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, just noticed on a few websites the mention that the FTA possibly won’t come into force until 2024. Just wondering if there is any official info on when the visa age increase is now likely to come into force. Currently 35 and turning 36 in Nov 2022, so a bit worried about the timeframe and possibility of missing out. Thanks
Hi Allan,
All info are up to date on this website : https://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/not-yet-in-force/aukfta
Hi, I am a UK citizen with an upto date passport. I will turn 35 on May 2nd. Can I apply for a WHV now? If not, do you know when or even if I ever will be able to before I turn 36 in 2023? Thanks
Hi Jason,
You wont be able to apply for a WHV atm as you are over the age limit. If the text enters into force in July, you will be able to apply until you turn 36. Cheers
Hi there,
I just discovered the WHV program is extending to 35 years old for UK citizens (fingers crossed)
I also see a third year has been added if you do 6 months of agricultural work in your second year (this wasn’t an option when I previously completed my second year WHV)
In my second year on a WHV in Australia I did work for 6 months in agricultural work. Do you think it would be possible to use that work from 2017 to apply for a third WHV? I’m 33 now.
Thank you
Hi Annie,
Unfortunately to be eligible for a third WHM visa, you must have carried out at least 6 months of specified work on or after 1 July 2019. If you worked in 2017, it wont be eligible. 🙁
Hi, I applied for a WHV back in 2015, I entered Australia on this visa but never worked, only travelled for 4 months. Would I be able to apply for another WHV because I did not work?
Hi Laura,
It is unlikely but we are still waiting for clarifications. Cheers
I have applied for my first holiday working visa, and planning to fly over next February from the UK. By this time I will be 31.
Does that mean I would not be able to apply for the second year working visa even though I am still over there and completed the mandatory work needed?
Or should I just cross my fingers and hope that the 35 year old extension goes through?
Hi Joe,
The 35 yo extension will definitely go through this year. We hope this will be in July but no date has been set yet. Cheers
Hi,
Where have you seen that the age limit will definitely be raised to 35 this year?
Thanks.
Hi Tanya,
https://www.dfat.gov.au/trade/agreements/not-yet-in-force/aukfta
Hi I am 34 and have a recent criminal record for failing to provide and breath test. Will this affect me getting my whv. Also when is it likely to change to 35yr limit. And can I complete what needs to be completed time/visa wise at this age or will I run out of time
Hi Jake,
No it shouldn’t affect your visa however you will need to declare it when applying for your WHV. The age limit should be increased within the next few months however no date has been set yet. Cheers
Hi. I’m 28 and nearly half way through my third year WHV, what are my best options for staying in Australia..?
Hi Steve,
Your options, depending on your situation : 408 visa, student, TSS … Cheers
Hi, I’m from the UK recently turned 31 years old , I haven’t been to Australia before , but looking to come out to work.
Did they increase the 18-30 age to 35? Or will I be unable to do this
Thanks, Dean
Hi Dean,
The FTA is not into force yet. It should be by the end of the year. Cheers
Hi
Can I apply hoildays visa before I turn into my 36 birthday.
Or 35?
Hi, usually it is 35 inclusive. Cheers
I am 30 years old and turn 31 in December, I have already completed 1 year in Australia and did do my farm work, I am a British citizen, would I be able to return for a further year?
Hi Amy,
We do not know at this stage if the FTA will apply only to new WHV or previous ones. As you did your 88 days, it seems you will be able to apply for a new WHV (TBC). We will update this article once we have more information in hand. Cheers
Hello! Im a British passport holder. I applied for a working holiday visa just before I turned 31, it got approved but I was unable to use it due to covid, and border closure. The visa expired and I wasn’t able to reapply because I turned 31.
Will that be an issue if I reapply once the age limit changes to 35??
Hi Nay
No it shouldn’t be an issue, you should be able to apply without fees (VAC application). Cheers
Hi i done a years whv in 2010. Can i apply for another one before im 36? Thanks
Hi Anthony,
It seems the new rules will only apply to new whv holders but this point needs to be clarified. Cheers
Hi, can you enter Australia on a working holiday visa with a child?
