A US Citizen’s Guide to Working Holiday Visas
Working in another country requires adaptability, productivity, openness, and a lot of patience. If you have these qualities then a working holiday visa might just be right up your alley! If you’re a US citizen wanting to explore options abroad, a working holiday visa could be for you. This is your US citizen’s guide to working holiday visas.
Important Qs to answer:
What is a working holiday visa?
A working holiday visa is a type of visa that allows you to work and vacation in a country for a set amount of time. Some countries have specific rules that don’t allow you to take up full-time employment, only part-time, for periods of 6 months to 18 months.
How do I qualify for this type of visa?
Most of these countries have similar (ish) requirements, for example, age limits, ability or not to bring dependents with you, and a certain amount of money in savings to support yourself while there.
Each country is a little different on these requirements so keep reading to see the differnences!
How can I apply for this visa?
The first step is to decide which country you want to holiday/work in and make sure you meet the requirements listed. Go Abroad is a great resource to start looking into volunteer positions and jobs internationally. Got to start somewhere right!
Several countries have their application platform online (e.g. New Zealand) that can be completed relatively quickly. Waiting times for an application answer will depend on the country.
As US citizens, we are able to apply for a working holiday visa in 6 countries (yeah, it’s not very many).
Our options are:
- South Korea
- New Zealand
- Australia
- Canada
- Ireland
- Singapore
If you’re wanting to stay closer to home, Canada may be the choice for you. But, if you’re looking for a complete 180-degree turn on lifestyle and language, South Korea may be for you!
Important Note: You must be enrolled in some form of higher education or have already received a higher education degree (e.g. Bachelor’s, Master’s, etc.) to be able to apply for any of these working holiday visas.
Here are some more detailed requirements on each country:
Canada – US Citizen’s Working Holiday Visa
- Age limit = 18-35 years old
- Stay and work for 12 months
- have $2500 CAD upon landing to cover initial expenses
- should plan to work multiple part-time jobs
For more info about how to experience Canada on a working holiday visa, read here
Australia – US Citizen’s Working Holiday Visa
- Age limit = 18-30 years old
- Application fee + a minimum of $5000 AU to support yourself while there
- The application can be completed online
Visit the Australian Online Visa Services for all the details
New Zealand – US Citizen’s Working Holiday Visa
- Age limit = 18-30 years old
- Maximum stay for work 12 months
- Maximum stay for study or training is 6 months
Visit New Zealand’s immigration site here
Ireland – US Citizen’s Working Holiday Visa
- Age limit = 18-30 years old
- application fee + return ticket (or €1500 to purchase one)
- Maximum stay of 12 month
Visit the Ireland Embassy’s site for steps on exactly how to apply and the requirements!
Singapore – US Citizen’s Working Holiday Visa
- age limit = 18-30
- maximum stay is 6 months
- must be enrolled in higher education at the time of applying or already received a degree
Information is readily available here
South Korea – US Citizen’s Working Holiday Visa
- Stay up to 18 months
- sufficient funds to support yourself while there (KRW 3,000,000)
All information, in detail, can be found on the South Korean Embassy’s site in the USA here
Whichever country is speaking to you, explore that countries’ exact requirements, and plan ahead. Preparation in advance is absolutely necessary to move and work abroad.
If your travels this year (or even the next) take you to local places, fret not! There is time to explore the options of working holiday visas abroad, especially if you’re fresh out of university. Even if you’re not, don’t stress: There are lots of other avenues you can take to fulfill your dream of living and working abroad!
A large part of why I started this blog is because I’m a huge advocate of adventure travel and gaining experience abroad outside of your comfort zone.
Getting the opportunity to live and work abroad is life-changing. It will open your eyes to new experiences and perspectives that you never thought you would get to be a part of. I hope this US citizen’s guide to working holiday visas gives you some idea of where to start and also gives you the push to get some great international experience!
Check out my experience living abroad in Spain on a student visa here
Go and get out there!
-Salina
