Under the Australia–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A‑UKFTA), Australia has introduced major new privileges for UK passport holders on the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa. These changes took effect in two phases, July 2023 and July 2024 and are now fully in force.
If you hold a UK passport, here’s where things stand
🎂 You can apply from 18 up to the day before your 36th birthday — the limit rose from 30 to 35 inclusive in July 2023
🌾 No specified work required for a second or third visa, for any application lodged on or after 1 July 2024. No 88 days, no 179 days, no farm work at all
📅 Three visas, three years maximum — and they don’t have to be consecutive. You can leave and come back later
🔄 Already used one or two years? You can still apply for the remaining visas under the new rules, even if you never did your farm work
⚠️ The six-month rule still applies. The FTA did not remove condition 8547 — but broad exemptions since January 2024 cover most farm, hospitality and care work anyway
Table of Contents
Commencement of the Agreement
The Australia-UK FTA entered into force on 31st of May 2023. The agreement implies that more than 99 per cent of Australian products will enter the UK duty-free. On the other hand British products including cars, whisky, confectionery, cosmetics etc. coming into Australia are expected to be cheaper.
But the FTA is also bringing massive changes for Working Holiday Visa Makers (subclass 417)! From 1st July 2024, UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate Working Holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements. These arrangements apply to all Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa applications lodged by UK passport holders on or after 1 July 2024.
Moreover since July 2023, they can apply for a Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive.
👍 Since January 2024, Australians up to the age of 35, up from 30, are able to apply for working holidays in the UK and stay for a maximum of three years instead of two.
Working Holiday Visa changes for UK passport holders
Age Eligibility Expanded
From July 2023, UK citizens aged 18 to 35 (inclusive) may apply for a Working Holiday visa—up from the previous upper limit of 30. This brings the UK scheme in line with several other WHM partner countries and opens the door for more young Britons to live and work Down Under.
Australians are also able to apply for the visas up to the age of 35, instead of 30, and stay for three years instead of two in the UK.
Up to three years in total
Under the old rules, a Working Holiday visa gave you 12 months, extendable only by completing regional work. UK passport holders can now be granted three consecutive Working Holiday visas, for a maximum of three years in Australia with no specified work at any stage.
You don’t have to take them back to back. You can do a year, go home, and come back two years later for your second, provided you’re still within the age limit when you apply. And if you’ve already spent one or two years here on a 417, you can apply for whatever remains under the new arrangements.
No Specified Work Requirement
UK passport holders, including those who previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa using a different eligible passport (for example, from the Republic of Ireland), do not have to meet the specified work requirement when applying for a second or third Working Holiday visa on or after 1 July 2024.
You can choose to apply for a first, second and third visa at any time as long as you comply with the eligible age requirement. You do not need to stay in Australia for three years in a row.
⚠️ IMPORTANT: If you have already spent one or two years in Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa before the new arrangements commence, you will be able to apply for the remaining visas under the new arrangements. This will enable you to access the maximum of three years in Australia.
Eligible passport holders
These provisions are exclusively for applicants who use a passport issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to apply for their visa.
The term ‘UK or British passport’ includes any passport issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, such as a British National (Overseas) passport, also known as a BN(O) passport.
According to longstanding legislative arrangements, regardless of which eligible Working Holiday (subclass 417) passport a dual national uses, an individual can only obtain a maximum of three Working Holiday (subclass 417) visas in their lifetime, excluding any nil VAC WHM visas held.
UK citizens who have been granted and entered Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa with a different passport (for example, from the Republic of Ireland) can apply for a second or third Working Holiday visa without meeting the specified work requirement if they use their UK passport to apply on or after 1 July 2024.
Consequences of the agreement on visa holders
In order to understand the consequences of the agreement on current and future WHV makers, here are a couple of scenarios extracted from the immigration website.
If you had to leave Australia because of Covid
Example of Bridget who was in Australia on 20 March 2020 when COVID-19 travel restrictions started. She was on her first Working Holiday visa (a ‘COVID-19 affected visa’). She returned to the UK without completing any specified work. Her visa ceased before 31 December 2021.
Alternatively, with the new arrangements, she is able to apply for a second and third visa. She does not need to meet any specified work requirements.
