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.
Table of Contents
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 all
Thanks for all your posts – really helpful
Can i get this straight, the age changes to 35 as of 31 July 2023? The farm work is by the by for me (happy to do it) but just trying to make sense if I will be able to apply and go from 1 July 2023. (I turn 33 in June this year)
I will be turning 36 in February 2024. Under the new guidelines I will be eligible to apply on the the 1st of July. My question is, can I apply for all three visas in one go even though I will be over 35 for the last 2 years?
Hi Janine, you can only apply for 1 year at a time. So you can apply on 1st July and then apply for a second year just before turning 36. Cheers
So, if you apply to go in July 2023, will you still have to do farm work to get the second and third visa when the rules change in 2024?
With the third year/6 month option only available from July 2019, does anyone know if they’d accept payslips prior to that date?I’ve got 3 months before and 3 after it stitched me out of my third year back then
Hi Dunk, work needs to be performed after 1st July 2019 – so only your 3 months worked after this date will be counted. (Please note that the FTA is now into force so UK passport holders will be able to apply for another year even if they did not do the work (from July 2024)). Cheers
Thanks for the speedy reply folks, really appreciate it. had a feeling it might be a long reach for it to be back dated but worth an ask to save applying for a 189. 2024 isn’t all too far away and for those on this group who tick over the age bracket, I hope you all make it over there whether it be on 189 visas, student or sponsorship. Thanks for all the updates too, it’s kept me focused and motivated all winter
Why is it the UK always gets the raw end of the deal?!? I’m in the same position as Losing Hope and turn 36 in August.
I did my first 1 year whv back in 2018-2019 and was just in the age limit (30), so doing farm work didn’t make sense at the time as I wouldn’t of been able to get a 2nd year whv anyway due to my age.
Now it seems brits still have to wait until 1st July 2024 for the specified farm work requirements to be removed (this is bullsh*t!), yet people from Oz don’t have to meet any requirements coming to the UK?
This isn’t like for like and I’m just sick of this UK government bending over for a half-assed deal that frankly no-one gives a sh*t about.
Such wasted hope for many over the last few years!
I’m screwed too mate. I’ll be 36 by the time the farm was is scrapped. Never again will I put any hope in the government
NZ is an option?
Shafted with the July 2024 – another year of waiting until I can go.
Doesn’t make sense.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12141367/UK-Australia-working-holiday-rules-changing-need-know-farm-work-scrapped.html
Hallelujah.
Well it looks like for UK passport holders they can apply for the new YMS visas from 1st of July
Australian passport holders will need to wait untill January 31st 2024!
Even though I will still only he 34 by then I think I will go to canada for the time being as I’m already in the UK and cant be bothered waiting around so long
At least in Canada I can also see America and if anything , it makes the decision easier for me by taking an option away for now
There’s also the possibility of Denmark or france or ireland or italy but I feel Canada will be cool
Heres the link
https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/changes-to-australia-s-working-holiday-maker-program-and-the-uk-s-youth-mobility-scheme/
The government website has been updated with the 1st of July 2023 for the age range!
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/latest-news/arrangements-uk-passport-holders
1st July 2024 for the removal of farm work… I’m screwed a bit as I did my farm work in 2010 but payslips back then we’re handing to you with your wages in a envelope… I have no idea where I put them as I didn’t think I’d ever need them again until now. Anyone have any idea?
Once you’ve had a proper look, if you still don’t have them – I’d maybe contact the farm where you worked as they may keep records (even if they paid you cash). They’ll likely get audited too so I’d assume they’ll be a paper trail somewhere. They may not be helpful – but I guess it’s worth a shot. Failing that I’d speak to a human in immigration and see what they can offer you, might be worth getting an immigration lawyer?
https://www.thenationalnews.com/world/uk-news/2023/05/30/beano-features-in-australia-and-new-zealand-trade-deals/
This article is saying July 1. Nothing is official until the government websites release the official statement
It says July 1st the age limit for uk applicants going to aus will go from 30 to 35. But from july 1 next year, uk applicants will be able to stay up to 3 years….i cant make sense of that at all, but it is late and im tired haha
So, it’s not official but the date seems to be Jan 2024?
Unlucky – Losing Hope.
This has taken way too long. Our lives have been in limbo for years now.
Hoping for those on the right side of 35 it’s all worked out okay!
Fingers crossed we get official statement today.
Reporting it on the Sydney Morning Herald now too:
Australia’s trade deal with UK comes into force
By Caroline Schelle
Australia’s free trade deal with the United Kingdom will come into force today, with more than 99 per cent of Australian products to enter the country duty-free.
Australian producers of wine, beef, sheep meat, grains, rice, sugar, and dairy products will benefit from duty-free quotas or tariff elimination.
Assistant Trade Minister Tim Ayres told ABC Breakfast News this morning said the deal would provide more opportunity for exporters, firms and workers.
“They are one of our oldest friends of course, the United Kingdom, but this is a new chapter in the economic relationship,” Ayres said this morning.
He said the deal would mean $4 billion worth of goods from the UK would be tariff-free, and would lead to a $200 million a year advantage for Australian consumers.
For exporters to the UK, up to 99 per cent would be tariff-free and there was significant progress on agricultural goods including wine, and red meat.
“Some … uplift in beef and lamb quotas, for example, is spread over a few years,” Ayres said.
British products including cars, whisky, confectionery, biscuits and cosmetics coming into Australia are expected to be cheaper.
And from January 31, more Australians will be able to apply for working holidays in the UK and stay for longer.
