Frequently Asked Questions

The Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa that allows young adults (18-35) from eligible countries, including Italy, to holiday in Australia for up to 12 months while working to help fund their trip.

The visa allows you to stay in Australia for up to 12 months from the date you first enter Australia. If you complete three months (88 days) of specified work in regional Australia, you may be eligible to apply for a second Working Holiday visa, and potentially a third with additional requirements.

Italian citizens must be between 18 and 35 years of age (inclusive) at the time of applying for the Working Holiday Visa.

The current application fee is AUD 495 (approximately €300). This fee is subject to change, so it's always best to check the official Department of Home Affairs website for the most up-to-date information.

Processing times vary, but for Italian citizens, the visa is typically processed within 14-30 days. During peak seasons, processing may take longer. You can check current processing times on the Department of Home Affairs website.

You'll need: a valid Italian passport with at least 6 months validity, proof of sufficient funds (minimum AUD 5,000), proof of health insurance, a digital passport-sized photo, and a credit card for payment.

No, Italian citizens applying for the Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) do not need to provide proof of English language proficiency as part of the visa requirements.

No, you must be outside Australia when you apply for your first Working Holiday visa and when the visa is granted. You must also be outside Australia when you apply for a second or third Working Holiday visa unless you meet specific exceptional circumstances.

No, you don't need a job offer to apply for a Working Holiday visa. The visa allows you to find work after you arrive in Australia.

Yes, if you complete three months (88 days) of specified work in regional Australia during your first visa, you may be eligible to apply for a second Working Holiday visa. Similarly, after completing six months of specified work during your second year, you may qualify for a third year.

You can work in any industry, but you are limited to a maximum of six months with any one employer. Popular jobs for Working Holiday visa holders include hospitality, retail, farm work, construction, and administration.

Specified work includes: agriculture, forestry, fishing, mining, construction, and tourism and hospitality in regional areas. The work must be done in eligible regional areas of Australia, which are defined by specific postcodes.

Australia has a high minimum wage compared to many countries. As of 2023, the national minimum wage is AUD 23.23 per hour (approximately €14). However, actual wages vary depending on the industry, location, and your skills and experience.

Yes, Working Holiday visa holders are required to pay taxes on income earned in Australia. For the first six months of your first Working Holiday visa, you're considered a non-resident for tax purposes and taxed at 15% on income up to AUD 45,000. After six months, you may be considered a resident for tax purposes, with different tax rates applying.

There are several ways to find work in Australia: online job boards (Seek, Indeed), recruitment agencies, social media groups for Italian expats, hostel job boards, and networking. We provide resources and tips on our Resources page to help you find employment.

Yes, it's strongly recommended to have comprehensive health insurance for your entire stay in Australia. While Italy has a reciprocal healthcare agreement with Australia (giving you access to Medicare), this covers only essential medical treatments and may not cover all healthcare needs.

Initial options include hostels, Airbnb, or temporary accommodations while you search for more permanent housing. For longer stays, you can look for shared accommodations through websites like Flatmates.com.au or real estate agencies for private rentals.

Yes, you can study for up to 4 months (17 weeks) during your stay in Australia on a Working Holiday visa.

Australia has a relatively high cost of living. On average, you might need AUD 1,500-2,500 per month (€900-1,500) for living expenses, including accommodation, food, transportation, and entertainment. Costs vary significantly between cities, with Sydney and Melbourne being the most expensive.

Yes, Australia has a large Italian community, particularly in major cities like Melbourne and Sydney. There are Italian cultural associations, social clubs, and online communities that can provide support and networking opportunities for Italian Working Holiday visa holders.