If you came to Australia in the past without completing specific work requirements
Example of Doug who held a first Working Holiday visa in Australia in 2017. He returned to the UK before the COVID-19 pandemic. If he wishes to apply for another Working Holiday visa before the new arrangements start, he will have to meet the specified work requirements.
With the new arrangements, he will be eligible to apply for second and third Working Holiday visas, up to the age of 35 years. He will not need to meet any specified work requirements. He can apply from in or outside Australia.
Other changes included in the Free Trade agreement
The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between Australia and the United Kingdom, marks a significant milestone in the economic relationship between the two nations. This landmark agreement aims to enhance trade and economic cooperation by eliminating tariffs and reducing trade barriers. It covers a wide range of sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and services, opening up new opportunities for businesses on both sides. By fostering stronger trade ties, this FTA is expected to boost economic growth, create jobs, and promote innovation while strengthening the historical and cultural bonds that have long connected Australia and the UK. It represents a promising chapter in the ongoing collaboration between these two Commonwealth nations and paves the way for even closer ties in the future.
Therefore as part of the deal, the Australian government will scrap tariffs on a range of British goods. This includes whisky, pharmaceuticals, cars, machinery and tractors. British products including cars, whisky, confectionery, cosmetics etc. coming into Australia are expected to be cheaper. Britain will also gain greater access to Australian markets for services.
More than 99 per cent of Australian products will enter the UK duty-free. These include some of Australia key exports, such as wine, short and medium grain rice, sugar, honey, nuts, olive oil and food supplements. Britain has agreed to liberalise Australian imports of beef, sheep meat and sugar, increasing their tariff-free threshold and tapering tariffs over time.
Beyond the Working Holiday visa: the IECSEP pilot
The A-UKFTA also created the Innovation and Early Careers Skills Exchange Pilot (IECSEP), giving UK nationals access to a Temporary Work (International Relations) subclass 403 pathway, with 2,000 places:
- Early Careers Stream — up to 12 months, for tertiary-qualified applicants aged 21 to 45
- Innovation Stream — up to 36 months, for highly skilled professionals with a track record of innovation
Check the current status before planning around this. The pilot was originally scheduled to run to 30 June 2025. Whether it has been extended, made permanent or closed is worth confirming directly with DFAT or Home Affairs — pilot programs are frequently reviewed, and this one is not widely publicised.
For most UK travellers the Working Holiday visa remains the simpler route. The IECSEP is aimed at a narrow group: graduates in specific fields, and professionals in innovation-driven roles.
What the FTA did not change
Two questions come up constantly in the comments below, and the article never answers them directly.
The six-month rule still exists
Condition 8547 is unchanged: in principle you can’t work for the same employer for more than six months. The FTA removed the specified work requirement, not this one.
In practice it rarely bites, because since 1 January 2024 there are broad exemptions — you no longer need permission if your work is in plant and animal cultivation, natural disaster recovery, or critical sectors including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care, childcare, tourism and hospitality. Those apply anywhere in Australia. Construction, mining, fishing and forestry are exempt too, but only in northern Australia.
Irish passport holders are not covered
These arrangements apply only to UK passports, including British National (Overseas) passports. Irish citizens have their own agreement: the age limit is 35, but the specified work requirement still applies for a second and third visa.
More on this: how to calculate your 88 days · eligible jobs for a second year
https://amp.smh.com.au/politics/federal/albanese-wrongly-claims-new-visas-will-start-next-month-20230507-p5d6bf.html
Don’t get your hopes up guys, I think it’s going to be a while before the new age limit comes into effect ☹️
Yeah this is frustrating… it could be that he misspoke entirely – or he could be correct and it’s just not formally confirmed.
I know there are a load of emotions around this and it’s fair to be frustrated. We’re all annoyed. But to those who talk about the “last two years” – I get it; but if you have been banking on the change before this even went through the UK parliament then you were always going to be disappointed. Yes it was stalled – but it was never coming into force before it had gone though the UK commons.
The period we are in now is fundamentally different.
My gut tells me that July is still the most likely – I personally think the NZ change is a good barometer. It’s also when Aus have historically made changes to Visa rules and when the Quotas reset.
