Your Ultimate Guide to Working Holiday Visas
A working holiday visa (WHV), or work & travel visa, let you to live, work, and study abroad in Australia, Canada, Japan, Korea, New Zealand or the UK. Here we give you all the details!
Many countries allow you to visit them visa free for up to 90 days, depending on your nationality. However, if you want to stay longer than that and/or if you want to work abroad you will usually need a visa (with the exception of EU-citizens who can travel and work visa free within the European Union). For students that usually means a student visa, but in some cases a Working Holiday visa is a good or even a better alternative. It is relatively cheap and easy to get and it allows you to both work and study in the chosen country.
In this guide we will tell you all you need to know about the working holiday visa:
Quick facts about the Working Holiday Visas
Why Students Should Consider a Working Holiday Visa
How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
Popular Working Holiday Visa Destinations:
Tips for a Successful Working Holiday Experience
Quick facts about the Working Holiday Visas:
- Which countries offer WHV: there are over 50 different countries that offer this visa. Here we will take a closer look at some of the most popular countries for Work & Travel: Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea, and the United Kingdom. However, the visas are not available for everyone. These visas are typically offered through bilateral agreements, meaning citizens of specific countries can apply to each other's working holiday programs. In the country sections below you can see which nationalities are eligible for a WHV to these countries.
- Duration: Most working holiday visas allow stays of up to 12 months, but Australia and New Zealand, Canada and the UK offer certain nationalities the possibiliy of an extended stay up to 2 or 3 years. WHV is typically a once-in-a-lifetime visa that you can only get once per country, although there are exceptions to this rule
- Age Limits: Usually you can get a work & travel visa when you are 18–30 years old. However, some countries extend this age range up to 35.
- Can I study: yes you are usually allowed to take language courses and other short term programs on a WHV. The exact rules varies between different countries, see below.
- Dependents: Generally, you cannot bring children or a spouse on this visa.
- Proof of Funds: You must show you can support yourself initially (exact amounts vary between different countries, see below).
- Return Ticket: Some countries require proof of onward travel or sufficient funds to buy a return ticket.
- Insurance: Comprehensive health and travel insurance is mandatory for most WHVs and should cover the entire duration of your stay.
- Passport Validity: Your passport should usually be valid for at least 6 months beyond your stay.
Why Students Should Consider a Working Holiday Visa
Students generally use a student visa for long term studies and travel visa free for short term courses, but in some cases a Working Holiday Visa is a better, or even the only, option. Here are some scenarios when a WHV is a good option for international students.
- Too long course for visa waiver, too short for student visa: some countries like Japan and Korea don’t offer student visas for courses that are shorter than 20 weeks plus semester breaks. But their visa waiver programs usually only allow you to stay there for 90 days. So if you for example want to take a 16 weeks language course a WHV might be your only option if you don’t want to leave the country in the middle of your course.
- You want to work abroad while taking a short term course: you are not allowed to work abroad if you travel on visa waiver or tourist visas, so if you for example want to take a 3 months language course in Australia and work to support yourself a WHV is your best option. This allows you to work from day one, which you cannot always do even if you have a student visa.
- It’s More Affordable than a student visa: WHVs are significantly cheaper than a student visa in some countries. For example, the Australian student visa costs AUD 1,600, while a WHV only costs AUD 510. Additionally, you can avoid hefty tuition fees by taking short-term courses instead of enrolling in a full degree.
- Lower Financial Requirements: unlike student visas, which require proof of funds for a full year’s tuition and living expenses, WHVs typically ask for proof of a much smaller amount—around $2,000–$5,000 USD depending on the country.
- No Enrollment Confirmation Needed: WHVs don’t require a Confirmation of Enrollment (CoE) from a school, which makes the application process faster and more flexible. You can secure your visa right away, before being accepted to a school abroad.
- An option for students without a High School Diploma: some countries like Japan and South Korea usually requires a High School Diploma to issue your student visa documents. If you cannot get a student visa the Working Holiday Visa is your best chance to take a longer course in these countries.
How to Apply for a Working Holiday Visa
Each country has specific steps and requirements, but most applications involve:
- Filling out an online application form.
- Submitting documents like:
- A valid passport.
- Proof of funds (bank statement or letter).
- Health insurance certificate.
- A return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one.
- A recent passport-sized photo.
- Paying the application fee (prices vary by country).
Let’s break down the rules and requirements in detail for each destination below:
Australia Working Holiday Visa
Australia is a top destination for Working Holiday Visas (WHVs), offering high wages, beautiful beaches, and an active outdoor lifestyle.
