Questions and Answers
Do you meet the criteria?
Are you:
- Experienced or qualified in an occupation?
- Have good written and spoken English language skills?
- Interested or committed to the industry that you work in?
- Interested in discussing aspects of your work with others from regions throughout the world?
- Curious about what life is like in Australia?
- Eager to include training with an Australian employer on your C.V.?
- Less than 31 years old? *
If you answered YES to all of the above questions, you are eligible for an Aussie Adventure!
* Please contact us of you are over 31 because we may still be able to help.
Where can I go?
You can work anywhere in Australia, depending on your job and your preference. You can even find your own job and we will help you with the visa and all the other arrangements.
When can I come to Australia?
You can come to Australia whenever your employer wants you to start. Some positions are seasonal (eg Harvest in the wine industry) while others may depend on tourist season or have a high season at a particular time of the year. Some positions are busy all year round.
Do I need to speak good English?
It is very important that you have good English language skills. Australia is a long way from everywhere and, as a result not many people speak other languages. Also you may find that what you have learned as English is not what we speak! Our accent can sound quite funny and in the countryside it is even funnier! You will have a much better time in Australia if you know how to speak English before you get here. In fact it is a requirement of the visa to have an English level at IELTS 4.5 (International English Language Testing System).
How do I apply?
You will need to complete the online application forms, including the list of documents we ask for, like your CV and autobiography. If we have your information 2-3 months before you come to Australia, it will give us a much better chance of finding you a position. Some jobs are only available for a brief period each year, and applications for those placements should be received by Bibber as soon as possible. Eg. Wine Applications close on 23 December unless you already have a job lined up. An early application will increase your chances of getting a placement. You will need to complete the application form, supply reference contact details, a comprehensive CV, an autobiography, a copy of the photo page of your passport and photos as specified. You can attach these to the online application and they will be sent to us securely. There is a guide to preparing an autobiography and also a guide for your CV, which we strongly suggest you follow. Using these guides will speed up the visa process and stop Immigration from asking extra questions. If you do not have a job, you might also consider making a short YouTube video so that employers can check out your English. There is a guide for this as well.
What are my chances of successfully finding a job?
We suggest that you attempt to find your own job, because Bibber is not a recruitment agency. However if you find your own job, we will require a few documents and info from your proposed employer to make sure that they also meet the requirements of the program. Also remember that the fees are less if you have your own job.
If you have experience, references and good English language skills, then your chances should be very good. Of course this must be supported by a detailed, informative application, resume and autobiography. Every year we have had a few people who were not successful in getting a placement. People who are not placed, receive a full refund of any fees that they have paid, unless they have opted for streamlined visa processing.
What is the process after I have applied?
Step 1.If you do not already have a job, we prepare a summary of your application, including a photo (nice smiling photo NOT a passport type photo!) and this info is circulated to potential employers. If they are interested, they request a copy of your CV and Autobiography. At this stage they may contact you by telephone or email to discuss your application. They will also look at your YouTube video if you have one.
Step 2. When your application has been accepted by an employer, they will complete a Placement Agreement which we will send to you. This will outline the tasks you will be doing during your time here and will also provide information about accommodation, and start and ending dates.
Step 3. You may also need to have a chest X-ray (see the next question ‘Will I need to have a health check?’) Please visit the health matrix and check your status. If you do require a chest X-ray, you must use a Doctor recognised by Australian Immigration. A list of these doctors can be found here.
Step 4. When we receive this information we will email it to you for you to review and sign along with your visa papers. When you have signed the agreement and visa papers, we will lodge your visa application, unless you have chosen the streamlined visa option in which case your application would already have been lodged.
Step 5. Immigration will process the visa here in Australia (allow at least 28 days for processing sometimes up to 90 days) and they will issue us with a letter of approval. You can travel with this letter and do not need a label in your passport. Please DO NOT apply for an ETA (Tourist Visa) because you may accidentally cancel your 416 visa!
Step 6:. We can only send you your visa grant letter once you have sent your flight details and insurance application form and we have finalised your method of payment. Once you have your visa grant letter you should be able to travel with the letter and your passport.
Will I need to have a health check?
All program participants from 'high risk' countries will need to have a Chest X-ray. To find out if your country is on that list please visit www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/1163i.pdf
If your country is on this list, please find the doctor in your area that you need to see by visiting www.immi.gov.au/contacts/panel-doctors/index.htm.
Please note that you cannot obtain this check from your own Doctor unless they are one of the approved doctors listed on the above website.
You or the Doctor will then need to send the X-rays and the forms to:
Health Operations Centre
Department of Immigration and Citizenship
Level 3, The Gateway Building
26 Lee Street
Sydney NSW 2000
AUSTRALIA
You will need to provide us with the name of the Doctor, the courier and the tracking number so that we can let Immigration know when it has arrived.
