About Job
What kind of job can I take?
You may undertake any type of work of a temporary or casual nature. However, employment must NOT exceed six months with any one employer.
How do I find a job?
You sponsor will assist you in searching jobs when you arrive in Sydney, you will have access to the following services designed to help you to find work and you will be given information on and handy tips for working all around Australia:
- Arrival Orientation: Overview of employment opportunities and types of work you can find in Australia
- Job Workshop: Practical work information and Résumé / cover letter advice and checking
- Job Desk: One-on-one consultations with sponsor's consultants
- Employment Board: Updated daily with job advertisements
- Workabout Australia Book: Useful tool to find fruit picking work
- Free access to Harvest Hotline: Connect you with thousands of fruit picking and farm jobs all around Australia
- Email newsletter: Includes updated information on new positions
- Email & phone support: Get support from your sponsor
- WWOOF membership: Guaranteed volunteer work on farms all around Australia
- Farm courses: Help you get the skills you need to work on a farm and get a job
- English language courses: You sponsor can help you to choose the best English course for your needs to improve your English
- Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course: This course can help you to get the certification for working in all hospitality positions around Australia
What is WWOOF?
WWOOF - Willing Worker on Organic Farm. Willing working means helping with the everyday work that needs to be done on the farm. There is no payment for your help - it is not a job - it is an exchange. You exchange your help for being fed and accommodated in your hosts’ home. This is a cheap way to see & meet real Aussie, involved membership fee (AUD50 for 1 year) & transport costs only.
Do I have to stay at one job?
Your sponsor will provide 2 job offers for you. If you decide that you cannot work for that employer, or you lose your job, you still have another job offered. But if you lose the last job offer, you will have to find the job by yourself through other channels.
About Form and Visa
What is electronic Working Holiday Visa (eVisa)? How can I apply for the visa?
If you are using an HKSAR passport, you can apply for the eVisa online via the Department of Immigration and Citizenship (DIAC) website. Electronic applications can be lodged at www.immi.gov.au by selecting Online Services (eVisas) from the main menu. You will need a visa label placed in your passport to show employers you have the right to work. To get the visa label, you can either:
1. Get your visa label printed before at the Sydney airport. You will be directed to the visa label desk after you have had your passport stamped, orThe Immigration Office in Sydney is located at 26 Lee Street, next to the Central Station and is open Mon/Tue/Thu/Fri from 9:00am to 4:00pm.
2. Get your visa label printed at the nearest office of the Immigration Office in Australia. To be issued with this document, you will need to show the Immigration Officer with your passport and the document you received from the DIAC (via mail or email) to confirm that the visa has been granted
About Housing
How do I find housing?
You are responsible for your accommodation while you are in Australia. However, you will be arranged to stay at the hostel for the first 2 days. Even though it is your responsibility to make your housing arrangement, we will assist you to find a place in Australia.
About Tax
Should I pay tax in Australia?
It is under Australian laws that people on a Working Holiday Visa will have to pay tax from the very first dollar they earn, at the rate of 29% for each dollar earned under AUD20,700. The rate increases to a maximum of 48.5% for each dollar you earned over AUD50,000.
What should I do before I apply for any job?
You should apply for a Tax File Number (TFN) as soon as possible after your arrival in Australia. If you do not obtain a TFN within 28 days of starting work, you will be taxed at the highest rate from the first dollar that you earn (48.5%) rather than at the rate of 29%.
What is a Tax File Number (TNF)?
A Tax File Number (TNF) is a unique number issued by the Tax Office to individuals and organizations for identification and record keeping purposes. If you don't, you'll be taxed at the rate of 48.5 % - a huge whack out of your wages. As long as you have a TFN, you'll be taxed at the much lower rate of 29%. You can obtain a TFN online. If you find a job quicker than expected, don't panic - you have 28 days in which to obtain a TFN.
When you leave the job, make sure your employer fills out a payment summary and the amount of tax withheld from your weekly pay packet. You should be able to claim back some of that money when you leave Australia. Consult a tax accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office. In Australia, the tax year ends on June 30 and you need to lodge your tax return by October 31.
For details, please visit www.ato.gov.au.
