DanLD

Hello there, I’m 21 years old and almost decided that I want to apply for a 2 year working visa to come to Australia. I won’t go into why I want to leave because I’m sure you’ll all have heard those same things before but I plan to move to Bowral for a few weeks with family and then onto one of the big cities.

Anyway, I’ve been looking at various sites and all the information is a little bit daunting, so I have a couple of questions.

Right now I’m studying BA (Hons) Business Studies with The Open University. I would be able to continue studying and working (that’s my situation here anyway) and by the time my visa is up in 2015 my degree will be over. Would that improve my chances of being allowed a permanent visa? If not, what would?

Obviously I would be looking for work and accommodation (like I say initial accommodation may not be an issue), but how likely is it that I would be able to organise a job/place to stay before I arrive?

I would appreciate any advice and guidance people can give me about my situation. Thanks.

Beoz

Job probably no go with your minimal experience - best done on the ground as you will have the same experience as many other candidates - nothing to set you apart from the crowd.

Living. Again best done on the ground. Most places won't rent you a place unless you inspect it first. At your age you will probably be flatsharing. Bunk into a hostel, meet some people your own age doing a similar thing then go from there.

Dorothy

There's no such thing. The WHV is a one year visa with the option of doing a second year if you fulfil certain criteria.

Finishing university while you're here sounds like a plan, but in all honesty it isn't likely to help you stay at the end of your holiday.

Sorry to sound so negative, but you should look at the WHV as a year (or 2 if you can get a second visa) as a fun year of backpacking, not as a route to staying permanently. If you are really serious about living in Australia you need to complete uni, get some experience in an occupation Australia needs and apply for a permanent visa. Unfortunately a BA in Business Studies is not likely to be an in-demand type degree. Nursing, accounting, engineering. Those are the skills Australia needs.

Pollyana

First thing you need to be aware of is that you can't get a 2 year WHV straight off. You are granted one for a year, then you have to do three months work in a specific area/job in order to get the second year.
http://www.immi.gov.au/visitors/work...visa-works.htm

paddyo

What family are in Bowral???

Bermudashorts

Are you sure you could continue your OU studies? I thought about it, was doing something for fun but the pitfalls were: international costs, that they wouldnt send materials overseas and that I would have to fly back more than once a year for exams. Knocked the idea on the head.

The degree is not likely to increase your chances of staying in Australia permanently, degrees seldom if ever mean much on their own.

DanLD

Yeah, I know, what I meant by 2 years was that I would most likely then be applying for the 2nd year. I'm looking at it as you suggested, but I will also be looking for my way in permanently.


I'm reading your link and that page says I can only work up to 6 months with an employer. Of course I don't know yet if that could be an issue, but do you have experience of that affecting you getting a job? Or does anybody else?

I have an aunt and uncle that live there. Your reply had me thinking you might be one of them, but you're not old enough.

That could be an issue, yeah. I've contacted the relevant people but I'm waiting for a reply.

DanLD

When I said 2 year working Visa I just meant that I would most likely be applying for the 2nd year, then looking for my way in.

I've been looking at that link and it says that the maximum I can work with an employer is 6 months. Have you got experience of that affecting you getting a job? Does anybody else?


I have an Aunt and Uncle living there. Your reply had me thinking you were one of them, but you're too young.

I'm considering that as well. Contacted the relevant people recently and I'm waiting to hear back.