Hi Hayley, you won’t be able to have a whv granted if you have a dependant children. Thanks
Hi there,
I am from Holland. I’m currently 32 years of age and already did a working holiday in 2019-2020. Had to leave because of covid but luckily I finished my farm work just in time. So I applied for the second WH visa before I turned 31 in August 2020. For a long time I didn’t really hear anything until the 10th of December 2021(!!), when my second WH visa got approved. I was surprised to say the least. Now, because the age restriction for my country is 30, can I still make use of the visa because I’m 32 at the moment and will be 33 on August 29 this year? The visa got approved and it saids I must enter Australia before December 10th. Cheers!
Regards,
Jelmer
Hi Jelmer,
For this specific question I would advise you to get an answer directly from the immigration department (and preferably in writing). Cheers
I held a 417 WHV January 2019-2020, and I didn’t do the 88 days regional/farm work so wasn’t eligible for the 2nd year visa.
When the new “no work necessary” rules come into place in July, will I be able to apply for my 2nd year?
Hi Emma,
It seems it will be only applicable to new WHV holders however it is not clear at this stage. Cheers
Hi,
Are you able to clarify where you have seen that the new visa will only apply to new applicants?
I am also in the same position as a lot of people on here, in that I did a year in Australia with no farm work. I am hoping to be able to apply for my second/third year once the new WHV comes out.
Thanks
It is not clear at this stage, we are still waiting for some clarification. Cheers
can I renew my working holiday visa before it expires? I am applying for the first year now and will turn 30 in april.
I imagine going to Australia in October and doing the 3 months of specific work to be eligible for visa renewal.
However, my first visa year would expire in October 2023 and I would already be 31 years old.
Could I apply in April, before I turn 31? even though it’s 6 months to my first visa expires? Or could I apply for a new extension visa even though I have already turned 31?
or in that case would I only be eligible for a one year visa?
Hi Isadora,
You can
Hi Isadora,
You can apply for a WHV until you turn 31 (30 inclusive). So you can enter the country, do your 3 months work and apply for a second year before your 31st birthday. Cheers
Hello, I have a one-year gap in my studies in Canada and plan to complete my first working holiday in Australia. If I finished three months of specific work in the designated area. Then after three years (I will graduate at that time), could I apply for a second work holiday visa?(If I was under 31 at that time)
Hi Amy, yes no problem. You can choose to do your second WHV after the 1st one or a couple of years later. As long as you complete the 88 days, no worries 🙂
Hi,
My partner (UK resident) was been granted a working holiday visa on 6th December 2021. We don’t intend to pick up the visa from the Aus Embassy in London and enter Aus until December 2022. Although it was granted before July 2022 (presumably when these changes come in), would my partner still be given a 3 year visa with no work restrictions because we wont be entering until after the date these changes come into play?? Thanks in advance!! Love the information on the website!!
Hi Barry,
It is unclear at the moment how the regulation will apply. However your partner’s visa wont be activated until you enter the country. You can wait until there are more details about the agreement and worst case scenario cancel his visa and reapply for a new one after the FTA enters into force. Cheers
Hi there,
I held my 2 WHV’s from March 2018-March 2020, as far as I can remember the 6 month farmwork for UK visa holders for a 3rd year wasn’t an option at the time.
When the new trade deal comes into effect, can I get a third year visa seeing as there’s no farmwork requirement moving forward anyway?
Hi Rosie,
It seems that the agreement will only apply to new applicants and not previous WHV but it is to be confirmed. Cheers
I have already done a working holiday visa but was unable to do the farm work to make me eligible for a second year because of the covid restrictions. My intention was to enjoy the first 6 months and then do my farm work but couldn’t because of all the restrictions the country had in place due to covid. I knew I was too old to get my second year but was going to do the farm work anyway due to hearing the rumours of age increase which is actually happening, July 1st I have heard. I had to leave early because I lost my job as well. Where do I stand? Could I possibly be granted the new one due to the circumstances the country and I was in when I was living there because if none of this had happened I would’ve done my farm work like I had planned and be eligible for my second year when the age increase is in place.