Eligibility
The Australian WHV is open to citizens of 47 countries, including:
- Europe: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom
- Americas: Canada, Chile, Argentina, Peru, Uruguay, USA
- Asia: Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam
- Other: Israel, Turkey, New Zealand
Age: 18-30 for most countries, 18-35 for Canada, France, and Ireland. The age limits are not based on calendar years but on your actual age when you apply.
Cost to Apply
- AUD 510 (approx. $335 USD or 310 Euro)
Proof of Funds Required
- AUD 5,000 (approx. $3,300 USD or 3000 Euro)
Allowed Jobs
- Most jobs are allowed, including seasonal work, hospitality, tourism, retail, and construction
- Some restrictions may apply to mining or high-risk industries
- Cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months without permission
Study Rules
- Up to 4 months (17 weeks) of study allowed
Extensions
- Second-year visa: Available after completing 88 days of specified regional work (e.g., farm work or construction in regional areas)
- Third-year visa: Possible with additional specified work (6 months)
How to Apply for an Australian Working Holiday Visa
- Create an ImmiAccount on the Australian Immigration Website
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds (bank statement)
- Health insurance
- Recent passport-sized photo
- High school diploma or higher education certificate
- Police clearance certificate
- Pay the application fee
- Await processing (typically 2-4 weeks)
Additional Information
- Visa holders cannot be accompanied by dependent children
- Applicants must be outside Australia when applying and when the visa is granted
- Some nationalities may require a letter of government support (e.g., Indonesia)
- Functional English language proficiency may be required for some nationalities
- Medical examination may be necessary depending on circumstances
Remember to check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements for your nationality.
Canada Working Holiday Visa
Canada's Working Holiday Visa, part of the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, offers young adults the opportunity to work and travel across the country.
Eligibility
Open to citizens of 36 countries, including:
- Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom
Age Requirements
- 18-30 for most countries
- 18-35 for some countries, including France, Ireland, and Australia
- Must be within the eligible age range at the time of application
Cost to Apply
CAD 150 (approximately USD 110 or EUR 100)
Proof of Funds Required
CAD 2,500 (approximately USD 1,850 or EUR 1,700)
Allowed Jobs
- Open work permit allowing work for any employer in Canada
- Cannot work in jobs that involve vulnerable people (e.g., healthcare, teaching)
- No restriction on working for the same employer
Study Rules
Can study for up to 6 months without a study permit
Duration and Extensions
- 12-24 months, depending on the applicant's country of citizenship
- Some countries allow participation twice, with a maximum cumulative stay of 24 months
How to Apply
- Create a profile in the IEC pool
- Wait for an invitation to apply (ITA)
- If invited, submit a work permit application within 20 days, including:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Police certificate
- Passport photo
- Medical exam results (if required)
- Pay the application fee
- Await processing (typically around 8 weeks)
Additional Information
- Must have health insurance for the entire stay in Canada
- Round-trip ticket or proof of funds to purchase a departure ticket required
- Cannot bring dependents on this visa
- Some countries have a "first come, first served" system, while others use a random draw
- Applicants from some countries must be resident in their country of citizenship when applying
Always check the official Government of Canada Working Holiday website for the most up-to-date information about the application, rules, and specific requirements for your nationality.
Japan Working Holiday Visa
Japan offers Working Holiday Visas to young people from 30 countries and regions, allowing them to work and travel in Japan for up to one year.
Eligibility
- Open to citizens of: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Korea, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, Uruguay
- Age: 18-30 (25 or 26 for some countries)
Duration
- Generally up to 12 months
- Citizens of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, and Austria can apply for a second working holiday visa or extend their stay
Allowed Jobs
- Can work part-time or full-time to supplement travel funds
- No specific limit on working hours or duration
- Primary purpose should be holiday and cultural exchange, not work
- Prohibited from working in:
- Bars
- Cabarets
- Nightclubs
- Gambling establishments
- Any other places affecting public morals
- Violation of work restrictions can result in deportation
Study Rules
- Can enroll in Japanese language schools for the duration of the visa
- No specific restriction on length of study within the visa's validity period
- Cannot enroll in degree programs at Japanese universities
- Study should be secondary to the main purpose of holiday and cultural exchange
Application Process
- Apply at the Japanese embassy or consulate in your home country
- Submit required documents (varies by country)
- Pay application fee (if applicable)
Recent Updates
As of December 1, 2024, Japan allows citizens from five countries (UK, Canada, New Zealand, Denmark, and Austria) to reapply for a second working holiday visa.
Additional Information
- Japan aims to expand the list of eligible countries for second visas to about 10 by the end of the fiscal year
- The program was first introduced with Australia in 1980
- Always check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan website for the most up-to-date information about The Working Holiday Programmes in Japan and specific requirements for your nationality
New Zealand Working Holiday Visa
New Zealand offers a popular Working Holiday Visa program, attracting young travelers with its stunning landscapes and friendly culture.
