Australian work and holiday visa for Mexicans: Complete guide
What visa options for Australia are available to Mexicans besides the Working Holiday? Here, we answer all your questions for your trip.
The Australian Working Holiday visa is not yet available for Mexican citizens. According to press sources, discussions between the Mexican and Australian governments have not reached an agreement in over a decade.
However, you can apply for other types of visas as alternatives for your trip to Australia. These include tourist, work, and study visas, all of which also give you the chance to explore this great country in the southern hemisphere.
Take a pen and paper to note down the features and requirements of these visas, or save this article so you can refer to it whenever you need to remember any specific point during your visa application process. Let’s get started with this guide.

What work, study, and tourist visas does Australia offer for Mexicans?
Mexicans can apply for study, specialised work, or tourist visas for Australia, sometimes with fewer strict requirements than other nationalities. We’ll show you the documents you need to gather to apply for each visa and the method you must use to apply.
1. Tourist Visa (Subclass 600)
The tourist visa is the most common among Mexican applicants for vacations in Australia. If you hold a second nationality other than Mexican, you could apply for the eVisa, which is much more practical and affordable than the standard visa.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is for travellers who want to engage in tourism, visit family, or friends in Australia. It does not allow you to work or engage in any activities other than those mentioned. The validity of this visa can range from 3 months to 1 year.
Requirements and documentation
- Valid passport and ID card: Your Mexican passport must be valid for the period of the visa you’re applying for. You must also provide your ID card.
- State the specific purpose of your trip: Depending on your case, you must specify the reason for your trip to Australia.
- Show sufficient financial funds: While this is not a strict requirement for Mexicans, it’s best to have this information ready in case you’re asked. For example, bank statements or credit card statements.
- Guarantee of return to Mexico: You must demonstrate that you have compelling reasons to return to Mexico and that you won’t overstay illegally in Australia.
- Travel itinerary: Make sure you have a clear travel plan, and avoid appearing unprepared. If you’re visiting a friend or family, include the invitation letter and itinerary in your documents.
- Upload documents to the ImmiAccount portal and pay the fee: This is the only authorised portal to submit your visa application for Australia.
Specialised Temporary Work Visa (Subclass 400)
To access this visa, you must have a formal request from an Australian company that certifies your work is specialised and that there is no qualified workforce in Australia to perform that job.
Additionally, this visa can have a validity period ranging from 3 to 6 months, depending on the needs of the employer and the Mexican employee applying for the visa.
Who is this visa for?
It is intended for workers and professionals who have specific knowledge in tasks that are not commonly found in Australia.
Requirements and documentation
- Identity documents: Passport and ID card.
- Work documents: Your employer must provide you with a letter to include in your visa application. The letter should detail your contract, including the start and end dates, salary, and job responsibilities.
- Proof of financial solvency: You must have enough funds to cover any expenses in case something happens with your salary while working in Australia.
- Criminal record certificate: You must demonstrate that you have no criminal issues with Mexican authorities.
- Spouse or children’s documentation: If you’re travelling with your partner or child, you must certify your relationship through invoices, rental agreements, or bank accounts in both of your names. You also need to provide the identity documents of your spouse or child to prove your relationship.
- Medical exams: You must prove that you’re in good health to work in Australia.
- Document translation and scanning: Before submitting your documents for visa application, you need to have them translated into English and scanned in a readable format.
- Complete form in ImmiAccount: Create your profile, upload all requested documents, and pay the visa application fee.

