Visits from three to six months incur a fee (UK £25; US $36; CND $55). If you think you might stay more than three months, it's best to get the longer visa before departure, because once you get to Australia
visa extensions
cost AU$145. You may also be asked to prove you have adequate funds to support yourself. If you're visiting immediate family who live in Australia apply for a
Close Family Visa
, which has fewer restrictions.
If you need to extend your visa while in Sydney, contact the Department of Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, 88 Cumberland St, The Rocks tel 9258 4555.
Twelve-month
working holiday visas
- with the stress on casual employment - are easily available to British, Irish, Canadian, Dutch, German, Japanese and Koreans aged 18-30. You must arrange the visa before you arrive in Australia; the processing fee is £65 in the UK and CDN$140 in Canada. Young American citizens (18-30) can join the Special Youth Program combining a four-month holiday with short-term work (membership US$365; contact BUNAC tel 1-800/GO BUNAC or 203/264 0901,
www.bunac.com
).
