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.
Check out @welcome.to.travel on Instagram, they have just posted a story saying they believe it will be late April/early May
Oh my god, don’t! I’m getting excited already ahahhhaaaa
This site believed it was going to happen last year, so until the govt releases official dates its all heresay
Final reading is today, 20th March. Hopefully we get some news:
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3152/news
Thanks Emme for sharing!
Dan
Sorry, I didn’t explain it very well.
April 12th is when the rules that the UK’s visa office has to follow will be changed. The rules changes include increasing the number of Aussies and Canadians that be granted visas and increasing the age to 35 and length of stay for Kiwis.
However, Kiwis over 30 won’t be able to apply until June 29th and it will be July 1st for Brits. The visa rules get changed quite often (two weeks apart in one instance last year) so changing it for Aussies won’t be an issue.
With regards to the silence about the visa age change for Australia I’m assuming it’s because the wording of the agreement states they won’t change it until EIF of the FTA. I’m interested to hear other theories though if anyone has one.
We’re nearly there though!
Hi guys, I’m staying positive about the changes. I agree with you Charles, Australia probably won’t announce until the UK ratify the FTA and it’s a good sign NZ announcing the changes for 1st July as I think Australia will see this as competition to secure workers and I predict once the FTA is ratified they will announce the changes. That’s what I’m thinking and hoping anyway haha
I think you’re right Jonny. I’m expecting an announcement between ratification and EIF assuming they stick to the time frame of a month and don’t agree to a shorter period. I will also be surprised if the visa changes for Australia occur after July 1st as like you said; they could lose out on workers. I think there’s an incentive for them to introduce the changes before NZ but we’ll see what happens.
This is more interesting than relevant but if you look at the rules changes the UK has never had a youth mobility visa for over 30s and on April 12th they will. It really was as simple as changing some wording haha.
https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1141158/E02875509_-_Immigration_Rules_changes_-_HC_1160__Web_Accessible_.pdf
This is very good news! Thanks for the update Bradley.
April 12th seems to be the date the visa rules in the UK will be changed to accommodate the age increase but June 29th and July 1st will be the dates the changes will come into force in the UK and New Zealand respectively.
Dan: If you look at other bills (which you should, don’t take my word for it) consideration of amendments normally takes a few days and royal assent could happen any time from the same day to a month later.
Charles: April 12th? For UK to change the age? For Aussies to come here or for UK people to go there?
Hopefully it wont be long now (actually, praying it wont be long now!)
Anyone looking for updates on the bill.
https://bills.parliament.uk/bills/3152
Thanks Shaun 🙂
I keep checking on thr government website a few times a day just in case things have sped up haha.
I’ve already got my resignation typed up. All I need to do is hand it in as soon as my visa is approved.
In fact, as I still live at home with parents all I have to do is
Apply for visa
Sell all my belongings
Book flight and that’s it!
I’ve got my resignation typed up and sitting in the drafts folder!
It’s just one less thing to worry about isn’t it Karl! Plus, it makes me feel better that it’s sat there ready
Dan, I dream about the day I will be handing in my resignation! I think I will cry happy tears when I am finally on that plane 🙂 I cannot wait to come onto this site one day (soon) and see that we can apply for the visa!
Yeah, I’m with you on that!
Think I’ll cry as well. Until I’m on that plane, it doesn’t seem real at the moment
Let’s hope it’s soon everyone. Lovely weather over here in Sydney at the moment
I’m really hoping it happens by July and we get the announcement soon so I can enjoy my current travelling even more!!
How long does the consideration of ammendments take before the Royal ascent takes place?
Hopefully as its so close to the end, it won’t take too long at all.
Not sure what I’m looking forward to more, finally getting to apply for my visa, going to Australia or handing in my resignation at my dead end job
Sitting for third reading is 20th March.
After watching the House of Lords they didn’t seem happy with the meat trade deal and wanted changed with that but some were moved and some not moved not sure what implications this has. But after checking the gov site the report stage in now complete according to that.
And from what’s been said in this group and what I’ve looked at 3rd reading is usually straight after this. Usually same day but they didn’t mention it but have seen it say it can take days. So hopefully this is done by the end of the week. Then it’s royal assent.
Just checked the House of Lords time table. The report stage doesn’t take place until Tuesday midday so won’t likely find out till then or few days after this.
What happened to the official update today ? The link shared above is dated the 10 March. Really hoping we get an official update asap this is dragging on too long.
No news so far https://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/not-yet-in-force/aukfta/news
Will I be able to apply for a second whv if I had one in 2014 and I’m now 31 ?
Yeah mate, you can apply for your 2nd and 3rd when the changes happen. I’m 35 at the end of the month and have done my first visa in 2010 so I’m hoping the changes happen very soon so I can apply for my 2nd
Did you complete your farm work as I don’t have my documents now with it being so long ago. I thought we would have an update today ?
No need to complete or have completed farm work when the new visa comes into force.