Skilled Visa or Qualified Work Visa (Subclass 189, 190, and 491)
This visa aims to attract workers who possess skills that are not typically found in the Australian workforce. Here you can check the occupation list and the type of visa you can apply for to work in those fields.
The Skilled visa has a validity of up to 4 years. Employers must apply for the worker, proving that there is insufficient local labour to fill that role in Australia. Here you can learn more about life quality in Australia.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is for people or professionals who possess specific knowledge in an area of interest to an Australian employer. Skills must be assessed, even during the visa application process. It’s essential to know what questions might be asked and study them thoroughly.
General Requirements and Documents
- Age: Up to 45 years old.
- Language: Intermediate English.
- Skills assessment: You must pass the minimum score in your skills assessment to meet the requirement.
- Medical exams: You must be in optimal health to work in Australia.
- Criminal record certificate: You must be free from any legal issues with Mexican authorities.
- Complete form in ImmiAccount: You must create your profile, upload all scanned translated documents, and pay the visa application fee.
There are different types of Skilled visas, so you should pay attention to the specific requirements for each work visa. You can check them here.
Student Visa (Subclass 500)
If you want to study at a university or institution in Australia, you can apply for this visa, which allows you to pursue a degree in the country and also work part-time, up to a maximum of 48 hours every two weeks.
The validity of this visa depends on the duration of your studies in Australia. The maximum period for this visa is 5 years.
Who is this visa for?
This visa is for young people and students who want to pursue a degree or undertake an academic exchange lasting at least one semester at an Australian institution.
General Requirements and Documents
- CoE Acceptance Letter: To apply for the visa, you need approval from the institution you applied to.
- Show financial funds: It’s important to demonstrate that you have enough financial resources to cover your expenses during your studies.
- Health insurance: The Australian institution may provide health coverage through a health insurance called Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), or you may need to purchase it on your own. This is a mandatory requirement.
- Language: Intermediate/advanced English level.
- Statement of purpose: Australian authorities will want to know your plans and why you chose their country to study, so you must write a letter explaining what motivated you to study in Australia and what your plans are after completing your studies.
- Valid passport and ID: Scan your identification documents to make sure all your details and photos are clear.
- Medical exams: Undergo a medical check-up to demonstrate that you’re physically and mentally fit to study in Australia.
- Criminal record certificate: You must demonstrate that you’re free from any legal issues with Mexican authorities.
- Complete form in ImmiAccount: You must create your profile, upload all the required documents, and pay the visa application fee.
Internet while working, resting, or studying in Australia
Internet access is essential for your trip to Australia, and with Holafly’s monthly plans, you can have 10 GB, 25 GB, or unlimited data to browse and check everything you need during your time in the country.
Additionally, the 25 GB and unlimited data plans allow you to connect other devices like your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. You can also rely on the eSim for Australia, which offers unlimited internet for the days you need, without the need to change your SIM card or activate international roaming with your local carrier.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 160 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. Travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍

Costs and Expenses for Obtaining Different Visas to Australia for Mexicans
The prices of visas vary depending on the one you need. In the case of the tourist visa, it is the most affordable, while the Skilled visas require a considerable investment amount. Here are the approximate prices for each one in Mexican pesos:
- Tourist Visa: Approximate cost 2,300 MXN
- Specialised Temporary Work Visa: Approximate cost 21,000 MXN
- Skilled or Qualified Work Visa: Approximate cost 70,000 MXN
- Student Visa: Approximate cost 8,500 MXN
Additional expenses during the visa application process:
- OSHC health insurance for students: Can cost between 10,000 and 13,000 MXN.
- English certificate: Depending on the certificate you provide, the cost can range from 4,300 to 5,000 MXN.
- Document translation: Depending on the number of pages you translate, it’s estimated that translating between 4 and 6 pages costs around 2,500 MXN.
- Medical check-ups: A rigorous and complete medical check-up could cost around 3,000 MXN.

Frequently Asked Questions about Australian Visas for Mexicans
The main reason is that there is no agreement between the Australian and Mexican governments to offer this benefit to their citizens yet.
No, this is actually one of the alternatives for Mexican citizens to travel to Australia, explore its cities, study, and work up to 48 hours every two weeks without any issues.
Yes, you must change your status, as on one hand, you might lose the ability to apply for other visas if the authorities find out you’re studying or engaging in another activity with your tourist visa. On the other hand, the student visa must be applied for from your country of origin or residence.
It will lead to the rejection of your visa application, as the platform specifies that all documents must be translated when uploaded.
The tourist visa can take between 15 and 30 business days. Make sure to apply in a timely manner in relation to your travel plans.
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