Please do this check as soon as possible because it can take up to two months to process. Please make sure that you or the Doctor send the form and the films direct to Sydney. If the Doctor insists on sending it to the Australian Consulate in your country, please contact us immediately. If the information is already in Australia, your visa will be processed quickly. Please contact us if you have any questions about this process.
What is streamlined visa processing?
The Australian Department of Immigration and Citizenship have offered Bibber an option to commence processing of applications before placements have been finalized. This will mean that the visa can be granted very quickly. The disadvantage of this option is that the visa application fee ($305) is payable as soon as the application is lodged. If we take this option and no placement is available, then the application is withdrawn, however the application fee is not refundable. You can also make the process faster by having your health check done before you have a placement, however the cost of your chest X-ray would not be refundable either. It will be up to you decide whether you would like to take the faster option and risk losing the application and chest X-ray fees if we do not find you a placement. Any remaining fees paid will be fully refundable.
Can I travel to Australia before my visa is granted?
People from some countries can travel to Australia on an Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Tourist Visa). Please click here to see if your country is on the list. Please be aware that if we have lodged your visa application and you arrive in Australia, we will need to withdraw your application and relodge it when you arrive. This is because the visa has a rule that says that ‘if you are offshore when the application is lodged you must be offshore when the visa is granted. If you are in Australia when we lodge the application, you must be in Australia when the visa is granted.’ If we need to relodge the visa application you will need to pay another visa application charge which is $305 (may be subject to change).
Please let us know if you intend to travel before your visa is granted, so that we can make sure you are covered by insurance and have a bed waiting for you when you get here!
Can the visa be granted to match my flight dates?
The visa is granted specifically around your employment dates and not around your flights. In fact Immigration asks you NOT to make flight bookings until your visa is granted. We understand that is sometimes not practical, however we cannot change the dates of your visa to match your flights! You must change your flights to match the visa.
Can I contact Immigration about the status of my visa?
No please DO NOT contact Immigration about the status of your visa. They have to process 1000’s of visas and if they have to answer even one email or phone call from each of the visa applicants, it would mean that they would have no time to process any of the visas! If you contact immigration, they will contact us to let us know, so that we can apologize and contact you and ask you to stop. They are doing their best to grant the visas as quickly as they can, and if there are many applications, it sometimes takes longer than we think. Please be patient and don’t make any airline bookings that you cannot change!
I have a working holiday visa. Can I still use Bibber for my Placement?
Yes, we can still help you with a placement and also provide support for you (with banking and taxes etc) while you are here. Before you apply for your working holiday visa, please think carefully about what you intend to do in Australia and how long you intend to stay. If you plan to work for three months in one placement and then spend the rest of the year travelling and working in hotels and restaurants (or other jobs not associated with your current occupation), then the working holiday may be best for you. If however, you are only coming to work in your current occupation or would like a placement longer than 6 months, then you should consider using our 416 Special program visa. One of the reasons is taxes. If you come in on a working holiday visa (417) you will pay tax at about 30% for every dollar that you earn (and there is no refund of this money later). If you come on the Special Program visa you are more likely to be taxed the same as an Australian resident. This means that the total tax will be about 15%. This is could be a very large saving over the time you are here – often more than the cost of the Bibber program fees. Please note that it is difficult to change to this visa from the 417 after you have arrived here. Many people ask us each year when they are very upset about the amount of tax that they have to pay.
Do I need to attend the Orientation Party?
We are your sponsor while you are here in Australia and as such you are required to attend our orientation period when you arrive. This is separate and quite different to the induction that your employer might offer. Our orientation includes a few days staying at the beach, having a BBQ and drinking good Aussie wine and beer, along with eating some iconic Australian foods. You will also visit some places of interest, and see kangaroos and koalas up close (even to touch!). More importantly we also teach you about the tax requirements, set up a bank account and generally try to make things easier for you when you get here. Many Bibbers in the past have asked us to make the party longer!
Can I work at more than one place?
The visa paperwork is for one employer only. There may be circumstances where you would need to change employers, but this is very rare and generally not your decision. You must not leave your employer without telling them, and Bibber. If you leave your specified employer and try to seek work at another employer independent of the exchange program, we may withdraw our sponsorship and you will need to leave Australia. There may be some opportunities after you have finished your first placement, however this must be done in consultation with us.
Can my friend and I work in the same place?
Friends often do work in the same place together and this is often arranged by the individuals rather than by Bibber. It should be remembered that requesting two placements at one place might limit your options. It may be better to request placements close to one another so that joint housing can be arranged. This way you can have the best of both worlds and have twice as many new friends! Please contact us if you would like to be placed close to another participant or if you have any other questions like this.
