Working in australia on a whv

Are you considering applying for a Working Holiday Visa so you can work in Australia? If you're an experienced client-side marketer or agency account handler, Stopgap will be able to support you in your search for new opportunities here in Sydney.

There’s a lot to know before picking up and relocating, so we’ve compiled the following information to make the process easier.

You must first apply for a work visa which will allow you to take a job in Australia on either a temporary or permanent basis. You will need to obtain this visa before coming to Australia. Stopgap is, unfortunately, unable to do this on your behalf, so the sooner you can take care of it, the better. You can visit www.immi.gov.au for more information or https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-finder to find the right visa for you.

Working Holiday Visas are generally issued for 12 months and allow you to work for up to 6 months for any one employer. During the visa valid period, you can leave and re-enter Australia as many times as you wish. There are options available to extend your visa which you can read more about at www.immi.gov.au. 

Working Holiday Visa Requirements

The basic requirements of obtaining a Working Holiday Visa (417), or WHV, are as follows and you’ll need the following items to apply:

• Must be 18 to 30 years old (inclusive) - except for Canadian and Irish citizens up to 35 (inclusive)

• The ability to speak English

• Current passport from an eligible country

• Enough money to cover the application fee & living costs

• Must not be accompanied by dependent children

You may be required to submit additional documentation depending on your country of origin. More information can be found at www.immi.gov.au. 

Australian Corporate culture

Australian corporate culture is unique. When working in Sydney and beyond, you will be expected to accomplish a lot during your working hours and will likely be asked to take on extra tasks. Your workday may begin early and can run late.

The upside is you will be very productive and have plenty of opportunities to demonstrate your abilities. Punctuality is also viewed as very important, so showing up when expected is a very important aspect of time management.

Bank account Set-Up

When it comes to setting up a bank account in Australia, you have the option to do this prior to your arrival or once you've arrived.  

When it comes to documentation, Australian banks use a points system. In order to open a bank account, you’ll need to present a number of documents that, together, add up to 100 points.

The ‘big four’ Australian banks - ANZ, Commonwealth Bank, NAB and Westpac - all make it possible to open a bank account online up to 12 months before you arrive. However, you’ll still need to go to your local branch with 100 points’ worth of documentation once you arrive in Australia. 

Upon arriving in Sydney, stop by your new bank branch where you can verify your points and pick up your bank cards.

Health/Travel Insurance

Health and travel insurance are necessities while in Sydney. There are a number of health/travel insurance plans available. Consider your health and travel needs before making a decision and read all policies carefully. Some countries have a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia, so depending on where you’re from, it’s possible Medicare will cover you.

Phone Set-Up

Australia offers a number of phone plans to choose from upon making your move. Even if you already have a mobile phone, you might want to purchase a local SIM to avoid roaming charges. As always, shop around for the plan and equipment that best meets your needs.

Renting Property

When searching for a rental property, consider the neighbourhoods near work and areas you will frequent. In popular cities like Sydney & Melbourne the rental market moves swiftly.

For most rental applications, you will need proof of income and references - ideally one from your previous landlord stating that you paid the rent on time. Know your price range and stay within it while looking. Also, consider your transportation needs.

Conduct your search in the local newspapers, on the Internet and by asking others for recommendations. Realtors can also help you find the right rental property based on the criteria you provide.

Candidates of Stopgap have had success finding rental properties on gumtree.com.au , flatmates.com.au , realestate.com.au & domain.com.au .

Obtaining a Tax File Number (TFN)

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You’ll be able to apply for your Tax File Number (TFN) online only after arriving in Australia. The application process can be completed here. The following conditions must be met:

• You must be a foreign passport holder, temporary visitor or permanent migrant

• You already reside in Australia

• You hold a permanent migrant visa, a visa with work rights, student visa or a visa that allows you to stay in Australia indefinitely

Within 28 days, the ATO will send your TFN to the Australian address you supplied on your application.

Living in Sydney can be very rewarding. If you want to earn incredible wages, to live near beautiful beaches and take part in a rich culture, it’s the place for you. Take advantage of all the opportunities it provides, and you just might find yourself here permanently.

Get in touch with the team at Stopgap via our contact page to learn more about working in Australia and to see if we can help you find your next Marketing, Advertising or Digital job opportunity!