Frequently Asked Questions
When can I start my Travel-n-Work programme?
You can start the Travel-n-Work programme anytime. However you should consider that the registration process needs about two months to be completed prior to departure.
What conditions do I have to comply with for a Working-Holiday-Visa (WHV)?
To apply for the WHV in Australia and New Zealand you must be between 18 and 30 years old and have a certain sum of money.
This is about 3000€ in Australia and about 2000€ in New Zealand. The money should be used as start up funds and in case of emergency situations.
In Canada you must be between 18 and 35 years old and must also have a certain sum of money. There is no required sum of money that you should have but between 2500 and 3000€ is recommended.
A participant is not allowed to have kids for responsibility and liability reasons.
All in all you are allowed to stay and work in Australia/ New Zealand/ Canada for 12 months. You are only allowed to stay by the same employer for a maximum of 6 months in Australia.
There is no restriction on how long you can stay with the same employer in Canada or New Zealand.
The first position that you hold during your Work + Travel experience should be used to save up some money for your travel time abroad.
Furthermore, you should have a solid command of the English language. You can find information about our language courses here!
Last but not least, you should bring motivation and initiative and leaving your shyness behind. Prepare yourself to tackle the new work challenge!
Do I have to be a German citizen to receive an application for the WHV?
It is required that you are a German citizen to receive the WHV application. Austrians and Swiss citizens are currently not allowed to apply for a WHV.
The following countries can participate in the Working-Holiday-Programme in Australia and New Zealand:
Italy, Denmark, Belgium, France, Finland, Malta, Norway, Holland, Sweden, the United Kingdom, ect.
If you still have questions our staff would love to help. Please feel free to contact us.
When is the latest time that I can apply for the WHV?
The WHV for Australia and New Zealand can only be applied for on the internet at the time.
The online-application on the Australian/ New Zealand embassy websites should have the following:
-valid passport (should be valid after departure for at least 2 years!)
-a credit card to pay the balance of the application fee. The enrollee for the WHV do NOT have to be the account holder.
-an internet-browser like Internet Explorer (Version 5.0 or higher) or Netscape Version (Version 6.0 or higher).
You will receive a confirmation E-mail that the visa was issued. With the visa issued you can enter Australia/ New Zealand with the printout of your E-mail.
As a general rule the electronic WHV is sufficient and another written certificate is normally not needed.
You can leave your visa at the next immigration Authority (DIAC).
The handling of your visa application can take a few weeks which is why it is definitely wise to apply for a WHV before you depart.
RECENT NEWS:
Since the 15th of October 2007 the Australian embassy says, “every of age enrollee must give an explanation to Australian identification securities, when you have a request for a certain type of visa. Before the time the visa is granted, the enrollee must give an approved explanation of use and also that they will respect the Australian way of life and adhere to Australian law."
(Resource: Australian Embassy in Berlin)
A general rule is that it takes between 3-6 weeks after applying to receive verification of a WHV.
Additional to the valid two years passport one also needs a police clearance certificate in Canada that is no older than 6 months. You can apply at the registration office of your city and they cost around 13 €.
What is meant by start capital?
Australia and New Zealand have the requirement that upon entrance to their country you must have a sizeable sum of money. This requirement is independent from our programme. Upon entry you must have an actual bank statement on hand. The amount in Australia is around 3000€ and about 2000€ in New Zealand.
There is no required sum in Canada but it is advised that one as between 2500-3000€.
The money should be used as start up funds and also in case of emergency situations.
How can I find housing before I depart?
The first 2-3 overnight stays are covered in the Work-and-Travel programme.
You will then be brought to a hostel by one of our “hosts” soon after arrival.
Most backpackers live during their W+T in these residence hostels. Travellers from different countries meet, share insider tips, find rides together and do much more.
But should you want to stay longer in a certain city than you could look into getting an apartment.
Will Travel-n-Work help me with my job search?
Before you leave you will receive all important information that you need for an effective job search. We give you important information for the development of your Australian/ New Zealand résumé, the composition of a correct application, tips for the interview, etc.
Furthermore, you have access to the actual job offers for 12 months time.
But with all things much self initiative and motivation are needed!
That is why you should also look to take a job that gives you a little bit of fun, too.
What jobs could I expect to find?
In principle a Work-and-Holiday participant could take part in any field of work. You should also consider that you are not allowed to work by the same employer for more than 6 months.
Most of our travellers find a job in tourism and in the food and beverage industry.
But fruit-picking or Wwoofing is becoming popular because of the work on nice secluded areas and getting to know the “true” Australia.
For those participants that would like to work in a hospital, kindergarten, or in a school should get a health check up in Germany before they depart.
Those who want to work in this field in Canada have to apply earlier to the Canada Immigration Centre for permission. The costs of these inquisitions are not covered by our programme and must be paid by the participant.
What is the best way to become familiar with the country?
Most backpackers use the reasonably priced and far reaching buses to explore the country, for example OZ Experience, Greyhound and McCaffetey’s.
Other options that get you through the country while only spending a little money are the numerous ride along possibilities that one can find on every hostel notice board.
Many travellers also often buy a car and at the end of their stay they sell it.
Is my German driver’s license also valid in Australia/ New Zealand/Canada?
An international driver’s license is needed in Australia, New Zealand and Canada. You can apply for one at the local Department of Motor Vehicles for about 15€. A European driver’s license is needed for the application.
Can I contact other Travel-n-Work participants before I depart? What is the simplest way to meet other travellers?
Before your departure you will receive from us a list with contact details of all other participating travellers. Then you can be in contact with the others before you leave and start to make acquaintances and plans.
But you will also notice that it is very easy to meet other backpackers from different countries. Through the hostels, while out fruit-picking, etc., you will constantly come into contact with like minded people and easy new friendships will be made.
What do I have to do next so that I can participate in the Travel-n-Work programme?
You can take part in our Work + Travel programme, and if you want you can look here at convenient offers.
For direct booking, fill out the form here.
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