How the program works

The Australian sponsor is BUNAC’s subsidiary, International Exchange Programs (IEP). The program is administered in the USA by BUNAC on behalf of International Exchange of North America (IENA) which in turn sponsors Australian student exchanges to the USA. The special ‘416’ Visa gives you a great deal of flexibility. You can take any job anywhere in Australia; you can pre-arrange your job or look after arrival – it’s your choice.

At the end of the four months, you may want to apply to change your status to visitor. This allows you to stay for an additional three months to travel but you are not able to work. The cost of the three month visitor visa is currently A$255.

Programme Application

Click here to download an application for this program.

Work Australia includes:

• Free choice of arrival date to enter Australia
• Special flight deals available through co-operating travel companies. Call BUNAC for information
• Access to the exclusive IEP online member’s lounge where you can apply for a tax file number, set up an Australian bank account, request an Australian mobile number, search for jobs and accommodation, talk to other participants and much more
• Discounted, comprehensive worldwide travel insurance
• Free shuttle bus transfer from Sydney or Melbourne airport to your two nights accommodation, breakfast included
• NEW! Exciting selection of add-on arrival itineraries designed to combine practical job training with the best of Australia’s sights
• Sydney and Melbourne Resource Centers including advice and assistance from IEP staff on job and accommodation hunting, 24 hour emergency IEP assistance and discounted domestic travel options
• Job support - Help arranging interviews and preparing applications
• Arrival Orientation including Welcome Pack with handbook, maps and discount coupons
• Online member’s lounge
• Phonecard with A$5 credit and SIM card
• Lonely Planet guidebook to Australia
• Sydney Arrivals - 1 year YHA membership.

Eligibility

The special 4-month ‘416’ visa is open to anyone who is a US citizen (holding a US passport) aged 18-30 inclusive. Applications from eligible applicants can be submitted from outside the USA, except from Australia.

The 416 visa is ideal if you can only go to Australia for a short period of time. You must show proof of support funds of at least $1,500.

Costs

The program fee for the ‘416’ four-month program is $685, plus mandatory travel insurance(a four month policy costs $239). This covers administration in both America and Australia, the A$265 (currently) Australian Government visa fee, courier fees, program handbook, Lonely Planet guidebook, two nights’ accommodation, orientation in Sydney or Melbourne and on-going support services from IEP for your entire time in Australia.

Add-on packages and costs

Surf Sand and Sun $1,375
A great start to your trip. Take time out to adjust to your new environment, visit the spectacular Blue Mountains and learn to surf before getting stuck into your job search.

Skills and Thrills $1,185
A combination program offering the best of the sights in and around Sydney along with practical courses aimed at developing your skills.

Outback $1,470
Learn to ride Aussie style. A fantastic insight into how to run a ranch with real job prospects afterwards.

Arrival in Australia

You specify the date you wish to enter Australia and book your flight accordingly. On the ‘416’ visa the four-month program “clock” starts ticking on your specified entry date and expires exactly four months later. Please note that if, for example, you have to enter a week after the specified date, you will lose a week of your four month’s work authorization. For more information about travel in Australia click here.

Australia/New Zealand combo package

With this option ‘416’ participants can combine four months in Australia followed by up to twelve months working and traveling in New Zealand on BUNAC’s Work New Zealand program. For more information click here.