Au Pair in Australia: Working Holiday Visa

What requirements do I need to fulfil to qualify for an au pair visa?

To qualify for an Australian working holiday visa, you will need to:

• Be 18 - 30 years of age
• Be unmarried and with no children or dependents
• Meet certain health and character requirements (see text below)
• Have a certain level of English proficiency (stated as good for a 417-visa application or functional for the 462)

You also need to have never previously entered Australia using the other class of Australian working holiday visa; i.e. if you are applying for a 417, you should have never entered Australia on a 462 visa and vice versa.

Is there anything else I need before starting an application for my visa to Australia?

Yes, you will also need to have:

• An eligible passport that is valid for at least 6 months after travel.
• Approximately 5,000 AUD in savings, available if needed during a working holiday
• Enough funds to cover the costs of travel from Australia and back
• Private health insurance to cover the costs of any treatment whilst in Australia
• Documents to prove the above criteria have been met

Where do I apply for an au pair visa to Australia?

If you are applying for a 417 visa, the easiest way to start the application is online at the Australian Immigration and Citizenship Department, but in certain circumstances you can apply via the post or in person.

Most applicants looking to apply for a 462, including those from the US, can also make the application online. However, au pair applicants from some other countries may need to apply for their au pair visa to Australia via post or in person at their country’s Australian Immigration Office.

Is there a fee for my au pair visa?

Yes, you will need to pay a registration fee for your Australian working holiday visa and unfortunately is your application is unsuccessful, this will not be refunded. Currently, both 417 & 462 visa's cost approximately 485AUD, subject to change at any time.

What do I need to prepare for my au pair visa application?

Collect the following documents:

Identification

• Passport, showing your photo and personal details, with 6 months’ validity after your return
• Birth certificate, showing both your parents’ names

or

• Official identification, such as a government or court-issued document
• If you have changed your name, official proof, such as a marriage certificate or change of name document

Financial status

• Evidence that you have enough money to stay in Australia (normally 5,000 AUD) and funds for your travel to and from the country

Health and Character Requirements

The Australian government has included these requirements to ensure that all visitors to the country do not pose any threat to the Australian community, either through ill-health or criminal activity.

Health Requirements

The need for health examinations will depend on where you are from and your medical history. During the application, if you need to arrange health examinations, there will be a link called ‘View health assessment link’. If you don’t need to have health examinations, there will be no link on the application.

Character Requirements

If you have a criminal record or any immigration-related convictions, you are likely to be asked for a character reference. This could include a police or military certificate. Again, you will also be prompted at the time of application if these are required. Always declare any records at the time of application, providing honest and complete answers, as varying circumstances are considered. However, if Australian working holiday visa is refused or cancelled, any other one is unlikely to be granted

When will my visa be valid from and can it be extended?

Both classes of au pair visas are valid for 12 months. If you are applying from outside Australia, the start date of your au pair visa will be from the day you enter Australia.

You cannot extend the 417 or 462 visas; however, you can apply for a 2nd visa if you are eligible.

What about cancellations?

You can request for your Australian working holiday visa to be cancelled, if you do not want your visa to start or if you want to enter Australia on another visa. This should be done with the Australian Immigration and Citizenship department, where you made your application. Unfortunately, no refunds will be issued. Find out more here.