I am already in Australia studying and my occupation is not on the SOL. Can I apply for Bibber Sponsorship if I have a job?
If you meet Bibber’s criteria and we think that we can sponsor you, we encourage you to apply. If you think that your circumstances are special, please contact us.
How long can I have this Visa?
You can have this visa for only 12 months in a lifetime. This 12 months can be split into more than one visit, like 2 x 6 months, or 3 x 4 months, however 12 months is all you can have. You must be under 31 when you make your visa application.
I am currently studying in Australia but my course is less than 2 years. Can I apply for Bibber Sponsorship if I have a job?
If you meet our criteria, yes you can apply for our sponsorship. We would also need to be sure that your employer meets our host criteria. Most of the requirements relate to Occupational Health and Safety and appropriate wages.
If I like it in Australia, can I stay longer?
If you would like to keep working for the same employer and they would like you to stay longer, we can arrange that for you. You will need to apply for a new visa and it is possible to apply for a total of 12 months in Australia on the Bibber visa (including the time you have been here already). An onshore re-application fee of $1475 applies. Initial visas are issued based on the dates given to us by the employer with a small amount of time to travel afterwards. There are options available for different visas and even a permanent stay if you meet the Immigration criteria. Please contact us if you would like more information.
If you want to stay longer just for a holiday, you will need to apply for a further stay (providing you don’t have a no further stay condition on your visa). This costs about $300 and can be done at any Immigration office. Remember, you cannot be in Australia without a visa!
Will I be paid?
Yes you will be paid, and it will be enough for you to live on, if you are not too extravagant. Employers are required to pay according to the Government requirements. This means that your hourly rate could be between $15 and $20 per hour, depending on what you are doing. We strongly recommend that you do NOT compare placements based on the amount you are paid. There are many factors that contribute to a successful placement, not just the amount you earn.
If you are coming only to make money, stay home.
This is a learning experience not a money making venture
Do I need insurance?
Good quality insurance is a critical part of your visa application and evidence of complying insurance is a condition of your visa. It is also a requirement that you be covered by Australian based insurance, so unfortunately you cannot purchase insurance in your home country. Immigration has specified some minimum requirements for insurance. You must be covered by health insurance for the whole time you are here so it is very important that you do not allow your insurance to expire while you are here in Australia. If this happens, your visa will be cancelled. Bibber has selected the best value policy available in Australia and this is what we offer to you. For more information about insurance, please visit the insurance section of our website.
Will I have to pay tax?
In most cases, while you are working in Australia through this program on our 416 special program visa, you will pay tax as an Australian resident. This means that although you may be taxed at a high rate during your employment, you should receive a refund of some of the money paid at a later date. The amount of tax you should eventually pay will be around 12 –20%. It is up to the Tax office to determine your tax level so there are no guarantees, however to date only one person has received a negative decision.
Other categories of visa may attract different rates of tax - up to 30% from the first dollar for a working holiday visa. Please contact us for further information. Bibber will arrange the tax and superannuation refunds for you, through a registered tax agent.
Will I need to buy a car?
If your placement is in a remote location, a car will be necessary to buy food and travel to and from work. A reasonable used car (www.carsales.com.au) can be purchased for AUD$1,000-3000. Fuel is around half the price of Europe and twice the cost of the USA. If you are unsure whether you will need a car or not, please ask your employer.
You may also want to download and read this book about buying cars in Australia.
Will I need to get an International Driver’s licence?
Yes, an international Driver’s licence is a good idea and may help provide you with extra identification. Please arrange for this before you leave your home country.
How much does it cost to live?
The cost of living in Australia is high. You can expect to pay around $120 per week for your share of some accommodation and about the same for a week’s worth of food. Fresh food is plentiful. As a more relevant example, a bottle (375ml) of beer costs about $7 in a restaurant and about $2.50 from a bottle shop or liquor store (when bought in bulk). A coffee would cost around $4.50 in a café. If you spend a lot of time eating out, you will soon run out of money!
Who can I turn to for help while I am in Australia?
We can be considered as your Aussie family while you are in Australia. If problems arise, we will be here to help. We will not however, hold your hand while you are here. All participants are treated as adults and you are expected to be able to solve minor problems yourself. You must also abide by local, state and federal laws or you will be terminated from the program and must return home.
How much does it cost?
The fees you pay depend on whether you are coming for a short placement 0-6 months or a long placement 6-12 months (max).
