Australia’s Working Holiday (subclasses 417 & 462) program offers young travelers the opportunity to explore the country while funding their adventures through short-term employment. Recent changes have extended the age limit for certain nationalities, allowing more individuals to take advantage of this unique experience.
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Age Limit Increased to 35 for Some Nationalities
Countries with age increased
This is great news for travellers over 30 years old from a few countries! Indeed, the age eligibility for applying for an Australian Working Holiday Visa expanded to 35 years for some nationalities!
- In 2018, Working Holiday Visa Australia age limit increased to 35 years for Canadian and Irish citizens.
- In 2019, it was France that announced the same change !
- Since 2022 the age limit for Italian and Danish citizens wanting to work and travel in Australia has also increased by five years – from 30 to 35 years of age. Australian citizens up to the age of 35 will also benefit from reciprocal arrangements with Italy and Denmark.
- And finally, since July 2023, the age limit increased to 35 years for UK passport holders!
Migration Act Extract
Those changes can be seen in Schedule 1—Countries or regions, passport conditions and age requirements in the instrument Migration (Arrangements for subclass 417 visa applications) Instrument (LIN 22/051) 2022 and Migration (Arrangements for subclass 417 visa applications) Amendment Instrument (LIN 23/047) 2023.
It is also noted on the immigration website under the ‘age condition’ for a WHV.
Australian legislation clearly defines the age limit for Working Holiday visa makers :
(2) The applicant:
(a) holds a working holiday eligible passport of the kind, or of one of the kinds, specified in a legislative instrument made by the Minister for the purposes of this subclause; and
(b) is aged at least 18 and no more than:
(i) 35; or
(ii) if a younger age is specified in the instrument mentioned in paragraph (a) for the kind of passport the applicant holds—that younger age.
Therefore if no age is specified, it means that the age limit is 35 years old.
Other partner countries (such as Germany) are still in the process to amend the bilateral Working Holiday Maker agreement expanding the eligibility age to 35.
In Summary: 🧑🎓 Who Can Apply Up to Age 35?
As of 2023, citizens from the following countries can now apply for a Working Holiday Visa (WHV) up to the age of 35 (inclusive):
- United Kingdom
- Canada
- France
- Ireland
- Italy
- Denmark
For all other eligible countries, the age limit remains at 30 years.
For UK Passport Holders 🇬🇧
The UK – Australia Free Trade Agreement has entered into force and the age limit for UK passport holders has been increased to 35 since July 2023.
With the agreement, UK passport holders are able to:
- apply for a Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive since 1 July 2023
- 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.
UK passport holders, including those who previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa using a different eligible passport, do not have to meet the specified subclass 417 work requirement when applying for a second or third Working Holiday visa on or after 1 July 2024.
More info : UK – Australia FTD
Key Points About the Age Limit
- Application Timing: You must apply for the WHV before your 36th birthday.
- Visa Granting: It’s acceptable if the visa is granted after you turn 35, as long as the application was submitted before your 36th birthday.
- Multiple Visas: Eligible individuals can apply for up to three WHVs, each requiring specific regional work (UK passport holders exempted).
Extending Your Stay: Second and Third WHVs
People currently on a Working Holiday Visa in Australia (subclasses 417 or 462) and over 30 years old, are eligible to apply for a second or third year visa if they are from France, Ireland, Canada, Italy, Denmark and UK.
For Subclass 417 visa holders, you’re eligible to apply for a second year if you have completed three months (or 88 days) of specified work in regional areas of Australia during your first year visa. This work often includes farming, fishing, mining, and construction. Holders of a second Subclass 417 visa can apply for a third year by undertaking six months of specified work in specified regional areas during their second year.
For Subclass 462 visa holders, a second year is possible if you complete three months (or 88 days) of specified work in northern Australia in certain industries, including tourism and hospitality, agriculture, forestry, and fishing. As with the 417 visa, a third year is possible for 462 visa holders who complete six months of specified work during their second year.
Benefits of the WHV Program
- Work Opportunities: Engage in various short-term jobs to fund your travels.
- Cultural Exchange: Experience Australian culture firsthand.
- Travel Flexibility: Explore Australia’s diverse landscapes and cities.
- Extended Stay: Possibility to extend your stay up to three years with additional regional work.
Hi there. I am 31 yo turning 32 in June 2022. I am from UK and hold a British passport. I have never before being in Australia and was wondering if I could apply for visa?
Hi James,
For now the age limit for Uk passport holders is 31 inclusive. which means that you can apply for a WHV up until your 32nd bday. Cheers
Hi
I’m from U.K. I’m 30 my partner is 31 (32 next month)
Are we able to apply for WHV or do we need to wait until the age limit has increase indefinitely ?
Also my partner did his first year approx 8 years ago. Does he still apply for second ?
Thanks.
Jay
Hi Jay,
If your partner already applied for a WHV and did not complete the 88 days of regional work, he wont be able to apply for a second year. You on the other hand can apply for a WHV at any time. Cheers
Hello,
I have already completed my 1 year WHV. I didn’t do my farm work. When this comes into play does this mean I can apply for a second year?