Eligibility
Open to citizens of 45 countries, including:
- Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Netherlands, Norway, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Vietnam
Age requirements:
- 18-30 for most countries, 18-35 for Argentina, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Slovakia, and Uruguay
- You must be within the eligible age range at the time of application
- The age is based on your actual birthdate, not the calendar year
Cost to Apply
- NZD 455 (approximately USD 275 or EUR 255), including a NZD 35 immigration levy
Proof of Funds Required
- NZD 4,200 (approximately USD 2,535 or EUR 2,350)
Allowed Jobs
- Most jobs are permitted, including agriculture, hospitality, and tourism
- Cannot work for the same employer for more than 6 months
- Cannot accept a permanent job offer
Study Rules
- Up to 6 months of study or training allowed during the stay
Duration and Extensions
- 12 months for most countries
- Up to 23 months for citizens of Canada and the UK
- 3-month extension possible if you've completed 3 months of seasonal work in horticulture or viticulture industries
- Must apply for extension before current visa expires
- Must be in New Zealand when applying
- Cannot have previously benefited from this extension
How to Apply
- Create a RealMe account on the Immigration New Zealand website
- Complete the online application form
- Upload required documents:
- Valid passport
- Proof of funds
- Comprehensive medical insurance
- Return ticket or proof of funds to purchase one
- Pay the application fee
- Await processing (typically around 36 days)
Additional Information
- Applicants must be outside New Zealand when applying for the initial visa
- Visa holders cannot be accompanied by dependent children
- Must enter New Zealand within 12 months of visa approval
- Can enter and exit New Zealand multiple times before the visa expires
Always check the official Immigration New Zealand website for the most up-to-date Working Holiday information and specific requirements for your nationality.
South Korea Working Holiday Visa
South Korea offers a Working Holiday Program (WHP) for young adults from various countries, allowing them to travel and work in South Korea for up to one year.
Eligibility
- Open to citizens of: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Taiwan, United Kingdom, United States, and others
- Age: 18-30 years old at the time of application (18-25 for some countries)
- Must be residing in their home country when applying
- First-time applicants only
Duration
- Up to 12 months from the entry date
Work and Study Rules
- Allowed to work part-time (25 hours per week, 1300 hours per year)
- Can take classes at private schools and language courses
- Cannot enroll in regular degree courses at universities
- Prohibited from working in adult entertainment or as foreign language instructors
Application Process
- Prepare required documents:
- Valid passport
- Completed application form with photo
- Return flight itinerary
- Proof of funds (approximately $3,400 CAD or £1,500)
- Activity plan
- Criminal background check with Apostille
- Medical certificate
- Proof of health insurance
- Submit application in person at the nearest Korean embassy or consulate
- Pay the visa fee
- Wait for processing (typically 5-14 working days)
Additional Information
- Applicants cannot be accompanied by dependents
- Visa extensions are not allowed
- Must enter South Korea within 3 months of visa issuance
- Annual quotas may apply (e.g., 1,000 for UK nationals)
Always check the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs of South Korea website or contact the nearest Korean embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information and specific requirements for your nationality.
UK Working Holiday Visa (Youth Mobility Scheme)
The UK's Youth Mobility Scheme offers young people from select countries the opportunity to live, work, and travel in the eligibility and gather documents
Work and Study Rules
- Can work in most jobs, including self-employment
- Cannot work as a professional sportsperson or sports coach
- Can study, subject to Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) requirements
Additional Information
- Annual quotas apply for each country (e.g., 45,000 for Australia, 8,000 for Canada in 2024)
- Hong Kong and Taiwan applicants must be selected in a ballot before applying
- Cannot bring dependent children
- Cannot access public funds
Always check the official UK government website for the most up-to-date information about the Youth Mobility Scheme visa and specific requirements for your nationality.
Tips for a Successful Working Holiday Experience
- Budget Wisely: Plan for living expenses, travel, and any short courses you want to take.
- Find Jobs Early: Research popular job boards and connect with employers before you arrive if possible.
- Adapt to the Culture: Learn basic phrases in the local language and embrace cultural differences. Good language skills will help you on the job market so consider taking a language course at a language school abroad.
We have given you all the info we have about Working Holiday visas in this article. Please contact the relevant immigration services or embassy for more information about these visas. However, you are welcome to fill out DreamStudies' info request form to get free help to explore language courses and other suitable study abroad programs in these countries. Wishing you a wonderful journey!
Disclaimer: The rules and costs for working holiday visas are subject to change, and we might have made some small mistake in the text above. Always check with the relevant embassy or immigration authority for the most up-to-date information before applying for your visa.
More information
Read more about student visas.
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