Meeting the Work Requirements for a WHM Visa
Applying for a second or third Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa in Australia requires a clear understanding of how to count your work hours, particularly in the fruit-picking sector. To qualify for a second WHM visa, you must complete at least 3 months (88 calendar days) of specified work, while a third WHM visa requires 6 months (179 calendar days) of specified work on or after July 1, 2019.
The Full-Time Work Definition in Fruit Picking Industry
The crucial factor is completing the same number of normal work days or shifts as a full-time employee in that role and industry would normally work in a 3-month or 6-month period. However, the definition of full-time work can be somewhat flexible and depends on the industry standards.
In the fruit-picking sector, the average full-time workweek ranges from 30 to 38 hours. Generally, if you work at least 30 hours over five days, it is considered full-time, and you can count all seven days of the week towards your required work days.
Piece Rate Pay and Its Impact on Work Hour Calculation
For those working on a “piece rate” pay system, it’s important to note that the hours worked are what matters, rather than the salary earned. Since the number of hours is often not specified on the payslip for piece rate workers, a day worked usually counts as a full day. However, if your salary is significantly low, the government may consider the day as not being a complete workday.
Various Ways to Complete Required Work Hours
You can complete your required work hours in various ways, such as working five days a week continuously, working less than five days a week over a more extended period, or working multiple short periods in any combination of full-time, part-time, or piecework.
Key Takeaways for Your Visa Application
Remember that meeting the required minimum work hours is crucial for your visa application, and understanding the industry-specific full-time work definitions and the impact of piece rate pay will help you ensure that you meet these requirements. By being aware of these guidelines, you can navigate the work hour requirements for fruit picking in Australia and increase the chances of a successful visa application.
Don’t forget to check out our free online tool to easily calculate the number of days you’ve worked and track your progress towards meeting the visa requirements.