For young international job seekers dreaming of adventure and new experiences, Argentina presents an exciting opportunity with its Working Holiday Visa (WHV). The Argentina Working Holiday Visa (WHV) is a program for young people aged 18-30 (or 35 for New Zealand citizens) from specific countries, allowing them to travel and work in Argentina for up to 12 months.
Skilled and qualified professionals on this Argentine Working Holiday Visa (WHV) have the opportunity to explore job opportunities across diverse sectors. This article provides essential guidance to help you fully leverage the benefits of this program, ensuring a rewarding experience in Argentina.
What is the Argentina Working Holiday Visa?
The Argentina WHV is a temporary visa designed to give young adults the chance to experience life in Argentina. It’s valid for up to 12 months, allowing holders to legally work and travel across the country. This visa is a chance to explore Argentina’s diverse landscapes, rich culture, and vibrant cities like Buenos Aires, while also gaining valuable work experience.
Benefits of the WHV
- Freedom to explore Argentina’s diverse landscapes and culture
- Live and work in Argentina for up to a year
- Find high paying job opportunities, appear for interviews, and get selected
- Gain valuable work experience and develop new skills
- Potentially lay the groundwork for future permanent residency in Argentina
Path to Permanent Residency for Argentina
While the WHV doesn’t directly lead to permanent residency, it can be a significant first step. During your stay, you can learn Spanish, build networks, and identify potential career paths that could lead to other visa types and eventually permanent residency.
Eligibility Criteria of WHV of Argentina
To apply for the Argentina WHV, you must:
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- Be aged 18-30 (35 for New Zealand citizens) at the time of application
- Have around USD 2,000 to support yourself initially
- Hold a valid passport with at least six months remaining after your planned arrival in Argentina
- Travel without dependents
- Not have participated in the Argentina WHV program before
- Be in good health and possess travel insurance
- Have a clean criminal record
Is there any language proficiency required to apply for Argentina WHV?
No language proficiency test is required for the Argentina Working Holiday Visa (WHV). However, basic Spanish skills are beneficial for daily life, broadening job opportunities, and enhancing cultural immersion. Online platforms, mobile apps, and language exchange programs can be useful resources to learn Spanish.
Finding Jobs on a WHV in 2024
Job opportunities for WHV holders in Argentina are abundant, especially in tourism, hospitality, and agriculture. Resources for job searching include:
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- Argentina Backpackers: southamericabackpacker.com/argentina/
- Working Holiday Argentina: yomeanimo.com
- Go Nomadic: nomadicmatt.com
Applying for the Argentina WHV: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Confirm Eligibility: Check your eligibility and gather the necessary documents.
- Gather Required Documents: Application form, passport photos, proof of funds, travel insurance, criminal record check, cover letter.
- Schedule an Appointment: Submit application and contact the Argentine embassy/consulate.
- Submit Documents: Attend your appointment and submit your documents.
- Processing and Visa Issuance: Wait for processing and visa decision.
- Plan Your Adventure: Once your visa is granted, start planning your trip!
Application Costs: There are no application fees, but you’ll need to cover the cost of the required documents:
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- Passport Photos: ~USD 5-10
- Travel Insurance: ~USD 50-100 per month
- Criminal Record Check: ~USD 20-50
Do you need to Convert WHV to Work VISA after Landing job?
If you secure a job in Argentina that extends beyond the one-year limit of the Working Holiday Visa (WHV), you will need to transition to a work visa. Here’s what you need to know:
Within the 12-month WHV period: You’re allowed to work in Argentina for up to 12 months on the WHV and you can work for the same employer for a maximum of six months whereas there’s no need to switch to a different visa within this timeframe.
Beyond the 12-month limit:
Jobs that surpass the 12-month duration require you to convert your WHV into a work visa and you have several work visa options, depending on your job and qualifications:
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- Temporary Work Visa: Suitable for high-demand occupations; requires a work contract and an invitation from the employer.
- Professional Visa: Ideal for skilled professionals with relevant qualifications and experience; also requires a work contract and employer invitation.
- Other visa categories: Consider skilled professional or entrepreneur visas based on your specific situation and career aspirations
Skill Shortages in Argentina in 2024
Argentina is experiencing skill shortages in several areas, making it an attractive destination for international workers. Key sectors include:
- Information Technology: Software development, cybersecurity, cloud computing, data science.
- Engineering: Civil, mechanical, industrial, and chemical engineering.
- Healthcare: Doctors, nurses, mental health professionals.
- Education: STEM and English language teachers, special education.
- Tourism and Hospitality: Hotel/restaurant management, tour guides, customer service reps.
