How to apply

Step One - Securing a Place

When to apply
Applications are accepted year-round. If you wish to depart for Australia within the next eight weeks, please call BUNAC.

416 Visa Application
Complete and return the Application Form with a money order or cashier’s check (no personal checks, please) payable to BUNAC USA for $595.

You will be sent the visa application forms (Step 2). The dates you give for entering Australia will determine the date by which you must complete Step 2. If you fail to meet your deadline, we will consider you have withdrawn from the program and a $100 cancellation fee will apply. BUNAC reserves the right to reject any application which is not considered to be in the best interests of the program. If your application is unsuccessful, your money will be refunded in full.

Step Two - Visa Application

What you need to apply for your visa:
(a) PASSPORT You need a US passport (in good condition) valid for at least six months beyond your date of departure from Australia. We will need to see a copy of the photo page of your passport.

(b) PROOF OF FUNDS You must take at least US$700 although we strongly recommend that you take at least US$1000.

(c) PROOF OF FLIGHT You need to show proof of a pre-paid flight showing entry into Sydney or Melbourne and out of Australia. This should be a copy of your flight itinerary with confirmation of payment in full for the flights.

(d) CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION The Australian Government requires details of any convictions, charges or pending charges. Please be advised that if you fall into this category, you may not receive a visa or your visa application may be delayed.

(e) TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a program requirement that you purchase BUNAC’s worldwide comprehensive (ie. not just medical) insurance to cover you during your time in Australia under our sponsorship. American citizens are not eligible for any coverage under Medicare (Australia’s socialized medical system).

We recommend you take advantage of the special rate and cover yourself for your entire time abroad. We have developed a special, discount travel package exclusively for BUNAC participants which provides coverage far superior to any other policy and at a significantly lower price. Full policy details will be sent on acceptance. Payment is required when you submit Step 2.

Costs
The program fee is $595, plus mandatory travel insurance. The fee covers administration in both America and Australia, the A$190 (currently) Australian Government visa fee, overnight courier fees, program handbook, Lonely Planet guidebook, two night’s accommodation, orientation in Sydney or Melbourne and on-going support services from IEP for your entire time in Australia.

In order to apply for the Work Australia/Work New Zealand Combo Package you must indicate on the Application Form that you are applying to both programs. The standard fees of $595 for Work Australia and $495 for Work New Zealand apply for both programs. Two separate money orders payable to BUNAC should be sent in at the time of application.

Cancellation conditions
If you cancel from the program before we have received your Step 2 visa application, there will be a cancellation fee of $100.

If you cancel after you have submitted your Step 2 visa application but before we have submitted your application to the Australian Government, $200 is forfeit. Once the visa is approved, there is no refund of any program fee or insurance premium.

In the extremely rare event that your visa application is not approved, you forfeit the visa fee plus $100. However, if the visa is denied for reasons which you had not previously declared to BUNAC, you forfeit the visa fee plus $200. In either case of visa denial, the insurance premium is fully refundable.

Please note that the above conditions apply only to the Work Australia program fees. Separate cancellation fees and conditions may apply to any flight bookings you make.

Work and Holiday Australia program

For information and application forms please click here. If you have any questions please call BUNAC on: 1-800-462-8622.