So basically I’m on my first WHV. It ends in two weeks and I’m going to New Zealand for six weeks and then going to Bali. I turn 31 in early December and so I need to apply for my second year working holiday visa before my 31st Birthday. I don’t want to do my second year straight after my first, so I’m not going to apply for it until I’m out of Australia and in New Zealand. I’ve just been looking at flights from Auckland to Bali though and they all stop in Brisbane on the way. This wouldn’t be a problem, but as I will have my second year WHV visa by then, won’t this activate my second year once I stop in Brisbane?! I really don’t want that to happen!
Working Holiday Visa Urgent Help!!!
I unfortunately don't think there's a way you can avoid that. Either skip Bali for now (being sure to visit it in combination with when you want your second WHV to start), or if it doesn't cut off too many weeks/months of your second WHV, just accept the early start. A final alternative would be to fly to somewhere else in the "region" with direct flights (possibly singapore?), and then do a separate flight to Bali from there. That'll probably cost you a lot more, but that hit might be worth it for you.
[ Edit: Edited on 05-Nov-2017, at 23:37 by Sander ]
I get China Southern coming up as an option, routing via Guangzhou, when searching on Skyscanner. Similar prices to all the Virgin Australia options but it'll depend on the date you travel - could be worth tweaking your dates.
[ Edit: Edited on 06-Nov-2017, at 03:20 by Andyf ]
I'm not sure if it would activate your visa flying via Brisbane because if you're just in transit you shouldn't have to enter the country and therefore wouldn't need to pass through immigration.