Latest News

>> Go Global Expo coming to Toronto in Sept, 2010!
>> Check out our FREE work abroad guide
>> Try a free digital edition of Verge

E-mail newsletter

Get exclusive offers and information on the latest openings overseas—direct to your inbox each month.
Enter your e-mail address:

Destination: Australia

Page 1 of 2

Work, study and volunteer opportunities in Australia

122-dest-australia-mainarticle

For decades, Australians have been known as great world travellers and anyone who's spent any time on the road has probably bumped into more than a few Aussies in the middle of an extended world tour.

In recent years, the tide has been flowing the other way as well. People have discovered that Australia is one of the hottest tickets going and even though it's a long way away for us North Americans, a visit to Australia need not cost you a fortune.

Good exchange rates, a cost of living that is generally lower than in North America or Europe, and tons of things to do, especially if you're inclined toward outdoor adventure, make travel in Australia a pretty good deal.

Work

Picking up casual work is a great way to top up your travel funds and allow you to stay longer than you normally could. American and Canadian travellers aged 18 to 30 can apply for a Working Holiday Visa before leaving home. The visa allows travellers to spend a year in Australia and work for up to six months at any one job. Prior to July 2008, Canadians could only work at one job for a maximum of three months.

Canadians can also apply for a second Working Holiday Visa while in Oz allowing them to stay another year. To qualify for a second visa, you must have worked at least three months doing jobs the Australian government lists as “specified” work. These jobs are in certain target sectors—farming, fishing, forestry, and construction, for example—and whether or not they are eligible varies from region to region.

If you’re over 30, don’t fret. People with a skill in short supply—anything from carpentry to IT to dental hygiene—may be eligible for the General Skilled Migration Visa programme. Anyone who has been offered a qualifying job by a sponsoring Australian employer (or employment agency like Geoffrey Nathan) can apply for a Temporary Business (Long Stay) Visa. All of these visa programmes and the Working Holiday Visas are described on the Department of Immigration site.