The Working Holiday Program (WHP) is an incredible opportunity for young people looking for an unforgettable experience in Australia. To make your project easier, let's discover together the steps to obtain a PVT visa in Australia, the advantages of eVisitor authorisation and how to choose the right specialist agency to support you.
Applying for a Working Holiday Visa: the steps to follow
To apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV, Subclass 462), also known as a PVT, you must meet certain eligibility conditions:
- Be aged between 18 and 30 (35 for some countries)
- Hold a valid passport
- Not be accompanied by dependants
- Have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay
- Take out medical insurance for the duration of your stay
If you meet these conditions, here are the main steps in applying for a WHV:
- Create an account ImmiAccount on the official Australian government website. This account will enable you to manage all your visa procedures.
- Complete the online form with your personal details, passport and medical insurance details.
- Pay the application feewhich amount to approximately AUD 485 (295 €).
- Wait for the answer from the Australian authorities, which may take a few weeks. If your application is accepted, you will receive an e-mail containing your visa number and expiry date.
The eVisitor: an alternative for a short stay in Australia
If you want to travel to Australia for less than 3 months, the eVisitor (subclass 651) is an attractive option. This is a free electronic visa granted to nationals of several European countries, including France, Belgium and Switzerland. This visa allows you to:
- Travelling in Australia for tourism or visiting friends
- Studying at an Australian school for a maximum period of 3 months
- Participate in conferences or professional training short-term
To obtain eVisitor authorisation, simply complete the online form on the Australian government's official website. The response is usually very quick, taking just a few days.
Advantages and disadvantages of the eVisitor compared to the PVT
The main advantage of eVisitor is that it is free and easy to apply for. In addition, it allows multiple entries in Australia with a maximum duration of 3 months per stay for one year.
On the other hand, this visa does not allow you to work in Australia. If your aim is to gain work experience while discovering the country, a WHP is still the best option.
Using a specialist agency for your WHP application in Australia
To make things easier for yourself and ensure that your WHV application is completed correctly, you can choose to use a specialised agency. These agencies usually offer comprehensive services including:
- Assistance with preparing and submitting visa applications
- Personalised advice on the steps to take before and after obtaining your visa
- Support in finding a job or accommodation in Australia
- The opportunity to take part in workshops and events organised by the agency to help you integrate and make the most of your stay.
How do you choose the right agency?
To select the agency that best meets your expectations, here are a few criteria to consider:
- The services on offer Make sure the agency offers the services you need, such as help finding a job or accommodation.
- Price list Compare the prices of different agencies to choose the one that suits your budget.
- The reputation Find out about the experience and opinions of the agency's previous clients. You can read testimonials and ratings on the Internet, as well as asking for recommendations from people who have already done a WHP in Australia.
- The team Choose a branch with experienced advisers who are available to listen to your needs.
An agency service 