Working Holiday Visa

Applying for the working holiday visa (WHV) was so straight-forward; it was the simple process of filling in a form on the Australian government website, paying a visa fee and waiting to see if the visa was granted. I found out that mine was granted just less than two weeks after I applied which led to some very excited phone calls to my parents.

The biggest obstacle I had to get over at this point was my mind telling me that it's too much of a big step to take and thinking about everything I am going to leave behind when I head off. 
One of the things I love the most in this world is my adorable Sheprador (half Labrador, half German Shepherd, see picture to understand the cuteness) called Merlin and if you saw his soppy face I'm sure you would too. Obviously I can't just take him away from my family to go on my travels with me and I can't just pick up a phone to talk to him when I miss him, I still have no idea how I managed to get past that obstacle as it is making me upset just writing about it!

I'm going to leave behind my incredible cheerleading team that have come so far in the past year, I am so proud of all those girls and it will be sad not being able to compete alongside them next year. However, I am so grateful for the memories and skills I have picked up from the experience of being a part of the team and I will carry them with me. 

The biggest problem, though, was that of my own mind being scared to take this big leap, especially on my own. I reminded myself of the rush I get from landing in another country and also of the inspiration and determination that got me this far in the first place. 

I sat down with my dad, went over the details of my visa, made sure everything was perfect and then I did it... I hit the apply button... which then took me to another screen asking me to part with a lump of money I'd rather not part with, but boy was it going to be worth it, and the next thing I know it had been sent off to the Australian government. Let's just say there was a bit of crying and jumping around in excitement.

This visa entitles me to one year in Australia allowing me to earn money while I stay, however I am not allowed to be in a job for more than 6 months; it is only available to those age 18-30. To qualify for a second year I must work at least 3 months in the agricultural industry, and for a third year I must work 6 months in the agricultural industry so BRING IT ON!

There is no need to send off documents such as passports or to visit the Australian Embassy to receive the visa and get it checked much like I did with my J-1 visa to America last year (except the visit was to the US Embassy if that wasn't obvious). The visa will simply show up when the passport is electronically scanned at the airport: TECHNOLOGY IS AMAZING! (sometimes...)