PLEASE NOTE that you will also need to pay the fees charged by Bibber’s partners in your country.
| Visa type |
Application
fee |
|
Amount
per month |
|
Instalment
Period |
| Short Placement and don’t have a job |
$995 |
+ |
$750 |
x |
3 payments |
| Short Placement and already have a job |
$995 |
+ |
$633 |
x |
3 payments |
| Long Placement and don’t have a job |
$995 |
+ |
$475 |
x |
6 payments |
| Long Placement and already have a job |
$995 |
+ |
$417 |
x |
6 payments |
| Further application while in Australia |
$1475 |
|
- |
|
- |
If you pay the full fees (deposit plus instalments) before you arrive, you will receive an extra AUD$200 discount from the total fees. To take advantage of the payment plan option, you must provide Bibber with valid credit card details with your application, so the instalments can be deducted on the 1st of each month after you have arrived in Australia.
Airfares, airport taxes, travel insurance, passport application fees, and any other unspecified costs are not included in this fee.
All Bibber participants must provide evidence of a return flight. If you do not have a return flight you will be required to lodge a AUD$1500 bond with Bibber before your visa is issued. This money will be deposited in the Bibber Trust account and used in the event that you do not have enough money to purchase your own flight home. If you do not intend to have a return flight, you will need to factor in this extra cost (AUD$1500).
*All fees are subject to change without notice and are listed in Australian dollars.
What do I get for these fees?
You deserve the very best, which is why you will receive a unique, packaged service including
- Sponsorship (the most important part!) This is the most valuable part of our service because we are responsible for you the whole time you are in Australia. If you do something wrong, we get into trouble. For this reason we are very careful about who we sponsor.
- Accommodation, food, wine and beer at the Orientation Party for 3+ Days (dependent on numbers)
- A comprehensive information kit
- A job if necessary
- Assistance with all the paperwork associated with your visa application
- Payment of the visa application fee
- Your tax file number applied for by us after your arrival and sent to both you and your host
- An operational bank account when you arrive including visa debit card and online banking facilities
- Assistance with taxes through our partnership with quality tax accountants that we use for our own taxes
- Assistance with complex superannuation arrangements
- Forwarding of your mail and any documents we receive on your behalf
- Ongoing support and assistance
Many of our previous participants are now our good friends and we encourage you to talk to them about their experience. Please contact us for their details or visit Bibber on Facebook.
When do I have to pay?
If you have credit card details on your application, we will collect a deposit fee of $995. The remainder of your fees are due when the visa has been granted unless you have opted to take the payment plan. If you do not have a credit card, you must pay all your fees up front by bank transfer. If we do not find you a placement, we guarantee to refund your fees*.
*Refunds will be issued less any bank charges or visa charges if you chose the streamlined option. Fluctuation in foreign exchange rates may increase or decrease the refund amounts. All refunds are paid in Australian dollars.
What if I decide to cancel?
If you decide to cancel your application through Bibber, you will incur a cancellation fee, however the amount depends on what stage of the process your application is at. The cancellation fees are as follows:
| Before Bibber finds a job: |
|
$295 |
| After job is found/confirmed with the employer, but before visa is lodged: |
|
$495 |
| After we have lodged your visa: |
|
$995 |
*Cancellation fees will be issued less any bank charges. Fluctuation in foreign exchange rates may increase or decrease the cancellation amounts. All cancellation fees are paid in Australian dollars.
What is the ‘Payment Plan’?
Bibber’s Payment Plan allows those of you who are a little short of money to pay the majority of your fees while you are here in Australia, working and earning Aussie dollars. This is how it works:
The $995 deposit fee is due when you apply. You can then opt to take advantage of our payment plan, which involves payments on the first of the month after you arrive in Australia. The amount differs depending on the length of your stay and whether you found your own job or not. For example, someone arriving in February for a short placement, the fees would be 3 payments of $750 (3 x $633 if you organised your own placement) and would be due on the 1st of March, April and May.
Alternatively, if you pay the full fees before you arrive, you will receive a $200 discount from the total fees.
To take advantage of the payment plan option, you must provide Bibber with valid credit card details with your application, so the payments can be deducted.
Do I have to pay all three payments if I am here for less than 3 months?
Yes you do. It is a deferred payment plan not a monthly pay as you go plan. You owe the full amount right from the start and how you choose to pay it is up to you. It doesn’t matter if you are home when the last payment is due, you must pay it.
Important notes:
1. You will be here to work, not just observe. The hours might be very long and the work very hard! Also, please remember that you are here mainly to learn, not to teach.
2. More and more employers are testing their trainees for drugs. If you are into ‘wacky weed’ or any other illegal substance, be warned!
If you have more questions that are not covered in these FAQ's, please contact Bibber International on:
Telephone +61 8 8374 0077
Fax +61 8 8374 3300
email
You WILL have the time of your life!
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