Working holiday visa questions!

Hi all!
This is my first post here and I have some questions (or really, some verification needed) about the working holiday visas to Australia!

I'm planning to head to Australia later this year. I've already filled out the application form online via the Oz immigration website and have it on hold to file the application until I find out a few things.

When do I need to show the "financial responsibility" and return ticket portions of the requirements for the visa? I know I've read to not buy a return ticket until my visa is approved and that I need to show around $5000 AUD.

I'm asssuming that I'll show both these things to an immigration officer when I land in Australia....but I would just love to know if I'm right about that! I don't want to file my application and then have Australian immigration contact me next week, asking to see the $$ and ticket info (which I don't have, but will before my anticipated departure date).

Anyone who's done this visa or knows the answer to my question?

I'm sure I'll have a ton more questions/comments in the coming months, so I look forward to chatting with everyone!

~ cdnmartinigirl

I'm pretty sure you don't need to show them anything until you arrive in the country. When you go through immigration they will ask you how long you're staying, etc, so you can show them your proof then.

I would also suggest having a look here when booking your flights. We've taken 3 trips so far and these guys are always cheaper than booking Air Canada.

http://www.downunder-travel.com/

They generally have good deals on long stays (up to a year) and they usually allow you to change your flights for a fee. It used to be $40 to change your ticket but the latest specials have had a hefty fee for changing. So make sure ask about that. But if you don't need to change your date then the fee doesn't really matter.

I usually deal with the Calgary office and I've been talking to Elise lately who has been really helpful. In all though I've dealt with 3 different people and they've all been great, so it probably doesn't matter who you get. It won't matter where you are in Canada either. I've only dealt with them over the phone and most of the time I've been in Australia when I've booked my tickets.

Haley

Hello !

I was in Australia on a working holiday visa last year, and I did not have to show my bank account statement or anything to prove my financial situation before or when I landed. I think they check these things on a random basis. It's just like the medical assessment for example. I had to get an X-ray of my chest to complete my application, but have heard from many others who got the same visa that they did not have to provide it. As for the return ticket, of course you cannot prove your intention to come back to Canada if you did not buy the ticket yet just like they told you to do. If they do check this, it will most probably be at your arrival in Australia.

Whenever I had questions or concerns, even if it was the smallest detail, I always called the contact number for the Australian embassy/consulate or High Commission office, whatever they call it, listed on the Australian immigration website. The people who take calls are usually really nice and helpful, and they are the best to provide you with the most accurate and official information. I believe they are open from 10 am to 5pm, eastern time. Here's the number:

1888 990 8888 (North America & Caribbean only - toll free)

I hope you have a great trip !

Thanks for the replies!!!

Your answers were pretty much what I thought, so I feel much better about actually sending in my application for the visa now!

My ETA to leave is July 5th....so I can celebrate Canada Day here with my friends and family (it's a tradition!) and then head on my great Australian adventure!

~ cdnmartinigirl