VisaFirst Blog

A client of ours asked us a question regarding his current employment. He is obviously happy with his current employer, thus he would like to work for him a bit more. Here is how the conversation went.
_{The name of the person is replaced with “John Doe”.}

• Mike: Welcome to the Visa First live chat! How can I help you today?
• John Doe: Hey – I have been working for almost 6 months in a company and because of the visa status I have to stop after the 6 month period. My boss has offered me another position within the company. Can I take that for another 6 months or must I move on completely?
• Mike: You can work for that company only if you change offices. For example if you are working in Sydney and the company offers you a work in Perth.
• John Doe: What if its….a bar..and they offered me position of manager? I can’t take it…and no he’s not willing to sponsor me
• Mike: The working holiday program is designed for young people to travel across Australia. And that is why there is condition for 6 months employment. In order to stay in the same city you will need to change the employer.
• John Doe: Grand. One more question – If I started on the 8th March, when are my 6 months finished,  in August or September?
• Mike: September.
• John Doe: Thanks a mill.
• Mike: You are welcome!
• John Doe: Bye now…this is weird…but cool.
• Mike: Thank you for chatting with us today. If you are happy with our service please tell your friends. If not please let us know so that we can provide a better service!

So, you can see the person can not continue to work for the same employer as long as he is in the same city. He can work in another branch of the company, but it has to be located in another area. Working Holiday Makers are entitled to short term occupation only. They are no able to build career and remain in Australia with a Working Holiday Visa.

According to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship

You can do any kind of work in Australia and may work with the same employer for up to six months.The six month work limitation applies to full-time, part-time, casual and shift work.

If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us at ask@visafirst.co.uk