When you leave the job, make sure your employer fills out a payment summary and the amount of tax withheld from your weekly pay packet. You should be able to claim back some of that money when you leave Australia. Consult a tax accountant or contact the Australian Taxation Office. In Australia, the tax year ends on June 30 and you need to lodge your tax return by October 31.
For details, please visit www.ato.gov.au.
How can I apply for the Tax File Number (TFN)?
The application for a TFN can be made online on www.ato.gov.au or through one of the branches of the Australian Taxation Office. A TFN is usually issued between two to four weeks after submission. In the meantime, you will be given a receipt or receipt number to show your employer, entitling you to be taxed at 29% from the day you lodged your TFN application.
Why should I lodge a Tax Claim?
A Tax Claim is actually a "tax declaration" which entitles you to a refund only if you have paid more tax than you owe. You will have to pay additional tax if you didn't pay enough while you were working. And it is compulsory whether or not you think you might be entitled to a refund.
When should I lodge a Tax Claim?
- At the end of each financial year (between 1st of July and 31st of October)
- At any time of the year, if you are about to leave Australia. You will need to write a note explaining that you are about to leave the country and do not plan to come back to work in Australia within the next few months.
What happen if I fail to lodge a Tax Claim?
Failing to do so may jeopardize your chances of obtaining another working visa in the future.
General Questions
When can I start the program?
The program is open all year round.
How long can I stay in Australia?
The visa allows a stay up to 12 months from the first date of arrival to Australia. In 2004, the Minister for Immigration and Multicultural and Indigenous Affairs announced that from November 1, 2005 Working Holiday Makers may apply for a second Working Holiday visa where they can demonstrate that they have undertaken a minimum of 3 months' seasonal work in regional Australia. There will be no change to other existing requirements for grant of a Working Holiday visa and the countries with which Australia has reciprocal Working Holiday arrangements will remain the same. Successful applicants for a second Working Holiday visa would be allowed a further 12 months stay in Australia.
What should I prepare before leaving home?
- Apply for the Working Holiday Visa
- Purchase Insurance (not just medical, but also liability)
- Sufficient funds to Australia
- Your updated CV / resume & cover letter on a floppy disk
- A good travel guide (e.g. Lonely Planet Australia)
How much money should I bring?
You should bring enough money to pay for food and housing for your first month in Australia. This is important, because you may not be able to find a suitable job or receive your first pay check until after you've been working for two weeks. As a general rule, you should have at least AUD2,000 when you arrive in Australia.
How do I open a local bank account in Australia?
You sponsor will assist you to open a local bank account in Australia. You will be able to pick up your bank card and banking documents at the arrival orientation. There will be a small monthly charge for your bank account.
Can I change my departure date?
Yes, you can change your departure date. However, there will be an amendment fee of HKD150 each time. And new booking must be made at least 5 weeks before the new date of arrival.
What if I plan not to go to Australia? Can I cancel the program and get a refund?
Cancellation is accepted at a minimum of 2 weeks prior departure. You can get a refund, however there will be a cancellation fee of HKD1,000.
Can I use my own mobile in Australia?
- Since you are not an Australian resident, you will be unable to get a contract with any mobile companies, but pre-paid mobile phone packages and SIM card packages are available at AIFS as well as other mobile network operators across the country.
- All pre-paid packages include a handset, a SIM card and a recharge card. SIM card packages include a SIM card and a recharge card. Prices vary with different companies; please check with AIFS.
- If you plan to bring your mobile phone to Australia with a SIM card package, please make sure your mobile phone is not locked by your service provider, if this lock is not removed you will not be able to use your phone in Australia.
What should I do if I need help in Australia?
You sponsor will assist participants with any medical or non-medical emergency on their 24-hour emergency hotline.
Please call the 24-hour Emergency Line if you are:
Please call the 24-hour Emergency Line if you are:
1. Seriously ill or injuredPlease call the Non-Emergency assistance during office hours if you are facing the below situation:
2. The victim of a serious crime
3. Arrested
1. Theft or minor crime
2. Housing concerns
3. Loss of passport
4. Insurance and visa enquiries
5. Legal information and advice
6. Tax information
7. Problems with employers
If I have some more questions, what should I do?
Email us at info@intrinsic.com.hk or call us at (852) 2312 0077 for further enquiries.