Australian changes should be imminent
Odd how NZ was first out of the gate but this is a good sign
Do you agree that Australia aren’t going to want to be releasing the visas after NZ in a competitive sense?
It’s possible. I don’t understand why it can’t be changed sooner
Bradly and Lee – this the age change for Aus? Changed within 2-3 months?
What time will we get an update on the changed is it today the 13th ? Thanks
Check https://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/not-yet-in-force/aukfta/news
Some good news read the article! Sounds like the age range should be changed in 2-3 months max. Not sure on the without farming though.
https://www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2023/03/australia-free-trade-deal-could-be-completed-this-month/
This is amazing news! I think it doesn’t mention the removal of farm work as it’s referring to people coming to the UK and they already don’t need to complete 88 days regional work.
If this article is true then we should expect to see both government websites announce the changes happening on 12th April soon.
I will be so happy if this is the case as I’m in Bali at the moment waiting for the changes haha!
Fingers crossed everyone!
Hey Jonny!
I’m also in Asia awaiting the changes, currently in Langkawi! Eagerly awaiting the confirmation date so I can arrange the visa and flights to Aus!
Fingers well and truly crossed!!
Hi Mich! Good to see I’m not the only one haha!
After reading the article again, it seems it’s referring to NZ for the ages changes but that’s strange as they just announced a few days ago it would be 1st July. Think we just need to get an official statement from the government but still very exciting!
Haha you’re not alone!
Yeah it seems April 12th is for New Zealanders getting the visa for UK and July 1st for UK to NZ…seems unfair but still some positive news! Fingers crossed the Aussie visa is sooner than that and we can make our way over there :)!
How is it ? I want to go for a month or two but skeptical because of my age. Thinking everyone’s gonna be so much younger then me!
It appears as if rules for Oz, Canadian and NZ workers is changing from the 12th April.
“From 12 April, the annual allocation of visas under the Youth Mobility Scheme is increasing for Australian nationals (30,000 to 35,000) and Canadian nationals (6,000 to 8,000). Also, for nationals of New Zealand only:
The age range is being expanded from 18-30 to 18-35; and
the length of stay is being increased from 2 to 3 years.”
https://www.freeths.co.uk/2023/03/10/latest-immigration-rule-changes-for-business-people-and-workers/
I think so too Dan!
Oooooo, a bit of positive news and some hope that, there is a small chance we all could very well be applying for our WHV this year!? – or have I completely misread the last few comments lol?
Dan is NZ an option you would consider if Aus doesn’t increase the age this year ?
Good point K, it could be an option for you.
K, Australia Backpackers Guide-I think I will consider NZ actually if the increase for Australia doesn’t happen soon.
Hi Emma,
The link to their website is below.
It says they’re going to announce further details soon! But nothing to suggest you won’t be able too!!
https://www.immigration.govt.nz/about-us/media-centre/news-notifications/upgrade-to-uk-nz-working-holiday-youth-mobility-scheme-in-effect-by-july-2023
Amazing news for NZ! Does anyone know if you can apply for it again like you will be able to do with the new Aus one? I got a WHV for NZ in 2020 and only used one month before I came home, if I can get it again I will happily go there whilst I wait for Aus.
NZ and UK are commencing theirs from the 1st July.
Just shows that we don’t needs the Trade Deal in place for this to go through!! So someone is holding it up!
Fingers crossed we get this done ASAP with Oz too!
I just saw this too!! I predict Australia will follow the this date as they won’t want everyone going to NZ instead
I don’t see why they would wait either. The removal of specified work might be an issue as the Aussie agriculture industry will lose a lot of cheap labour they have historically been able to take advantage of (sometimes abuse). Given how close it is to EIF though I’m assuming most Brits have delayed applying until more news regarding the changes comes anyway so the impact to the ag industry might already have happened.
Unfortunately they’re not a good guide for us as the age changes were negotiated independently and weren’t part of an FTA. We’re in a different situation.
However, what we do know is that all the laws are already in place to allow for an age change for Brits. To the best of my knowledge there’s nothing preventing it. It could, in theory, change on the same day as EIF. The age changes for the most recent countries, Italy and Denmark, were officially announced by Australia three months prior to the changes coming in effect so we might get a few months notice before increase for us. After they’ve been agreed the changes themselves are an administrative process as opposed to political one.
They could actually do it now but the UK and Australia agreed to increasing the age (and removal of specified work) after EIF and it seems like they are sticking to it. I’m not expecting any news until after the deal is ratified at the earliest. That’s likely to happen this month though.
Yeah my local MP did say that however, in my opinion I think it’s possible for the changes to happen on 1st July and we will be notified once the deal if in force (next month hopefully) that means it give everyone 3 months notice and will be in line with other visas changing on 1st July last year.
I really don’t see why they will wait as they need to workers in the country and even sheep farms were crying out for the changes to happen when I was reading online.