Young Irish workers have been granted an additional five years in which they can venture down under for work and travel.
Prospective Irish travellers can now apply for an Australian working holiday visa up to the age of 35.
Successful applicants can spend up to two years working and travelling around Australia.
The previous age limit had been 30 for Irish candidates.
The agreement between the Irish and Australian governments is reciprocal, meaning Aussies can also come to work in Ireland.
Ireland and Australia first signed the deal which created the working holiday programme in 1975. Since then, it is estimated that more than 275,000 young Irish people have journeyed to Australia under this scheme to gain valuable life experience.
Yes, as an Irish citizen, you can work in Australia, but you will need to apply for the appropriate visa. The most common options include:
Each visa has its own set of eligibility requirements, so it’s important to choose the one that best suits your situation and plans.
Yes, as we just explained. The options available include:
Yes, a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) provides you with full working rights in Australia.
Here are some key points about the working rights granted by this visa:
It’s essential to comply with the visa conditions to maintain your legal status in Australia.
You must:
To apply for the Working Holiday Visa, you’ll need to have at least $5,000 AUD in your bank account. However, if you plan to travel before starting work, it’s wise to save a bit more so you can fully enjoy your time in Australia.
With so many beautiful places to explore and unique experiences to have, you don’t want financial constraints to hold you back.
Additionally, having some emergency funds is a good idea, as unexpected situations can arise while traveling—such as missed flights, getting stuck outside the city, or difficulty finding a job.
While you might be well-prepared and these issues may not occur, having extra savings can enhance your experience, allowing for more enjoyment—like having an extra box of goon at a pre-party or another tequila shot at the bar.
The more you have saved before you arrive, the easier it will be to relax and focus on enjoying your holiday rather than just working.
Yes, you will need a Tax File Number (TFN) if you are on a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) in Australia and plan to work.
It serves as your personal reference number within the tax system.
You can apply for a TFN online after obtaining your work visa.
While having a TFN is not mandatory, not having one means you will pay a higher rate of tax.
A TFN is essential for:
You can apply for a TFN online through the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) website, and the process is usually straightforward. It’s best to obtain your TFN as soon as you arrive in Australia and before you start working to avoid any tax issues later on.
If you intend to work and earn money, it’s essential to have an Australian bank account for your payments.
Even if you choose not to work in Australia, opening an Australian bank account can still be beneficial.
It can help reduce international transaction fees and make it easier to share expenses with friends.
Here are a few reasons why having an Australian bank account is beneficial:
Setting up an Australian bank account is typically straightforward and can often be done online or in person at a local bank. Make sure to bring necessary identification, such as your passport and visa details.
Among the big four banks, we suggest using Commonwealth or NAB. Both offer low fees, a wide network of branches and ATMs, and have significant experience serving backpackers and working holidaymakers.
This means you’ll benefit from in-person support and access to a national banking network.
Commonwealth Bank
NAB (National Australia Bank)
Westpac
ANZ (Australia and New Zealand Banking Group)
Irish citizens intending to travel to Australia for tourism, business, or to visit family must apply for the Australian eVisitor Visa (Subclass 651). This electronic visa permits Irish travelers to stay for up to 90 days, and the entire application process is conducted online.
Most applications are typically processed within 14 days; however, processing may take longer if you fail to complete the online form accurately or neglect to attach the necessary documents. After your visa is granted, you have 12 months to travel to Australia and activate it.
The processing time for a Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) for Australia typically ranges from a few days to a couple of weeks. However, the exact duration can vary based on several factors, including:
It’s advisable to apply well in advance of your planned travel dates to allow sufficient time for processing. Always check the official Australian Department of Home Affairs website for the most current information on processing times.
If you’re interested in securing an Australian working holiday visa, you can apply with Visa First.
Aside from meeting the age limit requirements, there are a number of other criteria you must meet in order to apply for this visa. These include:
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