Maybe it won’t be – there is definitely still the potential for an absolute shocker for us all – but cautious optimism is fair for now I think. The constant repetition of the two years does give me a little niggling doubt though.
The Aussie federal budget gets released tomorrow (Tuesday). It’s possible this is wrapped up in that.
Keep your fingers crossed for now guys!
Still not gonna believe it until I see the government websites change the dates to 35
Hi,
With the news today it still seems very unclear on when the changes to the WHV will come into force. Is this likely to be on the 31st May as some sources suggest or “within 2 years” as other sources do?
Hi Sam, it is likely to be by the end of May. The 2 years mark was from the initial signature. Cheers
The immi site states it’s 2 years within entry into force? (May 31st)
Still not convinced it will come into place this in June, maybe the age change but doubtful on the removal of regional work
This isn’t true, you might want to check your official sources before stating false information. The 2 years isn’t being signature in 2021. It’s 2 years from entry into force I.e 01/06/2023 to 31/05/2025.
I’m desperate for the visas to change but unfortunately we might have time to wait and need an official announcement from gov on the date.
Trade deal happens on the 31st May https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-05-05/australia-uk-free-trade-deal-complete-takes-effect-within-weeks/102306654
Yes it sounds like it!
Hi,
They’ve announced the FTA is coming into place on the 31st of May – do you know if this includes the Visa changes? It’s not 100% clear. The visa changes will be coming in for people in New Zealand.. surely they won’t bring in the new zealand ones and not the Aussie one at the same time
Hi Georgina, everything should be implemented at the same time. But yes I agree the article is unclear about it.
Hi,
The news has broken that the FTA will come into force on 31st May 2023. Are we expecting that the WHV changes will also come into effect on this date (or potentially 1st July2023) or is there an expectation of delay to this too?
Thanks!
Hi Calum, expectations are on 31th!
Hey guys been following this for over a year now I’m sure like many others.
Just wondering if there is anymore info yet? do you think this July the visa could change or know if any info that it could be?
Thanks again!
Scott
Hi Scott, please see article and ABC News for the last updates 🙂
Hi guys. Are we still hopeful on July 1st in line with NZ? Any inkling when this might be announced? Also why do you reckon July? Why is it taking them so long to implement?! It’s soul destroying haha. Thanks!
Hi Kady, please check the article and link articles for more updates. Cheers
Hi,
I have seen the new rules are to be implemented within 2 years of the FTA entering into force. Is the FTA due to enter into force this summer? And would that mean we would need to wait for up to 2 years from this summer for the agreement to be changed?
Have completed 2nd year so looking for a 3rd.
Hi Tom, the FTA is to come into force by the end of May. Changes should be implemented straight away but this is not certain at this stage (as usually Australia makes visa changes on 1st of July – new financial year). Cheers
Hi,
The working on the government website states as follows ‘New arrangements for Working Holiday Makers are expected to be implemented within two years of the FTA entering into force.’
With the FTA entering into force at the end of this month (apparently) does that mean the WHV changes wont come into play until May 2025? Or do you believe this will happen quicker?
Still expecting to hear something in the next week? Having seen any murmurs of entry into force this past month.
Hi Alex, please check the article for some good news 🙂
Hi,
Just wondering if there has been any update regarding the 6-month work limitation – does it look like this is going to be removed completely with the new trade agreement? I know from reading the aus goverment website that currently as it stands the 6 month work limitation is coming back into play in July. Do you think this will be removed again when the new agreement comes out?
Hi Emily, it shouldn’t change with the FTA but tBC 🙂
I have formerly completed a two year WHV in Australia on my Irish passport, however I also have a British passport. By the looks of it- I should be eligible for a third year of the WHV. Do you think this is the case?
Hi Rian, I dont think you ll be able to do that as you have to declare whether or not you have done a WHV before when applying. Cheers
Hi,
Many thanks for your reply.
Based on this:
“Example 1: Amanda came to Australia on her first Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa in 2015. She was 25 years old. Amanda returned to the UK in 2016. Amanda is now 32 years old. She cannot apply for another Working Holiday visa as the age limit for applicants is 30 years.
When the new arrangements commence, Amanda will be able to apply for second and third Working Holiday visas. She can apply from in or outside Australia, up to the age of 35 years. She will not need to meet any specified work requirements.”
