Working in Australia Guide

By Celeste McDonald

So, you want to have an adventure in Australia.

I get it, the weather is amazing.

The beaches are some of the nicest in the world and there is an opportunity to gain work experience all while having a great time.

But beware you need to be prepared as the Aussie job market is tough.

I have heard that the visa application needs specialist assistance.

There are several pathways to start working in Australia and the most common is the working holiday Visa (Subclass 417).

All Australian Visas are processed through the Australian Embassy in London.

Sydney Harbour Bridge at night. Picture credit: Celeste McDonald

For the Republic of Ireland citizens the Australian Government does recommend applying online though an individual’s ImmiAccount to register go here https://online.immi.gov.au/lusc/register 

The most common Visa for Irish citizens to apply for when first head to Australia for work is the Working Holiday Visa.

Here are the need-to-know basics of the Australian Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) here are the conditions for citizens of the Republic of Ireland:

You need to be aged between 18 to 35 years.

You must not have previously entered Australia on a: Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) or Work and Holiday visa (subclass 462).

You must have enough money to support yourself while you are in Australia and you must leave Australia at the end of your stay.

This is usually about AUD5,000 for your initial stay, plus the fare to where you are going after leaving Australia.

You must meet the Health and Character requirements and pay any debts to the Australian Government.

You must not have had a visa cancelled or application refused and finally sign the Australian Values Statement.

There are several companies that can assist with the process and offer packages that will allow for ease of opening a bank account and applying for an Australian Tax file number some companies are able to assist with the Visa processing (before committing to a particular company make sure that offer what you need based on your specific circumstances)

For the working Holiday Visa Work in Australia have packages that allow you to get your bearings in Sydney and allow you a few cultural experiences within the first few days of arriving.

For more information on the packages offered by Work in Australia www.workinaustralia.com/products 

Another company offering a similar service is USIT they offer 3 packages one is just the basics and no initial accommodation and cultural experience (perfect if you already have family in Australia or you don’t want to start you adventure in Sydney or Melbourne).

USIT also offer a 4-day and an 8-day accommodation and cultural experience package to ensure that you have your bearings (perfect if you want to start you adventure in Melbourne or Sydney).

For more information the packages offered by www.usit.ie/experiences/working-holidays/work-australia/  

Not eligible for a Working Holiday visa?

NexVentur hosts face-to-face interviews with candidates and Australian businesses looking to recruit qualified and experienced professionals in Ireland.

No worries NexVentur will be you best place to start as they will assist with clients wanting to relocate to Australia (and Aussies wanting to relocate to Ireland).

NexVentur are a bespoke all-inclusive service that will take care of everything.

NexVentur also run events to assist with settling into your new location and surroundings.

For more information and to book a bespoke consultation www.nexventur.com/

The location of the Australian Embassy in Ireland is:  47 – 49 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2, D02 W634, the best way to get in contact with the Australian Embassy is via phone and the number is :01 664 5300 or +353 1 664 5300 from outside of Ireland