Wotjob - FAQ

Questions

United Kingdom :: Visa Information

Can I go anytime?
Do I need a visa?
What is the Working Holiday Program?
Who is eligible?
Do I need to prove I have sufficient funds in order to apply for a Working Holiday Visa?
Where can applicants apply?
Cost of a working Visa
When should I apply?
How should I apply?
Is an interview necessary?
Do I need a return ticket?
Do I need to have a medical examination?
How long can I stay in the United Kingdom on a Working Holiday visa?
Can I break my holiday to visit other countries?
Am I restricted in the type of work I do?
What are the work conditions?
Can I use the services of an employment or recruitment agency?
Can I work for the whole 2 years?
Can I undertake studies on my Working Holiday visa?
How many times can I be granted a Working Holiday visa?
Do I need travel/health insurance?
Can I change to another visa?

Questions and Answers

United Kingdom :: Visa Information

Can I go anytime?

If you are a young Commonwealth citizen you may be eligible to enter the United Kingdom as a working holidaymaker anytime, provided you satisfy certain criteria. Prior entry clearance is required. Please apply to your British High Commission 6-8 weeks prior to your intended date of departure. go to top

Do I need a visa?

Yes To work in the UK you will need to hold a passport and a current UK work visa or permit. You will need to have this documentation prior to entering the UK for work. go to top

What is the Working Holiday Program?

The Working Holiday (WH) program aims to promote international understanding, through helping young people experience the culture of another country. It provides opportunities for resourceful, self-reliant and adaptable young people to holiday in the UK and to supplement their funds through incidental employment If you are a young Commonwealth citizen you may be eligible to enter the United Kingdom as a working holidaymaker, provided you satisfy the following criteria (below). go to top

Who is eligible?

You must be a COMMONWEALTH CITIZEN aged AT LEAST 17 AND UNDER 31. Your application must be approved before you reach your 31st birthday. If you have already passed your 31st birthday you do not qualify. Remember, at peak times you should submit your application 6-8 weeks prior to your intended date of travel (or 31st birthday, whichever comes first). December to May is our busy period. go to top

Do I need to prove I have sufficient funds in order to apply for a Working Holiday Visa?

You must show proof of sufficient funds in your bank account. UK Immigration does not specify how much 'sufficient funds' are. However, the idea is to show that you won't get into financial trouble and rely on public funds to support you. You can do this best by having approximately 2000 GBP or 3000 (AUS$4500-A$5000) and a return ticket. If you only have a one-way ticket, you will need to have more funds in your bank account. go to top

Where can applicants apply?

Once you know for what you are eligible to apply, you will need to contact your nearest British High Commission, Consulate or Embassy and ask to have the appropriate application forms sent to you, or you can often download these forms quickly and easily from their websites.

British Consulates and Embassies

Click on your country

Australia

New Zealand

Canada

South Africa

USA

India

Malaysia

Singapore

British Government

Click links below

British Government Site

UK Visas information service

UK Work permits information service

go to top

Cost of a working Visa

Visa fees

Fees are payable at the visa office to which you will apply, usually in local currency (currently £36 equivalent.)
A fee is charged to pay for the cost of processing your application and for that reason it is not refundable. For up-to-date information on fees in the local currency, please contact the UK Overseas Mission where you intend to apply.

Your British Entry Clearance charges

go to top

When should I apply?

With regards the timing of your application, you should check with the individual UK High Commission or Embassy as they all have different processing times. However in general, be careful not to apply too early (a year ahead) for your UK Visa as they often have a 'use before' date. However don't leave it too late either! Most UK Visa applications (Ancestry, Working Holiday, Right to Abode, Spouse etc) will be processed within six weeks in most Commonwealth countries, but that is not a guarantee. It is not normally recommended to purchase your airline tickets until you have received your UK visa if this is something that will effect whether you go to the UK or not.
This information should be used as a guideline only. For official information on work visa and permit processing times please contact your nearest British Embassy or Consulate click here for links go to top

How should I apply?

Once you know for what you are eligible to apply, you will need to contact your nearest British High Commission, Consulate or Embassy click here for links and ask to have the appropriate application forms sent to you, or you can often download these forms quickly and easily from their websites. Read through the forms carefully to ensure you qualify and to see what documents you will need to supply. Fill out the forms completely and return to the British High Commission or Consulate in your country with all of the information and supporting documentation they have requested. If you have questions about filling out the forms, you should contact the British High Commission or Consulate on the number provided on your UK visa application forms. The correct address for all postal applications where a payment has to be made and processed is: -

Initial Consideration Unit - type of form
Immigration and Nationality Directorate
PO Box 3615
Walsall -
Cannock
WS11 OWS
-
Please don't send any postal applications for leave to remain or a no time limit stamp containing a payment to the address in Croydon. go to top

Is an interview necessary?

