Nearly 40,000 Indians have applied for 1,000 spots under Australia’s new Working Holiday Maker visa program, Australian Assistant Minister for Immigration Matt Thistlethwaite revealed on Monday. Ms. B, 63, knows this first-hand. After losing her part-time job due to COVID-19 downsizing, she became desperate for financial assistance.
Although she lives with a visual disability, Ms. B was unaware that she might be eligible for benefits. Suddenly and unexpectedly unemployed, this Tennessee resident simply didn’t know how she would eat, cover her rent, pay for her prescription medicines, or manage her other basic living costs.
“The great thing about the Working Holiday Maker visa is that there are no restrictions on the jobs you can do. While many participants are expected to work in hospitality and agriculture, they will also have the option to pursue short courses or improve their English skills,” said Thistlethwaite, speaking to news agency PTI.
The minister expressed optimism that the visa program would offer Indian applicants a valuable opportunity to experience Australian culture and gain work experience in various sectors. He added, “We hope that after their time in Australia, many of them will be inspired to return later in life through a student or skilled worker visa.”
Fortunately, with help from an outreach specialist at Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, an NCOA Benefits Enrollment Center, Ms. B successfully applied and qualified for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Together with other benefits programs, this income has dramatically changed Ms. B’s financial situation.
Australia will begin offering up to 1,000 work and holiday visas each year to Indian citizens from October 1 as part of its commitment under the India-Australia interim free trade agreement.
According to the Social Security Administration (SSA), it typically can take between five and six months to make a disability benefits decision. But that doesn’t account for the time applicants spend gathering the necessary documentation, completing the paperwork, and following up. All of these factors can add up to even longer waiting periods for people anxious for financial assistance.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the $1,000 payment, students must meet specific criteria:
- Enrollment Status: Students must be enrolled in an accredited higher education or VET course.
- Income Test: There will be an income threshold that students must meet to qualify for the payment. This is designed to target those who need financial assistance the most.
- Residency Requirements: Eligible applicants must be Australian citizens or hold certain types of visas that allow them to access government payments.
Cost Of Living
In 2024, the estimated cost of living for a student in Australia ranges from AUD 20,000 to AUD 30,000 annually. This includes accommodation, food, transportation, and other essential expenses. The $1,000 payment is intended to alleviate some of this financial burden and help students focus on their studies without the constant worry of financial strain.
