Work Canada - IEP Australia - Canadian Working Holidays for Australians

IEP's Work Canada Fully Loaded

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I apply to IEP before my visa has been issued? Yes, you’re welcome to apply at any stage of the process - in fact the sooner the better! You will receive full comprehensive support as soon as you are on the program, so if you haven’t already got the visa, we can show you how.

What sort of airfare do I need to get to Canada? Pretty much anything you want. One way, return and round the world are all appropriate. Unlike the US, you don’t have to prove your return from Canada.

Proof of funds? A visa condition is that you must provide $4,000AUD proof funds before entering Canada – usually requested at your port of entry.

Travelling to Canada:

Want to know more about the Visa Waiver Program and the B1/B2 Visitor Visa for the USA?

ARE YOU:

Transiting through the US on your way to or from Canada?
Thinking of border hopping during your Canada stay?
Just not sure of your travel plans?

In order to make your travel experience as smooth and enjoyable as possible it is vital that you read this section to find out about your US entry options and requirements.

What is the Visa Waiver Program (VWP)?

Under the VWP, Australians and nationals of 26 other countries, including the UK and New Zealand, can travel to the U.S. for tourism or business stays of less than 90 days without obtaining a visa if certain requirements are met. You cannot extend the time on the VWP. The 90 days also includes any time spent in Canada, Mexico and adjacent Islands. If for instance, you are transiting the U.S. on a 6 month trip to Canada, you cannot travel on the VWP, as your total stay in the U.S, Canada, Mexico, and adjacent islands exceeds 90 days. In this case it is strongly recommended that you apply for a B-1/B-2 'visitor' visa. Also you cannot cross the border into these areas and then return for another 90 days. You can however ask for re-entry on the VWP if you have left the Continent.

How does the Visa Waiver Program work (VWP)?

Beginning 12 January, 2009, all nationals and citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries, including Australia, will need authorization to travel to the United States prior to boarding a U.S.-bound airplane or cruise ship. This authorization may be obtained online through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA).

There is no charge to complete the application, which can be completed at any time in advance of travel. Once approved, it is valid for two years.

Now that the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) has become mandatory as of 12 January, 2009, VWP travelers need to provide basic biographic, travel, and eligibility information online to receive advance authorization prior to their departure for the United States. Most travelers can expect to receive authorization within a few minutes; however, travelers are advised to complete an ESTA as soon as they begin to plan their travel, and at least 72 hours in advance to avoid any last-minute delays.

The system does not affect travelers who have obtained a valid visa from a U.S. Embassy or Consulate overseas.

What is the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa?

If you do not meet the requirements of the VWP, you may be eligible for a “visitor” visa which is a non-immigrant visa for persons desiring to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1) and for pleasure or medical treatment (B-2). As examples, if the purpose of your planned travel includes tourism, amusement, visits with friends or relatives then a visitor visa (B-2) would be the appropriate type of visa for your travel.

Even if your flight plans do not involve transiting the USA, yet you intend to visit the USA at some stage during your stay in Canada, it is strongly advised that you obtain a B-1/B-2 Visitor visa prior to your departure from Australia.
For further advice contact your nearest US consulate http://usembassy-australia.state.gov/contact.html/

The B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa Cost

A standard B1/B2 Visitor Visa currently costs US$131. It is a multiple entry visa allowing any number of visits to the US and is valid for entry into the US for up to one year from the date of issue. For an additional fee (currently A$35.00**) this can be increased to 5 years. The validity of the visa has no bearing on the length of stay. Each time you enter, the Immigration Officials at the port of entry will determine how long you may stay.

**The visa fee is adjusted regularly in line with exchange rate variations please go to http://canberra.usembassy.gov/consular/visas/niv/fees.html to confirm the prices prior to paying them at Australia Post.

It is strongly recommended that visa fees are paid as close as possible to attending your consulate appointment to avoid any processing delays due to fee pricing changes.

Getting the B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa

You will be required to attend a personal interview at your designated US Consulate as part of the application process (This is at your own expense and may involve interstate travel). To schedule an interview and access the visa application documents go to http://aus.us-visaservices.com/forms/default.aspx

Whilst working closely with industry and government bodies for the betterment of participant experiences, IEP can not guarantee visas or act as an authority in visa issuance. Visa rejection and visa rulings are at the discretion of the appropriate consulate or embassy and not the jurisdiction of IEP.