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.
It’s July 1st and still nothing announced from both governments. Very disappointed
It is indeed 🙁
Hello,
Does anyone know for certain that the new working holiday visa (UK/Aus) will definitely commence this year? I’ve seen a lot of comments on various forums that say it will commence on the 1st July but as it gets closer and closer to the date there are barely any news articles or certified sources to state this is the case, which I so desperately have been hoping for.
Recently there has been an update on the House of Commons page to say the trade deal was formally laid before parliament on 15th June, and now it provides for a minimum of a further 21 sitting days before the UK can ratify the agreement, which correct me if I’m wrong takes us to 5th of July? And won’t it be another 30 days to then come into affect?
It would be really useful if anyone else has found further information or confirmed sources instead of the generic response: “the agreement will commence within 2 years” as most of us are already aware and are desperate for some good news with a more specific date (fully understand it’s a long shot).
Thank you!
Hi Chloe,
No official date atm but things will move forward from 1st July as age limit is increased for 3 other countries. So fingers crossed
Hi, it’s June now. Do we have any news about the U.K. 35 year old threshold?
Ho Tonas,
We will probably have news on July 1st as the age limit is increasing for other nationalities on this date. Cheers
I’m losing hope that both governments are going to enact the 35 age limit anytime soon. And I need it to be done soon as well
Fingers crossed mate!
Do we have a rough estimate of when the new UK Aus FTA will come into effect? Was first reported at July 1st but that doesn’t seem true now.
Hi Dave,
Yes initially then it became ‘The new arrangements will start for WHMs within two years, on a date agreed on between Australia and the UK.’
So this would come into effect in December 2023?
The maximum time frame is 2 years from date of signature.
Hi,
I’m from the UK and currently 30 years old, I turn 31 in March of next year. I’m looking into getting a visa to australia and need to come up with the best plan possible
Few questions- How long do i have to apply for my visa and how long will this process take? When receiving my one year visa do i have to enter the country before turning 31? I also see that the visa age limit will change to 35 for brits soon. Do you know when this is law is likely to come into play?
Hi Alex
If you plan to apply for a WHV you can until your 31 st bday (for now and until the FTA enters into force). Once approved you will have one year to enter the country. Cheers
Hello,
Is it possible to make another YMV? I am a canadian who used hers in 2014. Now I am 32 wondering if I can get another YMV now that the age is to 35?
Thanks!!
Hi Cori,
Unfortunately if you havent done any eligible jobs you wont be able to apply for a new visa (the removal of ‘specified work’ requirements only applies to UK passport holders). Cheers
Hello,
I turn 31 in August. Is it best to apply now or wait until the new age limit comes into place? Would I still need to complete the mandatory farm work to get the second year, or would I still benefit from the rule change?
Thanks
Hi Alice,
The problem is we do not know exactly when the FTA will enter into force. In all cases, you will not need to complete the mandatory work to renew. Cheers
Hello!
I am 30 and turn 31 on the 21st of June. I have my first WHV sorted but just want to check, do I have to be in the country before I turn 31 next month or can I come a few days after? My Visa expiry is May 2023 so I’m assuming I can enter after my 31st as the visa was completed prior to me turning 31, is this correct? I should say, I’m from the UK.
Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Hi Dan,
You can enter the country up to 12 months after your visa has been granted (your age doesnt matter). Cheers
Hi just wondering what information is needed for the visa as I have been living in Thailand for 11 months do you need a police report also what vaccines are needed I’ve had 2nd one do I need to have my 3rd to be safe for a job. Also what date do we think the age will increase for applying for the visa
thanks
Hi Jonathan,
The documents you ll need to provide will be listed at the end of your application. You may need some medical ones. To enter Australia you ‘only’ need 2 doses.
And finally for the age limit… maybe July but nothing is 100% atm. Cheers
That’s perfect do you need your medical information from your own doctor or just a to-do a medical at somewhere that does them as don’t want to travel back to the UK to get the information thanks.
Hi there,
Depending on the medical examinations required (if any) you will need to see an approved doctor (the list will be on your immi account). Cheers
Hi
Seeing as the age for UK citizens is going to 35, and i already have my first year approved (i plan to enter in November) if i arrive at age 32, then in theory i should be able to extend my stay for 3 years, taking me to just before i turn 36?
Thanks!
James
Hi James,
For 2 years (so 3 all together). Cheers
Hi when you go for the working visa what information do you need to have. I have been told you need a police report also what vaccine do you need to have thanks.
Hi Jonathan,
Police report may be requested … depends on your personal situation. As for the vaccination, 2 doses of approved covid vaccine are required to enter the country. Cheers
Hi I have read the UK has just introduced this bill as of yesterday (11.05.22)
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-bill-to-enable-implementation-of-australia-and-new-zealand-trade-deals
Good news?!?!