When an entry clearance officer cannot make a decision about issuing you a visa immediately, you may be asked to attend for an interview. Though they aim to do this within 10 days, this may be longer, depending on where and when you apply. Always try to make your application well in advance of your intended travel date. go to top

Do I need a return ticket?

Yes, you must show proof of sufficient funds in your bank account. UK Immigration does not specify how much 'sufficient funds' are. However, the idea is to show that you won't get into financial trouble and rely on public funds to support you. You can do this best by having approximately 2000 GBP (AUS$4500-A$5000) and a return ticket. If you only have a one-way ticket, you will need to have more funds in your bank account. go to top

Do I need to have a medical examination?

Check with the Consulate as dependent upon type of work you intend to do you may be required to undergo a Medical. go to top

How long can I stay in the United Kingdom on a Working Holiday visa?

The maximum permitted stay for the working holiday maker is 2 years. This runs continuously from the date the visa is issued, whether you are there or not (Note: You are only eligible for ONE Working Holiday Maker visa). go to top

Can I break my holiday to visit other countries?

Yes but your Working Holiday Visa is limited to 2 years from date of issue and no allowance is given for time spent outside the UK. go to top

Am I restricted in the type of work I do?

No. Working holiday makers are permitted to do any kind of work of a temporary or casual nature.
However, if you intend to work in your occupation in UK, you should be aware that registration or licensing may be required. go to top

What are the work conditions?

None, you can get a job and work for your 1 year during your 2 year visa period within the UK in the same position..
Exciting Changes to the Working Holiday Maker Scheme
The British High Commission has announced significant improvements to the Working Holiday Maker scheme. These changes will expand your opportunities to work in the UK and give you more time for professional development once there. The main changes are:

The age limit has been increased from 27 to 30. You can now apply for WHM visa if you are aged between 17 and 30.

All work restrictions have now been removed. This means that as a working holiday maker you are now able to work in your profession. You can also work for 1 full year (in total) within the two year limit of the visa.

After spending one year in the UK on a working holiday maker visa you can now apply for Work Permit employment if you have company sponsorship. go to top

Can I use the services of an employment or recruitment agency?

Yes you can at any stage.We recommend you Never hand over any money to Job Placement Companies. go to top

Can I work for the whole 2 years?

Working Holiday Maker Scheme
British High Commission media release: 8 February 2005
The United Kingdom will amend its popular Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Scheme worldwide to preserve the original "holiday" aspect and prevent abuse, the British High Commission announced today.
From 8 February 2005, WHM visas will be issued to allow work in the UK for a maximum of 12 months during the visa holder's two-year visit. Applicants will also be required to demonstrate that work is incidental to a holiday. The Scheme was extended in August 2003, including the introduction of a higher age limit, and the removal of employment restrictions.
However, the UK Government has since become concerned the scheme could be used to subvert normal immigration controls on full-time work in the UK.
The changes announced today will ensure the original 'working holiday' aspect of the scheme is retained. It is also the case that the revised scheme remains more generous than its pre-August 2003 predecessor, and more generous than the working holiday maker schemes operated by many other countries.
The UK will continue to welcome young Australians and New Zealanders looking for an entertaining, interesting and exciting working holiday.
Background:
1. The Scheme is open to Australian citizens aged between 17 and 30
2. WHMs visas are issued for a maximum stay of two years in the UK
3. Persons holding an WHM visa prior to 8 February 2005 will not be affected by the changes announced today
4. Individuals are not permitted a second WHM visa.
5. More than 20,000 Australians take up WHM visas each year
6. WHM visas for Australians are issued by the British High Commission Consular Section in Canberra. Applicants must meet the visa requirements.
7. Information and application forms are available from www.britaus.net under the Visa button, or by calling 1902 941 555 (charges apply).
go to top

Can I undertake studies on my Working Holiday visa?

The UK welcomes overseas nationals who wish to study in the UK. For more information on how to apply for a visa to study in the UK, see Students (INF 5) for more general information on studying in the UK. Please go to the website of the British Council, which also gives advice and guidance. go to top

How many times can I be granted a Working Holiday visa?

A working holiday Visa is granted once only. go to top

Do I need travel/health insurance?

Its advisable to always travel with Insurance see our "Travel Insurance Quote and Book" go to top

Can I change to another visa?

It depends on your circunstances and we advise you check with the Consulates and Emabassies prior to travel.Once you are working, with assistance from your UK employer it may be possible to seek and obtain permanent residency. go to top