
Step 6. Apply for a Tax File Number (TFN)
Every employer needs your TFN. Once hired, you have approximately 28 days to provide the TFN to the employer. It is best if you apply for a TFN on the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website as soon as you arrive. You can find it at the following link
- You will need a passport and visa to complete the tax number application. You must also be in Australia when completing this application.
- If you don't have a TFN, you can pay higher taxes. ATO is very firm. So you can get into trouble if you work without TFN.
Method 3 of 3: Finding Work in Australia
Step 1. Come in the summer to get more job opportunities
December to February is summer in Australia. So, many job opportunities arise in August and September. Most of these jobs are related to tourist services. Job search is a competitive process. Looking for work during this period will make the search process easier. If you want to visit in another season, you can still find work.
Most people who work while on vacation find work in agriculture and the service industry. Both are the most common during busy months. These jobs will be more difficult to find during the low months
Step 2. To apply for a job, do it online or in person
Most businesses in Australia conduct their recruitment process online. Check company websites, job websites, and bulletin boards for job opportunities. For service jobs, such as restaurants and retail stores, come to work to showcase your social skills. If you need help, try enrolling in a temporary employment agency or work vacation program.
- You'll have to pay more if you want to take part in a vacation program, but they'll help you find a place to live, get a tax number, or take care of your needs when you first arrive.
- Create a quality resume when applying for jobs. Make sure you print more than one resume for the jobs you apply face-to-face.
Step 3. Find temporary work to increase your chances of getting hired
Industries with high employee turnover tend to be more open to travelers. Agricultural work is very common in rural areas, including harvesting fruit. The fishing, construction, and mining industries also provide opportunities. If you don't like physical work, look for work in retail stores, bars, restaurants, and hotels.
- Visa rules only allow you to work for one company for 6 months. Therefore, most businesses are hesitant to offer work to people on work and vacation visas.
- If you are planning to apply for a visa for a second year, look for employment opportunities in the agriculture, fishing, mining or construction industries. You must work at least 88 days and have a payslip or other evidence when applying for a second year visa.
Step 4. Use the skills you have for unique job opportunities
Even though most people who take vacations while working end up just being the same kind of workers, keep an eye out for unusual positions. You can find a variety of jobs, including driving, teaching, babysitting, or other jobs. If you have experience doing a particular job, your chances of getting a job in Australia will increase.
- For example, if you are tech savvy, you might be able to get an IT-related job. If you have experience in sales, you can get a job as a salesperson or a fundraiser.
- If you intend to stay long term, you will have a greater chance of getting traditional jobs, such as office workers.
Step 5. Work for 6 months before looking for a new job
Visa rules force you to look for alternatives if you plan to live in Australia. You don't have to work 6 months at the same job, but a regular salary will help pay for living expenses. Move to another place when you are ready for a new experience.
- Many backpackers only work for a few days then move to a new location. You can also spend half your time living on the east coast and the other half on the west coast of Australia.
- Plan your work schedule so that you have time to experience many other Australian experiences. Ask your employer if you can take time off for a vacation.
Tips
- Plan your trip at least 3 months in advance. Processing of passports and other documents may take several months.
- Save your payslips to file your tax returns at the end of the year. Australian law helps migrant workers get their money back.
- In 2019, the minimum wage in Australia was 19.83 Australian dollars. Most jobs will pay well above the minimum.
