[
back to list of news & deals ]
News... Australia Visa Targets American Students on Gap Year Programs
In March 2008, the government of Australia announced a new work and holiday visa arrangement with the USA to allow 18- to 30-year-old American students and recent graduates to work in Australia for a 12-month period. This is a first for the US government and an exciting development for students interested in Australia.
Although the so-called GAP year between school and work has been popular for years in Australia and Europe, it is a new concept for American students, and one that is becoming increasingly attractive. Princeton University recently announced its new 'bridge year' program allowing students to defer enrollment for a year so that they can go abroad, and the Australian government hopes more universities will do the same.
Interested U.S. citizens can either apply for the visa at www.australia.com/workinoz or by completing an application form and sending it to the nearest Australian Embassy or Consulate.
Geoff Buckley, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, notes, "This is really a tremendous opportunity for Australia to build some life-long relationships with a new market segment in the US." The 'Work and Holiday Visa Programme' provides opportunities for young people for social and cultural exchange, and US citizens holding this visa in Australia can work for each employer for up to six months and are able to work for the entire 12 months of the visa. There are no restrictions on the typ e of work that may be undertaken. Young US citizens may also be eligible under the 'Youth from the US Programme,' which is a four month work program for people sponsored under this arrangement.
Sound ideal? Here's what you need to know:
- The Work and Holiday visa allows a stay of up to 12 months in Australia.
- You must be ages 18 to 30 inclusive
- You must be
outside of Australia when you apply for and are granted the visa
- You must show evidence that you are enrolled in a post secondary course of study or hold post secondary qualifications.
- You must be must have a return ticket or sufficient funds for a return or onward fare, as well as sufficient funds for the first part of their stay.
- You must meet health and character requirements.
In general, US citizens can find more information about traveling to Australia at the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's website.