Thank you
Hi Jessica,
Unclear for now but pretty much applicable only for new visa applications. Cheers
Just wondering if I applied for a working holiday visa at 23 and worked and got my second year working holiday visa and completed it. At 30 years of age can I apply for a working holiday visa again?!
Hi if you have done you regional work yes you can apply whenever you want. Cheers
Hi, I am a UK citizen can I move to Australia to live ? I have a sister who lives there , I am 54 years old ?
Hi there, you should check the sponsor visas (family) https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing/visitor-600/sponsored-family-stream#:~:text=This%20visa%20stream%20lets%20people,to%20visit%20their%20family%20members.&text=%E2%80%8BYou%20may%20be%20eligible,COVID%2D19%20related%20travel%20restrictions.
Hi im in scotland and 33. I was wondering if i can still get a visa as seen something about them going to 35? Thanks
Hi Daniel,
No final agreement so far but it should happen within the next year or so. therefore you will be able to apply for a WHV (up until your 36th bday). Cheers
Hi guys,
I’m a UK resident and I’m currently working on my subclass 417 application. The online application says the “State / Province” section of the Place of Birth information is a required field. Any idea what to put in this section, as states and provinces don’t really exist in the UK? I was born in Tyne and Wear, and this seems the most logical.
Cheers!
Hi Adam,
Yes it is correct. Cheers
Hi, I am from the Uk and have completed both my first year and second year WHV. Can I apply for a third year WHV as i worked in the construction industry until I left Australia in November 2019?
Many thanks,
Dan
Hi Daniel, you must have carried out at least 6 months of specified work on or after 1 July 2019. If it’s the case, and you are still within the age limit, you can apply for a third year. For now, we do not know when the agreement will enter into force. Cheers
Thanks for getting back to me.
I worked in the construction industry for most of my second WHV, so would have done 6months by July 2019, so can I still apply? I am 30 now so can I go ahead and apply for the third year now?
Many thanks,
Dan
Do we know how long it took for the Canadian/Irish/french age limit to change to 35? Surely it can’t take too long to come into effect
Hi Joe,
It was immediate for the Canadian, French citizens. But the announcement was made after the agreement was signed! Here the FTA was agreed on principle only. Cheers
Hi, i am from the uk and applied for my first year visa a month before turning 31. It is saying the process will take 4 months to be granted. Do i have a year to enter once it is granted or from when i applied?
Also, if the age limit is indeed upped to 35, i am assuming i will be able to do a second and third year?
Any light would help! Thanks, James
Hi James
The 12 months start once your visa is granted. Regarding the age limit, we do not know exactly when it will enter into effect. But in all cases, yes once the age limit is increased to 35 you will be able to stay up to 3 years in Australia. Cheers
Hi,
I just wondered whether you know if and potentially when the UK age limit May increase to 35. I’m 32 and procrastinated too much previously, and missed my chance!
If not, then are my other options permanent residence applications?
Thanks
Hi Steve,
Good news! Age limit will increase for UK citizens! It has been confirmed yesterday following the meeting between Morrison and Johnson! So you will be able to apply for a WHV when the agreement is finalised! 🙂
Hi,
I will turn 35 in July of this year. I know the age limit increase was agreed but when will this agreement likely be finalised?. I’m guessing providing it’s done prior to me turning 36 I can apply?
Hi Gemma,
Unfortunately we don’t have nay more details at this stage. On the provisional Uk-Australia FTD under the ‘Mobility’ section it says the agreement will come into effect ‘within 5 years’. We hope it will be sooner! Cheers
Hey there!!
I am a 33 year old Canadian passport holder (currently living in the UK). I would love to apply for an Australian WHV. However, do I need to wait until the borders open to do so? Any indication of when this may be and how long the visa application takes?
Also, can you work the full year in one job or only 6 months?
Thanks so much for all your help!!
Corinne
Hi Corinne,
You can still apply even if the borders are closed at the moment. However, as we are unsure about the reopening, i would advise you to wait a bit as when your visa is granted you have 12 months to enter Australia.
Cheers
Hi I have exceeded the age limit for a U.K. citizen (33yrs),
Are there any other way to work in aus and possibly live there eventually. I have family that immigrated over 10yrs ago and own a business. Can this help or is there any other way to get over there?
Thanks
Hi Jake,
Have a look at the student visa or the family sponsor visa : https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/visas/getting-a-visa/visa-listing
Hi,
I am a 26 year old French citizen. I have found a job in Sydney but need to work out the visa. Is it possible to enter Australia at the moment? Is the government releasing any work holiday visas at the moment?
