Travel Experiences US Residents
Australia
Programs for U.S. Residents
7 Things You Should Know About Working Holiday Visa Programs
7 Things You Should Know About Working Holiday Visa Programs

7 Things You Should Know About Working Holiday Visa Programs

August 17, 2018

4 -min read

Working Holiday Visa (WHV) programs allow you to visit a host country for up to 12 months and take on jobs to cover living expenses, and help fund your travels in the country.

It’s a relatively new concept for U.S. citizens. Agreements with Australia and Ireland weren’t formed until about ten years ago, though the concept of a Working Holiday has existed since at least the 1970s.

While the term “holiday” may suggest a period of relaxation, a working holiday is an opportunity for professional and personal enrichment and a chance to step back from the “grind” and recharge.

A working holiday can (and should!) be much more than seasonal work and travel, which leads me to the first of 7 things you should know about Working Holiday Visa programs:

#1: It’s not just a directionless span of “time off.”

A Working Holiday program doesn’t have to be an unstructured time in which you pick up odd jobs here and there to pay the bills and fund your road trip along the Gold Coast. Everyone should take the time to travel and have an adventure with new friends, but there’s a lot more you can gain from the program.

A WHV consists of an open work permit—that means you structure your time and experience how you want. You’re not relegated to a specific field and you’re free to move around the country for work, travel and other activities.

Other experiences you can have abroad on a WHV program

Taking a class

  • Most WHVs allow you to take several months of courses, so you can keep learning abroad!

Volunteering

  • It’s a great way to meet people and explore a new field.
WWOOFing

Networking

  • Use the time to learn more about a potential career field by asking for informational interviews with local professionals.

If you’re a recent high school or college grad and you’re not sure what you want to do next or you’ve been in the workforce for a few years and want a change — WHV programs are an opportunity to travel, make some money, and embark on meaningful experiences and reflect on what makes you tick.

Maybe “Work, Travel, Grow” would be a more fitting title for these programs, but that’s a tad long and lacks panache.

#2: U.S. Citizens can do a WHV in five countries

Visas to Singapore are very limited, and those wanting to travel to South Korea need a hefty amount of savings ($10,000 USD), and some job industries are restricted. We focus on the first four countries.

#3: You’ll meet a ton of people.

Thousands of U.S. citizens participate in WHV programs each year. Here’s a snapshot from 2016-2017:

7,792

The number of U.S. citizens granted a WHV to Australia

5,385

The number of U.S. citizens granted a WHV to New Zealand

Tons of travelers from other countries also participate in WHV programs each year, so you’ll have a global experience within one country!

#4: Almost all visas are granted for U.S. citizens.

As long as you meet the visa requirements, you’re likely to receive it! Australian Immigration approved 99% of WHVs for U.S. citizens in 2016-2017; New Zealand approved over 90%.

#5: The visa application is pretty straightforward.

Especially for Australia and New Zealand. WHV applications for Canada and Ireland are more involved but can largely be processed online. It’s extremely rare to be asked to visit an embassy!

#6: Career-track jobs are possible!

Though seasonal, short-term jobs are the most common on WHV programs (employers know you’re only there for up to one year, so some are hesitant to hire you for long-term positions), it’s possible to land a more career-oriented role.

Past InterExchange participants on Work & Travel programs (which support working holiday visa-holders) have snagged jobs as marketing directors, business specialists, hospital administrators, and other professional careers abroad.

Just like it’s easier to get a casual, seasonal job than a more professional one in the U.S. – the same is true abroad. You can take on short-term, casual jobs while you’re looking for more professional ones, or networking in your desired career field.

#7: It’s a limited-time opportunity, so do it while you can!

Most countries set age caps at 30 or 35 for participation, and often, you’re only eligible for the visa once, so take advantage of this travel opportunity while you can!

Participants traveling abroad, looking toward a lake

Image Courtesy of Dream Au Pairs

Australia

  • You must be between 18-30. You are only eligible once unless you work in tourism, hospitality, agriculture, forestry, and fishing in northern Australia for at least 88 days on your first WHV.

Canada

  • 18-35, and you can only participate twice

Ireland

  • There is no age cap, but you must be a current student of an accredited U.S. college or university, or a recent grad (within the past 12 months)

New Zealand

  • 18-30, and you’re eligible only once.

learn more about travel experience for us residents

Interested in Travel Experiences for U.S. residents?

Immerse yourself in a new culture, gain valuable skills, and form lifelong connections. Find out more to start your journey today.

Tags

Travel Experiences US Residents

share this article

After earning a M.A. in Diplomacy & International Relations and teaching English in South Korea, Ashley joined InterExchange to promote cross-cultural understanding and help others have amazing experiences abroad.

Tags

Travel Experiences US Residents

share this article

Related Articles

For International Participants
3 -min read

February 22, 2024

Visiting the city zoo and museums, attending sporting events and concerts, enjoying roller coasters at Six Flags, and going to the top of the Arch – these are just a few examples of the cultural activities Mariana, Jordy, and Frank participated in this winter during their J-1 Internship program. 
Travel Experiences US Residents
3 -min read

February 9, 2024

Montreal is much more than Poutine and French colonial architecture. With Canada’s second-largest economy, it’s also a thriving center of industry and commerce. As such, it’s an attractive location for many Work & Travel Canada and Work & Travel Canada Young Professional program participants. 
For International Participants
2 -min read

February 5, 2024

Sunday, February 11th, 2024, is when the big game in the USA takes place! Two National Football League (NFL) teams—The Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers—will face off at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 4:30 pm MST (UTC -7), competing for the glory and the trophy! It’s a pretty big deal.