AUSTRALIAN WORKING HOLIDAY VISA AGE LIMIT INCREASES FOR CITIZENS OF CANADA AND THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND
Working holiday visas allow people aged between 18 and 30 from certain countries to holiday and work in Australia. The visa is valid for an initial 12-month stay in Australia from the date of arrival. The visa holders can work to support themselves while in Australia but usually can only work for one employer for a maximum of six months and in turn, find work with another employer for another 6 months. As of 1 November 2018, all citizens of Canada and the Republic of Ireland can apply for a working holiday (visa subclass 417) until they reach the age of 35 years.
The current criteria of 30 years still remain for all other eligible citizens from other countries and the other criteria such as no dependent children and available funds of approximately $5000 are still applicable. We do expect further announcements mid next year which may see the possibility that the working holidaymaker can apply for 2 extensions to their visa if they work in regional Australia which will make a total of 3 (three years) working in Australia. When this proposed amendment is announced we will advise.
WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGERS/EMPLOYERS IN AUSTRALIA?
As there is no age restriction on the 482 visas, the increase in age restriction to 35 years for Canadian and Irish citizens may open up a window for you to look further afield for possible 482 visa applicants. For your convenience, we have attached a list of countries that are eligible for the 417 Working Holiday Visa below.
Download list of eligible countries
NEED TO KNOW MORE ABOUT THE WORKING HOLIDAY VISA ?
Please contact TEMI’s Immigration Advisor at Visa Executive Pty Ltd.
Amanda Tinner Fellow of the MIA MARN 0325139
Mob: +61 (0) 409 969 525
Email: amanda.tinner@visaexecutive.com
Web: www.visaexecutive.com
Skype: trounson
ABOUT TEMI
The Employee Mobility Institute is Australia’s peak industry body specifically focused on employee talent mobility. Its mission is to advocate, promote, represent and grow the Australian Employee Talent Mobility Industry.
Visit TEMI’s website to learn more.
Published by: The Employee Mobility Institute, December 2018
