Planning guide
Budget
Official funds requirement Home Affairs says you must have enough money to support yourself and leave Australia. This is usually about AUD 5,000 plus the fare to leave Australia. Tax withholding that affects take home pay The ATO says if…
Checklist focus
Documents, budget, insurance, and timelines you should lock in early.
Common mistakes
Late applications, wrong savings level, and weak job prep.
Why this guide matters
Follow the steps in order to reduce visa stress and avoid wasted money.
Official funds requirement
Home Affairs says you must have enough money to support yourself and leave Australia. This is usually about AUD 5,000 plus the fare to leave Australia.
Tax withholding that affects take home pay
The ATO says if your employer is registered as a working holiday maker employer, they withhold 15 percent tax on the first 45,000 AUD you earn (2020 to 2021 and later income years). Higher rates apply above that threshold. Check the ATO WHM tax rates for updates.
Minimum wage baseline
Fair Work publishes the national minimum wage and award rates. Use the official minimum wage as your floor, then check the award for your role.
Rent and bond cash you need up front (example: Queensland)
The Queensland RTA defines a rental bond as a security deposit. If a bond is taken, the property manager must give a receipt and lodge it with the RTA within 10 days. The maximum bond for general tenancies is 4 weeks rent. Other states have different rules, so check your state regulator.