Working Holiday Visas: Unlock the World as a Young Traveler
Working Holiday Visas are one of the best kept travel secrets. These visas provide an opportunity to live and work in another country for a year and offer a range of benefits for young people eager to explore the world and gain valuable life experiences.
My year abroad in Australia was only made possible because of their working holiday visa. As a U.S. citizen, the criteria for eligbility was relatively simple -- you must be between 18 and 30 years old, show you are able to financially support yourself ($5,000 minimum bank account balance) and pay the application fee ($635). The application is approved and the visa is granted relatively quickly, typically within 24 hours or a few days. If you have traveled to certain countries recently, your application might take longer and require a health assessment before being approved.
Benefits
- International Experience
- Cultural Immersion
- Personal Growth
- Career Development
- Networking
- Exploration
- Academic Opportunities
U.S. citizens are qualified for working holiday visas in the following countries:
- Australia
- New Zealand
- Ireland
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Canada
The requirements and application process varies by country, with some requiring completion of a bachelors degree or being a recent graduate.
However, at a minium, most countries will require the applicant to be between 18 and 30 years old, as these opportunities are particuarly targeted at younger travelers.
One of the great aspects of the working holiday visa is that it gives you the freedom to chose how you'd like to spend your year abroad. The opportunities are endless and fully customizable depending on what you want to get out of the experience. The options are endless -- from studying, road-tripping along the coast or working full-time.
Who
- Young Adults
- Students
- Recent Grads
- Career Breakers
- Temporary Workers
- Language Learners
- Cultural Enthusiasts
- Future Expats
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