The Ultimate Guide to Working Holiday Visas for US Citizens in 2024

You want to live and work abroad but all the red tape is making your head spin. Do you need job sponsorship? How will you get a visa? Moving abroad can be complicated but luckily US citizens can take advantage of working holiday visa agreements with several amazing countries across the world.

If you’re a US citizen dreaming of moving abroad with a working holiday visa, this guide will teach you how!

Countries around the world offer working holiday visas that allow the holders, usually young adults between the ages of 18 and 30, to live, travel, and work there for a set period of time (generally 12 months). Unlike traditional tourist visas that don’t permit you to work while in the country, this visa allows you to apply for any job you’re qualified for. Stay put and work in one city for the duration of your visa or do several different jobs while you travel – the choice is yours!

The US has working holiday agreements with six countries: Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Singapore, and South Korea.

The process to apply for a working holiday visa will be unique to each country but several requirements are universal. Generally, to apply for a working holiday visa, you’ll need to do the following:

1. Gather the necessary documents.
2. Apply online or through the country’s nearest consulate.
3. Wait for approval.
4. Submit any additional documentation such as proof of flight tickets or insurance.
5. Pick up your passport or wait for it to be returned by mail.

Luckily, the following programs are well known so you’ll have access to a wealth of information online about the specifics. For each country below, we link to the official government site to make things easier for you to find what you need!

⌚ Age eligibility: 18-30
✅ Requirements: Valid US passport, a minimum of a high school diploma, have proof of $3,281 USD ($5,000 AUD) in your bank account, clean health and background checks
💸 Cost: $416 USD ($635 AUD)
💼 Popular jobs: hospitality, tourism, retail, and agriculture
📝 How to apply: Applications are done online through the Australian government website.

Lots of sun, outdoor activities, and good vibes draw people to Australia in droves every year. If living and working in The Land Down Under is on your bucket list, prepare to check it off.

As an English-speaking country, you’re not limited by a language barrier when it comes to looking for and applying for jobs in Australia. Whether you’re a new grad with no experience or a more seasoned professional, you can go for any position you’re qualified for.

The best part of this visa? It can be extended up to three years in certain circumstances. Feel free to work, volunteer, intern, or even study while on your working holiday visa in Australia. Applications are processed online typically within 14 days of submission.

Read more: Complete Guide to the Australia Work & Holiday Visa

⌚ Age eligibility: 18-35
✅ Requirements: Valid US passport, health and background check, biometrics, proof of $1,846 USD ($2,500 CAD) in funds, sponsorship letter from Recognized Organization, health insurance
💸 Cost: between $1,245 USD to $1,695 USD depending on provider
💼 Popular jobs: adventure sports, hospitality, farm work, retail
📝 How to apply: Apply through a program provider who will progress your visa application through the Canadian government.

Canada is unique on our list because, unlike the others, you can’t apply for this visa on your own. If your dream is to work and travel across the wild expanses of our Northern neighbor, you’ll need to go through a government-authorized program. A few of these include BUNAC, Interexchange, and Global Work & Travel.

If you’re nervous about going on your first working holiday, Canada is the perfect place to get your feet wet. It doesn’t feel too far away and Canada as a whole seems pretty familiar to Americans. Despite this, there’s a lot to see, do, and learn in Canada – you’ll find diverse provinces and people from Vancouver to Montreal.

⌚ Age eligibility: current student or recent graduate within 12 months
✅ Requirements: Valid US passport, CV and two references, proof of graduation or current university enrollment, bank statement showing access to $4,000 USD, medical/travel insurance
💸 Cost: $352 USD
💼 Popular jobs: tourism, hospitality, tech, childcare
📝 How to apply: Applications and supporting documents should be submitted to your nearest Irish consulate in the US.

Ireland may be a relatively small island but that doesn’t mean there’s a shortage of things to do. If you’re a current college student or graduated in the past 12 months, you can apply for the Working Holiday Authorisation that is valid for up to a year.

