WHV Questions

Hello! I have a few questions for anyone who has gone through the work holiday visa (I’m going through subclass 462 as I live in the United States) and any answers as well as any extra information that might be helpful is greatly appreciated!

• Question 1 - What is the best time to apply for the visa? I know there’s limits for every year, but when I was researching it looked like the US didn’t have any information about if it was opened or on pause. Would it be best to just wait until July 1st when it’s the start of a new year for the visa application?

• Question 2 - Will I need to bring my high school diploma? I’ve seen conflicting statements on if I need to get it notarized, and I would most definitely need to get the diploma apostilled, right?

• Question 3 - I have an under active thyroid gland as well as congenital heart defects, will that affect my processing time? These have never impacted my ability to work or travel, and I have no restrictions. To add, I am on medication for my thyroid, and I usually see my cardiologist every year and they have noted that everything looks great, so I hope it shouldn’t delay my visa getting approved.

Question 4 - On a similar note to question 2, do I need to get an apostille on my birth certificate and drivers license? Is it absolutely necessary, especially since I’ll have my passport?

Question 5 - For those who have applied for this visa, did you need $5,000 in Australian dollars? Can I get approved if I have slightly less money? For reference right now I have $2,000 in US dollars, and after my visa application i do intend on saving up more money while waiting for it to be approved, as well as waiting for my actual date to depart America. Should I just wait to apply for the visa until after I have the required funds?

Thank you so much for reading! Like I said if anyone can share any information to help out, I would be extremely grateful!