Working Holiday Visa age limit up to 35 years

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.​

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.