Hi Camille
If you can be sponsored (TSS) then you should be able to enter the country. Otherwise only PR and citizens can enter atm. Cheers
Hi there,
I have just started by second year working holiday visa Feb 2021, however I turned 31 in December 2020. If I complete 6 months of agriculture work this year will I be eligible for a third year visa, I have heard mixed stories of the visas been granted and not granted. Otherwise I’ll know if I should do my 6 months agriculture work or not
Hi there,
If you do not hold a passport with an age limit at 35 then you wont be able to apply for a 3rd year. Cheers
Okay, because I have 11 months to complete my 6 months, do you think the age limit will go up to 35 for U.K. passport holders? Or do you think Covid has just pushed this back
Hi Tel
With the current situation it is unlikely that the age limit will go up to 35 any time soon 🙁
Hi, I’m 32 years old living in Ireland, UK passport holder, is there any possibility of a WHV when things open
Hi John,
The age limit has been extended to 35 yo only for Irish citizens. If you do not hold an Irish passport, unfortunately you will not be able to apply for a WHV as you have already reached the age limit 🙁
Hi there,
I was just wondering, say if you do 88 days of work on your first WHV and you want to apply for a second one but in New Zealand, is that transferable or is it limited to Australia?
Thank you
Hi Kristy,
It is limited to Australia. Cheers
Hi there,
I am an Irish citizen turning 33 and hoping to use this visa in the next year or so. However I work in Banking and want to continue on this job path, can I do so or am I required to engage in ‘casual’ work?
Thanks
Hi Deborah,
Once your WHV is granted you can work in any fields/jobs (6 months max with the same employer)- However, if you wish to renew your visa, you will need to work in some jobs/areas for 88 days. Cheers
Hi. I’m portuguese 31 years old. Never been in Australia. Do I have any chances to get a working holiday visa? No exceptions related with covid-19?
Hi, You can apply for a WHV until you turn 31 (it is 30 inclusive). No exception so far (except waiver and refund for those who had to leave the country or couldn’t enter Australia). Cheers
Hi, i applied for a visa and because of covid I’m not able to go, it expires this month. From what I understand i have until 2022 to ask for a WHC WAIVER or a refund.
Is that correct? Any extra info is welcome. Thanks in advance.
Hi Milena,
Correct. The process as to how to get the refund/waiver has not been explained yet. Cheers
Hi there, I’m a UK citizen who was interested in possibly getting one of those working visas to come and live / work in Australia for a year. Only trouble is I turn 31 on Monday! Have I left things too late?
Hi Mike,
Hope you applied right before your birthday !
Hay !!
I am from Indonesia, can I apply for WHV when I am 32 years old.? But I have 4 years experience in Agriculture. Because almost all the information I read must be 30 years old.
What about 32 years old but with 4 years experience can still apply for WHV?
Hi Sadik
The age limit is 31 years old even if you have experience. You can check the immigration website to see your visas options : https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/
Hello, I am an Irish citizen, I have completed my 1st year Australian WHV and I am eligible to apply for my second one. Does the age limit of 35 apply to me even though I did my 1st year WHV before this update in age came in? Thanks
Hi there,
Yes you can apply for your second year visa 🙂
Hi, I am turning 35 soon, must I apply for my visa before then or do I have until I am 36? Thanks.
Hi Mel,
To apply for a WHV you must be 18 to 35 years old (inclusive) for Canadian, French and Irish citizens. Which means you have until the day before you turn 36 to apply. However, you won’t be able to renew it as you ll be over the age limit. Maybe you could apply now and enter Australia as soon as the borders open and do your 88 days straight so you ll be able to renew (if of course you want to renew!). Cheers
Hello I’m from the UK and applying for the three visa at age 35 when it comes into play in 2022. Do you know if it will be issued as a three year visa or will have I renew but will be 36 after 12 months
Hi Sarah
Unsure at the moment. We will know more within the next few months. Cheers
Hi I turned 31 in august 2022, has the law for uk passport holder changed to 35 yet? Also what requirements do Turkish passport holders need to obtain the Australian working visa?
Many thanks
Jasmin
Hi Jasmin,
No the FTA has moved so far. For Turkish passport holders the conditions are the same to obtain a 462. Cheers
You have until a few days before you turn 36
Yes it is correct (until you turn 36 yo) Cheers
Hi i turn 36 on November 29 thia year will that be enough time for me to get approval for my Australian 12 month working visa to be granted???? Thanks
Hi Daniel,
Yes make sure you make your application before your birthday. Once is done you are safe 🙂
Hi how do the application please i ain’t got a clue were to go what website i go on could you point me in the right direction please thanks
Hi guys please please message me back, i have paid & sent off all my documents & immi application off i turn 36 in 4 days, i ain’t heard nothing from home affairs, if i have sent off my application before i turned 36 will they still approve me??!!
Hi, I’ve already completed 1 year travel within Australia and achieved my 88 days farm work. I am from the UK currently aged 30 and turn 31 in November. If I apply for my 2nd visa before I’m 31, this will give me up to 12 months until November 2021 to ‘enter’ Australia, right? Could I then enter use said visa for the 2nd year.. Even though I would be 32?
Hi Danny,
You definitely need to apply before you turn 31. Once your visa is approved, you will have 1 year to enter Australia so until November 2021, no matter your age 🙂
Cheers