Step 1 Australian Organisation Approval
On this page
The Australian organisation must apply to the department for approval as a Special Program.
Approval criteria
To apply for approval as a Special Program, the Australian organisation must make a written submission to the department outlining:
- a profile of the organisation and any affiliated organisations
- purpose and details of the organisation's operations
- purpose of the program for which approval is sought
- benefits to Australia if the program is approved as a Special Program
- eligibility for taxation exemptions on the basis of 'non-profit' status, if applicable
- details of the proposed employment of any nominees, including wages/salary, duties, insurance, travel and other expenses
- details of reciprocal arrangements in place to provide opportunities for young Australians to travel to the overseas participant's source country, if a youth exchange program
- details of maintenance arrangements eg board and lodgings, and any other expenses to be met by the Australian organisation, if applicable
- an indication of the number of visas sought if the program is approved
- an undertaking to participate in annual reporting to the department.
Application charge
There is no charge for applying for approval as a Special Program.
How and where to apply for Special Program approval
To apply for Special Program approval:
- address all the criteria listed above, and
- specify whether you are seeking approval as a youth exchange program or for a community based, non-commercial program.
| How to apply | Where to apply |
|---|---|
| Director Working Holiday Section PO Box 25 BELCONNEN ACT 2616 |
|
| Fax | (02) 6264 2632 |
Contact us
For more information or assistance, contact the department for a Special Program
information pack using the online enquiry form.
See: Special Programs visa enquiry form
Note: For enquiries from Australian organisations only.
After you apply
Your submission will be considered by the department. In some cases you may be asked to provide additional information to enable a decision to be made.
Special Program approval decision
If approved, the department will advise you in writing and will finalise a Program agreement with you.
If not approved, the department will advise you in writing.