5 Places US Citizens Can Work on a Gap Year

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You might have heard someone mention that they were taking a “gap year” to travel.  This phrase generally refers to the year between high school and university, where students opt to take time off to travel and volunteer before continuing their education.

Recently, I’ve heard people of all ages using this phrase.  In the professional world, a gap year is the equivalent of a sabbatical, without the implication of study and research.  While many people save up for their year of travel, others don’t have the luxury of truly taking that much time off work without any income.

Luckily, there is a solution!

Several countries offer a working holiday visa program for US citizens looking to continue working while they travel and live abroad.

What Exactly Is a Working Holiday Visa?

If you’re looking to work abroad, the first step is to apply for a work visa.  This visa will give you permission to work in the designated country for a specific amount of time, even if you are not a citizen.

Typically, in order to attain a work visa in another country, you need to be sponsored by a company that plans to hire you.  The gap year visa is a convenient workaround that allows you to legally work in a country without the complicated sponsorship of a private company.  In short, it’s easier to get a gap year visa than it is to get a standard work visa.  That said, there are some restrictions.

These vary by country, and it’s helpful to know the limitations of each visa before signing up.  This might help you determine which locations you’d like to live and work during your gap year.  As long as you meet the requirements, you’re a likely candidate for a working-holiday visa.

A Gap Year Visa Is Available for US Citizens in These Five Countries

There are five countries where a US citizen can obtain a working holiday visa.  Obtaining a visa to work in a country can also help you avoid annoying visa runs across the border before your tourist visa expires.  You’ll also be able to live in the country for a set duration of time, usually between six months and one year.

In this post, we’ll review the requirements for obtaining a visa, and the restrictions around each one.

1.   Ireland

For those looking to explore the Emerald Isle for an extended period of time, obtaining a working visa in Ireland is a great solution.  You’ll be able to work during the days and travel the countryside on the weekends.  Also, it’s easy to get to Europe cheaply with miles & points.

Visa Name:   US-Ireland Working Holiday Agreement Cost:   $339 (plus the mailing fee) for the visa, plus another 300 euros upon arrival Duration:   12 months Limitations:   You must be at least 18 years old to apply.  But there is no upper age limit, making this a great option for older student travelers!  The one caveat is travelers must be either currently enrolled in post-secondary education classes or have graduated within the last year.  When you apply for this visa, you’ll be required to show proof of enrollment or graduation to qualify. Other important information:   You’ll need to apply for this visa either in person or by mail at either the Embassy of Ireland in Washington DC or one of the Consulates.  You will need to also show you have $4,000 in your bank account, current health insurance, plus a return ticket.  Your “return ticket” can be to anywhere outside of Ireland and must be dated no more than 12 months after your arrival date.

2.   New Zealand

New Zealand is the place for those looking to enjoy an active lifestyle, with unlimited access to the outdoors.  This spot would be a the top of my list, and not just because of my Lord of the Rings obsession (although that certainly doesn’t hurt).  Although people do frequently mention that it’s somewhat expensive to travel here, working in New Zealand with the option to explore on off days would help curb those expenses.

Visa Name:   USA Working Holiday Visa Cost:   $0 Duration:  12 months Limitations:   Age range is 18 to 30.  You’ll need to have at least 4,200 New Zealand dollars (~$2,800) in your bank account.  You must also have a return ticket or proof that you have enough money to purchase a return ticket (in addition to the 4,200 New Zealand dollars). Other important information:   You must apply for this visa online, have a current US passport, and may not accept a permanent job while you’re in New Zealand.

3.   Australia

People travel to Australia for a variety of reasons.  Some want to spend time surfing, others are interested in learning more about the outback, and some US citizens find it appealing to travel in a country where there is no language barrier.  The Australia visa program is very similar to New Zealand’s, but with a few key differences to watch for.

Visa Name:   Subclass 462 Visa Cost:   ~$330 (depending on the exchange rate) Duration:   12 months Limitations:   This visa is open to people between ages 18 to 30.  One interesting rule with this visa is that, although you can work in Australia for up to one year, you can usually only work with one employer for a maximum of six months.  This means that you’ll need to leave your first job after six months and find another one for your last six months on the visa. Other important information:   You must have at least 5,000 Australian dollars in your bank account to qualify for this visa.  You must also purchase a return ticket before the visa expires. You can apply online.  Under certain circumstances you can apply for a second working holiday visa.

4.   Singapore

There’s something very appealing about spending an extended amount of time in Singapore.  You have access to all of the islands in Malaysia.  You can eat street food for every meal, or splurge at an extravagant restaurant on special occasions.  If you start to feel overwhelmed by the compact city and giant skyscrapers, take time out at Gardens by the Bay.

There’s so much to explore, and by working to extend your time here, you won’t feel rushed to see everything in a short time frame.  Plus it’s simple to get to Singapore with easy-to-earn United Airlines miles!

Visa Name:   Working Holiday Pass Program Cost:   $150 Duration:   Six months Limitations:   This visa is available if you’re between the ages of 18 to 25.  It’s open for full-time students who are currently enrolled in a graduate or undergraduate program at a government recognized university or for young graduates who were full-time students.  Undergraduates must have been a full-time student for at least three months before applying for the visa. Other important information:   You can apply for this visa online.

5.   South Korea

High-speed trains, K-pop, and kimchi are all great reasons to spend time in South Korea.  This destination is a bit more off the typical travel circuit, which could be part of the appeal.  Pick up some new language skills and perfect your beauty routine with SoKo skin care.

There are so many strange and wonderful reasons to visit South Korea.

Visa Name:   WEST (work, study, travel) visa Cost:   $45 Duration:   18 months for US citizens Limitations:   This visa is available for people between the ages of 18 to 30 who are currently enrolled in college or have graduated in the last year.  There are also restrictions on the type of work you can do.  For example, you’re prohibited from getting a job in law, medicine, or journalism.  Teachers and foreign language instructors will need a different (E-2) visa. Other important information:   You’ll apply for this visa through a Republic of Korea embassy or consulate in the United States.  You must be able to show a return ticket and proof you can support yourself financially for at least 6 months in order to qualify for this visa.

If You’re Thinking About a Gap Year, Now Might be the Time to Go!

Although I spent a lot of time traveling after college, I also spent most of my money (and had to move into my parent’s basement upon my return – how glamorous).  I wish I’d known more about the working visa option.  Hopefully, this information helps to encourage some adventurous travelers who are ready to go but concerned about financing their time off.

There are definitely options for exploring other countries while making money during your gap year.  Some countries also have programs similar to a working holiday visa that US citizens are eligible for, like Canada’s SWAP program and Japan’s JET program.

Have you worked on a holiday visa during your gap year?  Would you recommend others do the same?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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