This visa isn’t limited to those graduating with a bachelor’s – if your program led to an associate’s, master’s, or doctorate you’re eligible, too! There’s also no age limit, allowing students and recent grads of any age to participate.

Travel should be the focus of your time in Ireland with work or study being supplemental. This makes it ideal for short-term jobs in hostels, restaurants, resorts, or agriculture. Once you apply, processing time for this visa can take between 4-8 weeks.

⌚ Age eligibility: 18-30
✅ Requirements: Valid US passport, proof of $2,556 USD ($4,200 NZD), return ticket or money to buy ticket out of NZ, medical insurance, health and background check
💸 Cost: $255 USD ($420 NZD)
💼 Popular jobs: hospitality, outdoor recreation, adventure tourism, and agriculture
📝 How to apply: The USA Working Holiday Visa can only be applied for online through the New Zealand Immigration website.

Another small but mighty nation on our list, New Zealand is renowned for its stunning, almost otherworldly landscapes spread across its North and South islands. One-third of the population resides in Auckland which is a popular destination to find jobs along with Christchurch, Wellington, and Hamilton.

On the visa, you can work temporary jobs for up to a year and may also study for up to six months as well. Like Australia, the online application process is straightforward and convenient. The majority of applications are processed within 2 weeks of submission.

⌚ Age eligibility: 18-25
✅ Requirements: Valid US passport, current undergraduate or recent graduate
💸 Cost: $175
💼 Popular jobs: internships in a variety of fields including tech, business, finance, and healthcare
📝 How to apply: Apply online through Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower website.

The Work Holiday Programme in Singapore is the shortest working holiday visa available with a duration of 6 months instead of the usual year. It’s primarily aimed at university students and young graduates. Due to the length and target demographic, it’s the perfect destination to do an internship during or directly after your studies.

As an international business hub, Singapore is a great place to do an internship. Network and upskill during the week and get to know the country’s museums, gardens (including one that’s a UNESCO World Heritage site!), and many shopping streets on your weekends and time off. Once you apply, you can expect a decision on your application within 3 weeks.

⌚ Age eligibility: 18-30
✅ Requirements: Valid US passport, roundtrip flight ticket, proof of funds (varies by consulate but can be upwards of $6,000 USD), copies of highest degree obtained or proof of student status, activity plan and application
💸 Cost: $45
💼 Popular jobs: English copywriting, marketing, hostel work, hospitality
📝 How to apply: Applications must be submitted in person at your nearest Korean consulate in the US.

Lovers of Korean food, music, and culture can live and work up to 18 months in exciting cities like Seoul, Busan, Jeju, Daegu, Incheon, and more. Admittedly, finding work in South Korea can be difficult if you don’t speak Korean. Surprisingly, teaching English is not allowed on this visa so you’ll need to do a bit of digging to find suitable positions. If you don’t have an extensive CV, this could be the perfect time to intern in Korea! Many internships are held in English.

Processing times vary by consulate but approval may take around 2 weeks after you submit your application and supporting documents.

While you can apply to almost all of these visas on your own, there are benefits to joining a working holiday program. These programs guideyou through the application process so you’ll never feel overwhelmed by all of the steps. They also support you in-country with things like finding housing, obtaining any tax or ID numbers, and meeting new friends.

Some popular providers that run programs in working holiday countries include:

• Interexchange: Canada and Australia
• Global Work & Travel: Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland
• Welcome to Travel: Australia (specifically Sydney & Melbourne)
• BUNAC: Australia, New Zealand, Canada

Some of these also include a job placement service so they really are the total package!

Traveling abroad as a young adult is an incredible opportunity to broaden your perspective, become more independent, and build a global network of friends and professional connections. Working holiday programs are one of the most streamlined and organized ways to work and travel abroad. Spend a year working and traveling in another country and go beyond tourist life!