The Working Holiday Maker Scheme is a reciprocal arrangement between Australia and Norway. The visa is a once-only visa intended principally for an extended holiday in Norway with the opportunity to take short-term employment in order to supplement travel funds.
15/07/2008 ::
The visa is available to Australian passport holders, single or married, in the 18-30 (inclusive) age group who meet the following criteria:
- Possess the required financial means
- Provide a medical certificate stating that they are in good general health
- Intend primarily to holiday in Norway for a specific period
- Have no dependent children
- Have not previously taken part in this specific Working Holiday Maker scheme
For application form please click here.
General Visa information
This is a multiple-entry visa valid for 12 months. This visa may be extended for an additional 12 months at the discretion of the Norwegian immigration authorities.
Employment is restricted to a maximum of 6 months with each individual employer. There is no restriction on the type of employment which may be taken, however Visa holders will be required to comply with the laws and regulations of the country and not to engage in employment that is contrary to the purpose of the Working Holiday arrangements.
A knowledge of the Norwegian language is not a requirement for this visa. Although there is no direct assistance available for finding jobs, the Government of Norway will encourage youth, cultural and community organizations within the country to provide appropriate counseling facilities for Australian citizens who have entered Norway on Working Holiday Visas.
Working Holiday Visa holders are permitted to study or train for up to 6 months during their stay.
Applicants may break their Working Holiday and depart Norway temporarily within the 12 months from the date of initial entry. However, if you depart Norway during this period you will not be able to recover the period spent outside Norway.
Applicants may apply simultaneously for Working Holiday Visas in other countries.
Application process
Applications can be lodged at any of the Norwegian Consulate offices within Australia or posted directly to the Embassy in Canberra. The form to be used is called "Application for a first-time resident permit or work permit". These forms are available on-line or from any Norwegian Embassy or Consulate office throughout the world, however applications cannot be lodged with an overseas Embassy unless the applicant has held a resident permit in that country for a minimum of 6 months.
Applications are processed by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Canberra and generally take no more than a month to finalise. However, it is important that correct documentation is submitted if delays are to be avoided.
Applicants are provided with an official Embassy letter which must be taken to the police in Norway within a week of arrival in the country in order to have the actual visa stamped into passports. For this reason applicants must be sure to state the city/town where they will be located during their initial days in Norway so that visa particulars can be forwarded to the appropriate police district.
Applicants have up to 6 months to enter Norway from the date the Visa is approved. Please note that you will not be permitted to enter Norway until your Permit has been granted.
Applicants who are currently 30 years old may apply for this Visa as long as sufficient time is allowed for processing to be completed before their 31st birthday.
Applicants will be advised if an interview is deemed necessary in order to determine eligibility.
The following application documentation must be provided:
- Application for a first-time residence permit or work permit
- One passport photograph
- Certified copy of Australian passport
- Supporting financial documentation
- Medical certificate
- Application fee, see /visas/visas/New+fee+schedule.htm
Please Note: Applications mailed directly to the Embassy must include a Money Order made payable to "The Royal Norwegian Embassy Canberra"
Please Note: All photocopied documentation must be certified by a qualified authority as a true copy of the original document.
Financial documentation:
Evidence must be provided showing that the applicant has available funds of no less than AUD 7,000 in his or her own name at the time of the application. This amount is intended to include approx. AUD 2,000 airfare and AUD 5,000 for initial subsistence in Norway. If the airfare has been paid for at the time of application, a bank statement showing a minimum of AUD 5,000 together with a certified copy of the paid-for airline ticket will be accepted.
Bank statements must be either originals or certified copies of originals. Over-the-counter statements of balance can also be accepted if they bear a bank stamp, date and signature. Internet statements and ATM balance statements cannot be accepted unless they bear the applicant's name and have been certified correct by the relevant bank.
Application Form Information:
Please complete all applicable questions.
Notes:
Q.10 It is not necessary to provide fingerprints.
Q.13D Write “Working Holiday Maker Scheme” here.
Q.14 Please provide anticipated date if arrival in Norway .
Q.15 Please state the location of your initial stay in Norway so that information on your Visa details can be forwarded to the appropriate police district.
Health Insurance:
Temporary visitors to Norway may now obtain limited subsidised health services for immediately necessary treatment. This means any ill-health or injury which occurs while in Norway and which requires treatment before you return home. Existing medical conditions are not covered. Any necessary treatment will be given within the public health care system on terms no less favourable than would apply to a resident in the country. However, transportation is not included and there is a limit on the daily amount of hospital costs which will be covered. In order to have expenses covered the patient must use a GP with a reimbursement agreement (this should be checked with the doctor). The patient will only be required to pay the cost-sharing charge (patient's fee) which is non-reimbursable. A passport or valid Medicare card will suffice as documentation.
Working Holiday Visa holders are strongly advised to obtain private travel/health insurance before leaving Australia.