Please, if I was granted the WHV before (when I was 30) but haven’t entered Australia, can I apply again and be granted it again?
Thank you!
Giovanni
Hi Giovanni,
If you havent used your visa and never entered Australia, you ll be able to apply for a new one. Please note, the age limit for Italian citizens will increase to 35 in July 2022. Cheers
Hey there!
I am 34 years old from USAand currently residing in Bali, Indonesia.
It’s unfortunate for me that USA wasn’t part of the age limit increase.
Does anyone here know of any other way I can enter Australia for temporary work?
I have some friends who are suggesting to apply for a study visa and take a short course which also allows for 40 hour work week whilst attending a course.
What do you guys think?
Thank you!
Hi Randy,
A Student visa can be a good option as it will allow you to work while following a short course. Otherwise you can always look for a sponsorship (TSS visa). Cheers
hi there,
do you think the UK and AUS will increase the WHV ages to 35 by 1 July 2022? I really need to get there soon so hoping this happens
We hope it will increase at the same time as Italy and Denmark 🙂
Hey have you any update on when the age from UK will change to 35 to get into Australia? 🙂 I keep coming mixed comments – thank you
Hi Koral,
No date so far 🙁
Hi,
I’m 30 and turn 31 in November? Is the age limit getting increased to 35? And does the year start from the day you apply? Or say it’s accepted.
Thanks
Hi Lewis,
Yes the age limit is to increase soon (we do not have a date yet). Once the agreement enters into force, UK passport holders will then be able to lodge an application for any Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa up until the day before their 36th birthday.
Hi mate, any update on whether the UK will change the age limit to 35 soon? I really need this to happen and I’ve heard some news articles say this will happen by 1 July 2022. Cheers mate
Hi there,
Not confirmed so far! Hopefully at the same time as Denmark and Italy!
Hi,
I’m within the age limit 29 but my husband is turning 40 this year. He always wanted to do the WHM. Could he join me on my visa, as spouse? Is that an option?
Hi Eva,
Unfortunately your husband won’t be able to join your WHV. He can go for a tourist visa or even a student one… Cheers
Hi,
I know it’s speculation at the moment, but how confident are you the new WHV for over 35 year old from the UK will go through this year? i’ve read reports saying it may be July and then others saying it could be within the next 2 years?
I’ve just turned 31 so have to wait for the new visa and hopeful it’s this year but also dont want to put my life on hold for 2 years if it’s happening 2024!
Hi Ben,
It is quite unclear at the moment, but considering Italian and Danish citizens’age limit will be increased in July, we hope it will also for UK passport holders. Cheers
Hi, with the announcement that the age is to be increased to 35 for Danish and Italian on the 1st of July 22. There’s no mention of the U.K. does that now mean it’s unlikely the U.K. change is to come in on the 1st of July after all?
Hi Gemma,
Unsure… hard to give you an answer here… we hope it will be July for Uk too but it might be within 2 years (from date of signature)
Hi all, I’ve just seen an update to the new WHM visa for UK passport holders (when it gets implemented). It gives good clear examples for people that are new to applying for the first time and also for people who have already had a stint in Australia and where they stand on applying for the ‘new’ visa when it comes out.
I think it will answer a lot of people’s questions in this forum and is generally very good news for all
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/latest-news/arrangements-uk-passport-holders
Thanks Tom for sharing !
Any news on when the bilateral will change to 35? I’m 35 now and have until Jan 2023 before I turn 36.
Hi Orly,
No news at this stage 🙁
Hi you guys. I’m 28 and from the UK; I have just applied for my first WHV. Complete newb.
I have a tricky question – first, I’ll be 29 by the time I arrive in Australia. And as things stand with the 30 y/o limit, that means I can apply for the second years WHV when I’m 30 and stay a second year. However, when that year is up, I’d then be too old to apply for a third years WHV.
Let’s assume this 35 y/o limit doesn’t come into force – is there any other way to stay longer? I.e if you’re over the age limit for a third WHV? Is the only way to stay permanently (without studying or getting married!) to find an employer who will sponsor you to stay?
Second question, and I doubt you’ll know this – let’s say I’m in Australia doing my 88 days of hard graft for my first WHV and then the new 3-year visa option comes into play – think I’ll be able to start from scratch again? I.e get the 3 year visa (which may have more relaxed restrictions on what work one can do?).
Cheers
Hi Ed,
If the FTA doesn’t enter into force on type, you have to go on another visa (can be student, tourist or even a sponsor if you find one).
For your second question we do not know at this stage if if will concern only new WHV or also people who already hold a WHV… we will need to wait a bit to get some clarification!
Cheers