Austria is the Latest Addition to 7 Countries Where US Citizens are Eligible for a Working Holiday Visa
What is a Working Travel Visa?
A working travel visa is a document, which allows individuals to live, work, and travel in a country for a specific amount of time (typically between 12-14 months). Unlike traditional tourist visas, this document allows you to earn money while you travel.
How do you apply for a Working Travel Visa?
Eight different countries offer working travel visas for the United States. These are Australia, Austria, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Portugal, Singapore, and South Korea. The visa application process differs for each one. You can apply for some online, while others will require you to visit your nearest embassy/consulate. See below for more information on each country.
What is required for a Working Travel Visa?
The requirements will differ depending on which country you’d like to visit. Typically, the age range for these visas is between 18-35, with some requiring you to be a full-time student or graduate. Other working travel visas may require proof of funds and adequate health insurance.
Working Holiday Programs
You can apply for the majority of working visas individually. However, some people prefer to organize theirs through a working holiday program, such as Global Work & Travel. These programs will guide you through the visa application process and support you once you arrive in the country. Some even include a job placement service.
Popular Jobs
Hotel industry
Working in a hotel or hostel is a popular job choice for those on a working visa. In this job, travelers can meet people from all over the world and enjoy a lively atmosphere. Some hostels even offer free board which is one less thing to worry about when traveling.
Farmwork
Those traveling to Australia and New Zealand especially, will find some fantastic farmwork opportunities to choose from. This can range from working on a dairy farm to picking fruit and vegetables, so there’s something for everyone. Just be aware that opportunities will likely depend on the season.
Tourism and recreational activities
Adventurous travelers may want to check out job opportunities in tourism and recreational activities. This could include becoming a local tour guide or being an instructor, where you can teach individuals how to surf or scuba dive among other activities (depending on your qualifications and skillset).
Childcare
Some people travel across the world to be a nanny/au pair, where you’ll look after children. You’ll have a host family and will often stay on-site, so accommodation will be covered. Companies such as Childcare International in Australia can help with finding au pair jobs and getting you set up.
Retail
Retail is another popular job option for individuals on a working holiday visa. Many travelers often have some sort of experience in this field anyway, and jobs tend to be readily available. Compared to the United States, the likes of Australia and New Zealand have very high minimum wages too.
Destinations
Australia
Australia’s working holiday visa allows people aged 18-30 to enter the country and do short-term work. It lasts for 12 months and costs 635 AUD (approximately $422). Requirements include a valid passport, adequate health insurance for the duration of your stay, and 5,000 AUD ($3,320) in funds.
Austria
U.S. citizens can apply for a Work and Holiday Visa to stay in Austria for up to 12 months, with no extensions allowed. Applications must be submitted to Austrian embassies or consulates in the U.S. or European designated embassies. Applications cannot be filed in Austria and must be submitted no more than three months before the intended start of the stay. The visa is limited to 100 participants annually, costs €150, and requires applicants to have graduated from a U.S. educational institution within the past 12 months.
Canada
To work abroad in Canada, you can’t apply for a visa online if you’re from the United States. Instead, you’ll need to apply through a government-authorized program (such as BUNAC). This working visa is available for 18-35-year-olds and lasts for 12 months.
Ireland
Ireland’s working visa is available to full-time students over 18 or those who have graduated within 12 months. US citizens will need to apply through their nearest embassy or general consulate. This visa lasts for 12 months and can’t be extended. It costs $270 and you’ll need to prove you have at least $1,500 in your bank account.
New Zealand
A USA Working Holiday Visa can be applied for online through New Zealand’s immigration website. It’s available for those aged 18-30 and lasts for 12 months. This working visa costs 420 NZD (approximately $259), and there are a few requirements, such as proof of funds and onward travel.
Singapore
The Work Holiday Pass in Singapore can be applied for online. It’s available for full-time students or graduates between 18-25 years old. The Work Holiday Pass costs 175 SGD ($130) and has a duration of 6 months. This makes it the shortest US working visa, although it’s a popular option for internships.
Portugal
The Portugal Working Holiday Visa allows young travelers aged 18-30 (or up to 35 for certain countries) to live, work, and explore Portugal for up to 12 months. Participants can work for up to six months and study for up to four months, with the opportunity to travel within the Schengen Area. Applicants must show proof of sufficient funds, valid health insurance, and a clean criminal record, and either be enrolled in or recently graduated from a post-secondary institution.
South Korea
South Korea’s Working Holiday Program must be applied for at the nearest Korean consulate. It’s applicable for those aged 18-30, who are post-secondary students or recent graduates (within a year). It costs $45 and allows U.S. citizens to stay in the country for up to 18 months. Requirements include proof of funds.
Emese Maczko is a travel blogger behind Eco Lodges Anywhere. Having explored several destinations around Europe, the US, Indonesia, and Australia, and resided in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Luxembourg, Emese possesses a keen understanding of diverse cultures and an appreciation for the beauty of each destination she visits. She advocates for sustainable travel and ecotourism.