It's time to make the jump and go on a Working Holiday
Jul 05, 2022
Got a case of the travel bug? After constant border and travel restrictions if you’re anything like me you must be itching to go on holiday! Sun on your skin, a cocktail in your hand and feeling of freedom, what more could you want?
Bit hard to do if you’re not completely cashed up though right? Wouldn’t you love to live the holiday life while earning some money on the side? That’s why it’s your turn to take the leap, get your working holiday visa and head abroad, we can even help you get there! Whether it’s working in hotels, restaurants or cafes, hospo skills can take you anywhere, and seeing as Barcats has gone global - life is so much easier.
While it may be scary making the move, if you tick off these simple steps in our checklist below you’ll be ready for the move and will ✨excel✨ in your new workation.
1. Register for a tax file number in the local country
Just like the ATO, every country has its own system to give you tax and super. When trying to score a job while you’re on holiday, securing this number early already puts you a step ahead. It’s not 100% necessary, but without one you might find yourself paying more tax and won’t be able to lodge your tax return electronically. To get one it’s super simple, you just need to head to the local country’s tax website (for example New Zealand has the IRD, and in the UK it’s the HMRC), fill out a few forms and BOOM you’re registered!
2. Setup a local bank account
There’s plenty of good options out there, but make sure to do your research first to find the one that's right for you. Once you set up an account, you can give the details to your employer and like magic, they’ll fill it up with money! CHA-Ching.
3. Get your working holiday visa
For New Zealand
If you are a citizen or permanent resident of Australia you don't need to apply for a visa to live and work in New Zealand. You can be granted a visa on arrival at the border called the “Australian Resident Visa”.
Find out more about working holidays in New Zealand on their government website.
For the United Kingdom:
There are two main types of working holiday visas for Australians in the UK; a skilled work visa (tier 2) and a Youth mobility scheme visa (tier 5).
You can apply for a skilled work visa (tier 2) if you:
- you work for a UK employer that’s approved by Home Office (HO)
- you have a “certificate of sponsorship” from your employer
- your job is on the list of eligible occupations (see gov website below)
- you’re paid the minimum salary or the ‘going-rate’ for your job.
You can stay in the UK with this visa for up to five years. You may renew your visa as many times as you like as long as you’re eligible to do so.
You can apply for a youth mobility scheme visa (tier 5) if you:
- you have no dependent children;
- you have British Nationality or hail from certain regions in the UK;
- you haven’t been approved for a previous working holiday visa; and
- you have more than £2,530 in the bank when you apply.
You can stay in the UK for up to two years with this visa and you can only use this visa once in your lifetime. If you turn 31 during your stay, you can continue to stay in the UK until your visa expires.
See here for everything you need to know about working holiday visas in the UK.
4. Update your barcats profile and apply
Barcats has officially gone global with having launched into the UK. Which means you can now apply for roles in both NZ and UK as well as across Australia. Across all types of hospitality positions, there’s definitely something for everyone. Remember to update your Barcats profile and apply!
See our UK website here.
See our NZ website here.
Or fancy a working holiday without all the faffing of new TFNs, banks etc - try exploring Australia!
For the sunny coast of QLD, see jobs here
For a change of pace see NSW jobs here
For the lifestyle of VIC, see jobs here
For some warmer weather in Perth, see jobs here