Do you not think it would be possible, as a result of not having done a third working holiday visa? Or does this simply mean you are only allowed to apply if you have done one WHV, but not a second?
Thanks!
Hi guys,
Thanks so much for taking the time to collate this information and reply to all of our comments! I’m currently planning on applying for my first year WHV and happy to do my 88 days initially, regardless of changes. If, however, I apply before the changes are implemented, would I then still have to complete the subsequent specified 6 months work for year 3, or will the changes also apply to those who applied prior, once they are eventually introduced?
Thanks again!
Hi Josh, Thanks for your message 🙂
No you won’t have to do your days (3 or 6 months) when the agreement enters into force even if you apply before the changes are implemented. 🙂
Hi. In your recent update it says we should have good news by April. Is that when you expect everything to be fully in place and the ability to apply for this visa will be open? Many thanks.
Hi Georgia,
No, April was for the royal assent, which is all good now. Our guess would be to get some news by the end of the month with the 1st of July being the date when people will be able to apply for the Working Holiday Visa with the new conditions/ agreement. But it’s just a guess to be honest. Generally most changes to visa conditions in Australia are being rolled out on 1st july (being also the first date of financial year).
Cheers
Thanks for your continued updates, hell of an extended time frame this.
Hey, any update on when the age increase is coming into effect?
Hi Tasha, not yet … fingers crossed for July 🙂
Hey guys. Thank you for this information. I was wondering if anyone has got an update on this? An inmigration agent told me there are high chances of this becoming active on July! Fingers crossed
Hi Danny, that s the idea yep… fingers crossed. Cheers
Hi team! Sorry to bother you as I know you’re getting inundated with comments!
I was planning to visit Australia to see friends and explore in May/June. If the visa comes out on 1st July, can I apply from within the country? (I know I’d have to stay in Australia in July, which would be OK.)
I’m British and did my first Aus visa in 2018/19. Since then have been living in NZ on their WHV, so I’ve been back to Aus as a tourist on the ETA a couple of times too! I don’t want to delay the trip, but also don’t want to do anything that will harm the application. 🙂
I suppose I could also go back to NZ on a tourist visa and back to apply, especially if the visa comes out later than 1st July, but obviously, that’s expensive and hopefully unnecessary
Yes that is an option too but usually changes occur in July for visas.
Hi Jen, we should get a date of entry into force shortly … if you can still wait a bit
Sure can. I’m planning to fly on 22nd April so hopefully it aligns. Thanks so much.
Hello thanks for the news! hey, so who has a definitive visa here cannot fit into this agreement?
Hey there, what do you mean?
To everyone looking to know the royal assent has just passed today which means everything has been passed and signed between the two countries so this is definitely going to happen good chance very soon
yeah I seen this we just have to wait until the Kings coronation so he can sign it off so its 100% happening for sure now
Hi, i applied for my first Working visa when I was 29, I turned 30 in October 2022 and entered Australia in November 2022. I’ve just completed my 88 days for my second working visa before my 31st birthday. If the age limit doesn’t increase will that affect me applying for my third year as I will be 31 ? Thanks
Hi Chelsea, yes it will. But the agreement should soon be there !
Hi, great news,
Do you know if that includes Irish passport holder or would I need to get a British passport for this to work? I’m from NI?
Thanks!
Laura
UK passport holders only (but Irish age limit is 35 though).
Hi,
Regarding ‘The new arrangements will start for WHMs within two years. The new arrangements will apply to all Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa applications for UK passport holders lodged from the date of implementation.’ Does this mean that the arrangements will start two years from the signing on 17th Dec 2021, or up to two years from when the FTA comes into force (so therefore possibly another three years from now..)?
The wording is slightly confusing on the government website and I am trying to figure out if I will need to do my farm work for my visa ending in jan next year, or whether to risk it.
Many thanks,
Alex
Hi Alex, 2 years from signature. Cheers
Hi, just wondering if theres any updates on when these new rules are coming into place. thanks.
Hi there, wtill waiting at this stage …
Naw Scott didn’t bother to try but did notice that New Zealand just passed there new law of having a 3 year visa today so surely Australia can’t be to far away now
Hi lee did you try it ?
I am in the same situation