Thanks for Sharing Michelle 🙂
Stupid question incoming….For UK citizens, we will be able to apply for a visa for Aus in January 2024? Or can we apply before hand? Information overload in the past hour on this forum hahaha
Happy to be corrected – but I think you can apply/be approved beforehand – but not to enter before the 31st of Jan. All of my mates on WHV’s have been approved in less than 24 hours up to now – but I guess they’ll have a fair backlog from these changes so it may go to a few weeks?
Interesting comment there, Alex! I hope this is true, because I will apply tonight hahaha.
Has visa processing become that quick? I know when my mate applied during beginning of corona, his took about 8 months! But I guess a lot of office workers were off, borders were closed and everything just took so long.
If anyone can comment on this, please do….I got butterflies HAHAHA
My first year Australia whv (2018) came through in 24 hours 🙂
If we can apply before so like tomorrow Dan hahaha that would be fab with the intention of going next year – that’s what I wanna do
Need to see what they officially say! Guess I can start looking for jobs this side of the year then which is fab!
Cant believe the anticipation i really thought it would be earlier!
Good spot mate! Will wait for it to be confirmed via official sources too – but that’s definitely better than the worst-case scenario! Does that sort you out?
Well that means I’m farked
I turn 36 in aug
Absolute clown show this whole thing has been. Why can’t they make the changes now or july
Oh well, I’m already In Asia teaching with work so it’s not all bad, but it would have been good to have options
The article doesn’t comment on when the WHV for UK citizens to come to Australia begins.
Hi Fran, from 1st July 2023 for the age increase. Cheers
Long shot but if you can apply beforehand like Dan mentioned maybe you have a chance for next year?
They have honoured people applying just before they turn 31 previously?
If not then gutted 🙁
You are safe mate… 1st July for the age increase but the farm work isn’t until 1st July 2024 so I’m screwed haha
As far as I can tell, this article says when Australians can move for the UK WHV. Does it also mention anything about the Australian WHV (for those of us from the UK)?
Hi Fran, the agreement allows indeed UK citizens to come to Australia up until their 36th bday. Cheers
January 2024 guys…
https://canberraweekly.com.au/australia-uk-free-trade-agreement-begins-today/
Hey Jonny thanks for posting. If legit I hope this fits your needs x
Losing hope, you can read the article here:
https://archive.ph/WGJGP
Hopefully this is made official on the Australia Immigration website if the article is correct!
Cheers
https://www.theaustralian.com.au/nation/politics/trade-minister-don-farrell-describes-uk-trade-deal-as-a-major-win-for-young-australians/news-story/2f4b9f7293bc74c6bbc304f0bce0b45a
Can anyone read this new article? It’s behind a paywall
I can… Here it says…
Australia’s free trade agreement with the UK has officially come into force, in what Trade Minister Don Farrell has called a “boon for young people”.
The deal will reduce tariffs on Australian products – including beef and wine – and significantly boost the mobility of younger workers through an expansion of working holiday visas.
Australians could previously apply to work in the UK only for two years and needed to be under the age of 30, but that eligibility has now risen to 35 years old, while the length of the maximum stay has increased to three years.
“Australians will benefit from new skilled visa pathways to the UK, providing more direct channels for aspiring young Australians to live and work in London, which has the world’s highest concentration of financial and professional services firms, before returning home to apply these skills in Australia,” Mr Farrell wrote for The Australian online. “Our free trade agreement with the United Kingdom, which enters into force today, is so vital. It will help grow our domestic industries and homegrown manufacturing capabilities, delivering benefits to Australian businesses, and creating new ell-paying jobs. This new trade agreement will open new export opportunities, promote greater investment into Australia and help diversify our trade relationship.”
Fingers crossed for tomorrow or early Thursday morning (our time).
The replies Jonny’s had would make it sound like the announcement is close – it would make sense that it’s all tied together… stressful 48 hours coming up even longer if they still don’t give us an answer!
‘This is the first ‘new’ UK trade deal signed since Brexit; the UK’s other trade agreements have largely rolled-over previous EU deals. The agreement is due to come into effect at midnight on 31 May 2023.’
Everything crossedddd
Tomorrow is D Day
My prediction, nothing will be mentioned about the age changes.
Yeah I feel the same, I’m so glad I’m not the only person going through this horrible waiting game and can discuss things with you all.
I’m literally praying for news this week or I’m flying home for summer and hopefully can come back at the end of the year with the visa haha
It was on twitter, they posted about the FTA coming in next week and I asked if they would be announcing the visa changes and that was their reply. It’s better than no news I guess haha
A glimmer of hope Johnny haha. Or they’ve just said that so it will shut us all up for a bit
Haha yeah I hope not
This wait has been crazy. I hope they follow through with it, so many people on hold with their travel plans. I’m so grateful for this forum btw thanks everyone for their updates!
Me too Raksha! This forum has become my place to vent and ask questions and talk with many people in the same situation as me.
Just trying to stay positive for some news next week. Where did you get the reply from Jonny?
That’s the thing.
Hanging on, waiting. Not being able to make plans, commit to events and/or peoples schedules. So infuriating.
I have to imagine we won’t hear anything, and it won’t be in place for 1st July. Waited long enough. Greater forces at play, for which us mere mortals not know of.
I just had a reply from UK in Australia on twitter and they quoted this…
We are working to make the final arrangements for bringing this into force. Announcement soon…!
“Soon”
The word we’ve heard over 1000x times within these last two years