Splurge ✨ once-in-a-lifetime 30th birthday gift 🥰
Felly turns 30 in 2025 and she’s currently on the Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462) in Aussie!
The day after I turned 29 last year, I decided to hit the APPLY button on the immigration website, paid the processing fee of A$650 and started the waiting game for approval. I knew i have always wanted to experience OZ living ever since I fell in love with the Down Under during my many (think 6) solo trips here during my uni years. As a nature lover, this country was almost a no-brainer to be at!
To be eligible for the WHV, Singaporeans have to be below 31 ||| myth that you need to be younger than 30! As long as you apply BEFORE turning 31, you will still be eligible 🏖 so if you’re turning 31 next month, week or even tomorrow, apply today! You don’t have to get it approved before your 31st birthday, so that’s not a worry ☺️
After the application, I paid about $300 for the mandatory health check and $45 for the Visa Lodgement with VFS Global. With these out of the way, the next thing was to wait. Due to my name change after birth, I had to submit documentation to prove my identity. They came back after 3 months to ask for that, and a month after I submitted it, I finally got the visa approval! That was when I planned the timeline to quit my job, and to move here in 2025.
Will be sharing all about my experience here, so stay tuned! 🥰 Catch you down under!
If you're considering applying for Australia’s Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462), it really helps to know what to expect beyond the application fee of around AUD 670 and the compulsory health checks. From my experience, the entire process can take several months, especially if additional documents are required, as happened to me due to my name change. One important tip: don’t worry if you’re close to turning 31. You need to apply before your 31st birthday, not have the visa approved before then. This flexibility definitely took the pressure off! Another thing I learned is about the visa conditions. You must engage in short-term work in Australia to fund your stay, and studying is allowed for up to 4 months. The visa duration is 12 months with the possibility of applying for a second Work and Holiday visa by fulfilling specific work requirements. Regarding costs, besides the base visa application fee, I also found there are extra charges like health check fees (mine was about AUD 300) and visa processing fees paid through VFS Global. For anyone looking to fund their Australian adventure, this visa is a perfect blend of travel and work opportunities, allowing multiple entries and great flexibility. I’m so glad I took the plunge as a birthday gift for myself—it’s been one of the most rewarding decisions, opening doors to unforgettable experiences down under!
So cool that you’re living your life without any regrets 🥺 would love to know more about how you handled your marriage life assuming you guys are doing ldr?