Loan to travel down under

mr_confused

Donald...

I know a few other poeple have already stated some of these points, but just to re-iterate.

The Visa
Do not use a travel agent to get your visa, or you will end up paying more for it. It is $270 so about £180 - book it through immi.gov.au (i'm shocked, it was only £70 5 years ago!

You can now extend this to 2 years, after completing 3 months of agricultural work. More further down on this:

The Flights
£900 you say? Na, more like 650 to 800 max, that is based on flying with one of the asian, or middle airlines. Singapore / Emirates / Malaysia / Qatar. All decent airlines, and much cheaper than BA, Qantas etc.

The Money
Yes, when you apply for the visa it says you need to be able to show proof of funds of around $5000 when entering the country to support yourself. They never EVER ask WHV holders for proof of funds. You have a visa to work, therefore you are not a problem, if you run out of money you get a job, or you starve. What they are worried about is people on tourist visas, who come with not enough money, and may be tempted (or planning) to work illegally.

The Job
You are only allowed to work for one employer for up to 6 months. Therefore if you work the whole 12 months for your guarenteed employer you will be breaking the terms of your visa.

I do wholeheartedly suggest you do the 3 months agricultural work, not only is this a blast it gives you the opportunity to get a 2nd 12 month WHV. There is no other way back in, and believe me, you'll want to go back!

The Loan
It seems unlikely you will be able to get one, and in my experience it is a bad idea anyway. I went travelling for 2 years with debts left at home. I planned on leaving enough money in my account to pay these, but its so easy when you are away to just think ah sod it, i'll dip into it, and sort it out when i return. It took me 4 years to repay all my debt i left behind, and got while i was travelling. Dont worry about paying your overdraft off. Just leave enough to cover the interest and mobile phone costs. (do you not know anyone that will take on the contract for you while you are away? parent / sibling etc?).

Good Luck! I loved my time in aus so much i am in the process of applying for my permanant residency visa :j:beer:

DonaldDuck3

Mr_Confused! thankyou very much for your replies...i can confirm i am going goes! got my visa granted today through immi.gov.au! my dad has agreed to take out a loan in his name and then any problems it will be sorted. my mum has agreed to go halves on the phone contract so will be £17.50 a month each. i will be paying off overdraft fully with the loan and after flights/overdraft/insurance i will have about 3,000 of my loan left which is spending money aswell as a further £1500 which i have saved up! so £4,500! Thankyou Mr_confused for your help, much appreciated. i plan on doing the fruit picking side of things for 3 months from when i get out there, then i have more money earnt and the opportunity for a 2nd year!