Hi Joseph,
Hard to give you a definite answer but if your WHV has been affected because of the pandemic, you should be able to apply for a VAC or refund. Cheers
Hello
I previously had a WHV for 2 years back in 2011, when the visa age limit gets increased would I be able to apply as a UK citizen?
Hi Alice,
It does not seem that this will apply for former WHV makers at this stage. Cheers
Hey guys, iam 29 at the moment, turning 30 in 6 months… I alread got to the medical exam stage and was now wondering, if I now do the checkup and get positiv feedback and my application gets accepted, let’s say end of January, is my 12 month visa than valid from that day on or can I also enter for example in November 2022 (I would still be 30) and still have the full 12 month? Let me know guys, thank you very much; you should get payed from the home affairs agency
Hey Sascha,
Once your visa is approved, you ll have 12 months to come to Australia. You visa will start once you have entered the territory and will be valid for 1 year (that you can renew).
Thanks 🙂
Hi, I applied for a working holiday visa back in 2015. I stayed in Aus for 4 months working for a university, but then came home. I’m now 34 and hoping to apply for a new working holiday visa (hopefully next year) before I turn 36 in March 2023. Given I already had one of these visas in 2015, will I still be eligible for second, assuming the age limit increases to 35 before I turn 36 in 2023?
Thanks!
Hi Charlie,
unfortunately if you have already ‘used’ your WHV you won’t be able to apply for a new WHV. 🙁
Hi, thanks for getting back to me. Given the age is increasing to 35 and the criteria (like farm work) are changing, doesn’t that mean the scheme is starting afresh?
I guess what I’m asking is, how does my previous WHV make ineligible for a new one once the age limit increases? Can’t I just do the work required under the new scheme?
Cheers.
Hi i have previously been to Australia on a working holiday visa and completed more than 88 days. Ive now been home for nearly 2 years due to covid im 33 from the uk is there a chance of getting a second year whv when the age limit raises to 35? Or will i need to look at different visa options? Thanks
Hi Ryan,
Yes you ll be able to apply for a new WHV once the age limit increases to 35… hopefully by the end of 2022.
Cheers
Hi, I just want to confirm your answer as I am reading some conflicting comments on this page.
I am a 31 year old UK resident, who stayed in AU for less than a year under a 417 visa. This was roughly 5 years ago – and I completed my 88 days during that time.
Now, understanding the new ’35 year old allowances’, I am very keen to return and do my 2nd and 3rd year…. is this possible?
Thank you!
Hi Tom,
It is a bit tricky to reply to this for sure. We do not know at this stage if the FTA will apply only to new WHV or previous ones. But in your case, as you did your 88 days, it seems you will be able to apply for a new WHV (TBC). We will update this article once we have more information in hand. Cheers
Thank you, appreciate your reply.
Seems like we just need to wait a few more weeks to get confirmation.
For others interested, this link (page 4) suggests an update is due in a couple of weeks.
https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-9204/CBP-9204.pdf
Thanks,
Tom
Hi,
I had a thought….
…the Irish/French/Canadian went through a similar change a few years back, right? AU bumped up their age ceiling from 30 to 35.
How did AU deal with these? Did they allow previous WHV applicants to return to complete their 2nd year (say at 32 or 33 years old)? Or did these new rules only apply to to brand new WHV apps?
Thanks,
Tom
Hey
Do we have any more news on when this agreement for upto 35 could take place. I heard they met last week but nothing was signed. You think July 2022 is realistic
If for example it does get signed then is there a waiting time to get it from then or you could apply more or less straight away
Also, when you apply what’s the odds on getting one. As this isn’t based on a points system like the skilled one so is it just more or less anyone qualifies but you can only give so many out ?
Thanks
Hi Conor,
Hard to answer all your questions as we do not know much at this stage. However it is said that the agreement should enter into force in 2022 (to face the lack of manpower in Australia). So hopefully we should know more within the next few months. Cheers
I applied for a working holiday visa in 2011 and went and stayed/worked in australia for a year but didn’t realise about the “specfic work” until too late, im now 33 and a half years old from London, and on the uk news it says that the new working holiday visa might not need to have the specific work to get second visa?
Hi Maiko,
Yes that is correct but it looks like it will only apply to new WHV and not previous, expired visa. Cheers