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.
https://thewest.com.au/politics/india-free-trade-gets-new-year-green-light-c-9010551
Even India has green lighted the FTA with Australia to begin in the new year
WTF is taking so long with the UK. Too busy watching the world Cup it seems
Have you asked them?
For many of us I’m sure this would be a fresh start at least…I just wish I’d made my mind up a few years ago about this and not left it too late to decide that this is actually what I want.
I keep checking for updated news every day in the hopes that we can do this sooner rather than later 🙁
That guardian article is quite old, I wouldn’t put any weight onto that (as it was before the deal was ratified)
I simply cannot wait that long if that’s the case. I need this to happen urgently :((
Just going to cross all my fingers until things are more clear
A good course of action might be to contact the government and ask if they know when the age change will occur. Now that the deal is a month or so away from entering into force they must have an idea of when this will be.
From my experience you will have to be persistent and talk to a few people before you get to the person who can give you answers.
What the Australian Government says about the date commencement for the new visa arrangements:
“Australia and the UK have agreed to put in place new arrangements under the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and Youth Mobility Scheme within two years of the entry into force of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-UK FTA).”
So it’s confirmed that it will be within two years. That doesn’t mean it won’t happen immediately but also doesn’t mean it will. The wording from that article also gives the impression that both changes will start at the same time, which could delay things………………
https://immi.homeaffairs.gov.au/what-we-do/whm-program/latest-news/arrangements-uk-passport-holders?fbclid=IwAR2ORDQ2UvEBxEqo3FLxIYvJMYxZKNNWZ2tCgYD8lvIEZKxJ0Fh7NUxJteY
The Guardian seems to the the work requirements won’t be removed until 2024.
“The relaxed requirements will not come into effect until at least 2024 as the deal has not yet come into force.”
https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2022/sep/20/fears-australian-farm-labour-woes-may-worsen-with-loss-of-uk-backpackers-under-trade-deal
I’m with you Dan. Can’t wait to go. Also still living at home and rubbish job. Need to change urgently.
I’m remaining hopeful this deal gets implemented for a start date of 1.1.23
If the finalisation happens and the trade deal comes into affect – I’ve heard people say that certain aspects of the deal could be implemented at different times – if the deal is meant to benefit both countries greatly, then why would’nt they just do it all at once?
I’m guessing the majority of us on here are literally only waiting for the visa age change.
My mate left for Aus three weeks ago (Brisbane) on a WHV. He applied for I think 10 jobs over the course of a few days and 9 of them invited him for interviews….WOuld never get that here in the UK! Pay for jobs over there seems significantly higher, with basic jobs starting at like $20 an hour.
I simply cannot wait to go now! The only thing is, once I get my WHV, I will sell all my belongings for the extra cash but I know for a fact I won’t want to come home. I hope I can get employer sponsorship for permanent residency there. I need a new start in life and to be honest, I deserve it.
I’ve been so unhappy for the majority of my life and I’m 31 yrs old now…if I don’t get this opportunty to go, I’ve got nothing else going in my life. Still live at home, rubbish stressful job, ruined credit rating so will never be able to get a mortgage and single so cant move out and live on my own as this country is too expensive with crappy wages.
Sorry to rant about my life story but, like many on here, we may never get the chance to do this if the government takes too bloody long 🙁
Let’s hope it gets implemented soon! Thanks Charles
Fingers crossed!
I just had a look and couldn’t find any news on it. It’s worth keeping in mind that this deal isn’t very popular in the UK so the government will probably be inclined to keep things quiet until it’s signed to minimise bad press.
News of the Australian side getting signed had the UK farmer’s lobbying group complaining again. So don’t be surprised if news of its finalisation comes suddenly.
True, thanks for the update 🙂
Does anyone have any key dates or info on when the UK plans to ratify their end?
I haven’t looked into it recently but if it’s expected to enter into force on January 1st it would need to be before then and probably before Dec 1st. As per the agreement signed earlier this year it enters into force one month after both sides are ratified unless otherwise agreed upon.
Same here I wanted to travel and go to Australia for Christmas next year… my 31st birthday is august next year.
You can apply now if you’re 30. Why not do that?
Yes you should
I’m hoping it will come into force soon. Otherwise I’ll only be able to do one, maybe two WHV.
Both countries have made it abudantly clear that they need more skilled workers and migration, so I am hoping it is changed ASAP!
Me too. I’m remaining optimistic that it’ll get done soon.
So, when the deal is ratified on both ends, how long does it take for the visa age change to come into effect?
Are all parts of the deal instant after ratification or will they introduce certain things first? I get that it’s the trade part that’s the most important for the countries and the visa age limit change is probably the least of their worries.
I’m not too sure. Hoping someone else can answer that
We don’t know yet. It will come into effect within two years of the FTA entering into force.
So could be 01/01/23, 01/01/25 or any time in between.
Because it’s the first WHV to have the necessary work removed – and it was suggested that the impact of that be tested before it comes into effect – it may be delayed.
I have no information on the technicalities of it but I’m hoping that the age change and necessary work removal can be done separately.
“The bills easily passed the House of Representatives on Monday and the Senate made them law on Tuesday.
The deals need to be ratified by the respective British and Indian parliaments before they take effect. Neither nation has yet done that.”
https://journalnow.com/news/national/govt-and-politics/australia-ratifies-free-trade-deals-with-india-and-britain/article_35cb1f94-e2b2-580c-af80-fe8f9508c94d.html
https://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/7990513/aust-backs-free-trade-deals-with-uk-india/
Australian side done! Your move now UK!
https://www.thedcn.com.au/news/law-regulation-trade/commencement-of-australias-free-trade-deals-with-the-uk-and-india-comes-closer/
According to this article, the date for commencement of the FTA should be 01/01/2023
Some light at the end of the tunnel, hopefully!
Yes but when will the age changes come into effect. That’s all we are concerned about
Agree with you there Losing hope! We just want to know when the age changes come into effect. I couldn’t care less about how much beef and lamb will be exported or imported into each of the countries lol
Hello, my girlfriend did a 1 year Australia visa and did not complete her farm work. Is she able to apply for another visa? I heard they are granting “do overs” due to covid/ lack of workers. Is this correct?
We are Canadian. Thank you!
Hi Will, yes if you had to leave the country because of covid you can apply for a new WHV free of charge. Cheers
More info here. Most of it has probably already been covered though – https://www.trademinister.gov.au/minister/don-farrell/media-release/trade-agreement-uk-moves-closer-implementation
“This morning I had an introductory call with the new UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Kemi Badenoch. I congratulated her on her role and gave her an update on the fact that were in a position to finalise our parliamentary processes next week.”
Still a waiting game it seems. Let’s hope for the best
Thanks!
The relevant parts from the article for everyone else:
“Senator Farrell said he had informed UK Secretary of State for International Trade, Kemi Badenoch, the government was in a position to have parliament pass the bill next week.”
“The agreement will be in force after Australia and the UK have confirmed with each other in writing that they have completed their respective domestic requirements.”
So Australia could ratify their side next week but we don’t know when the UK will take care of theirs. Hopefully soon. Unless otherwise agreed upon the agreement will actually enter into force one month after both sides have ratified the deal. Hopefully during that time we’ll get some answers about the age extension.
By all accounts, this deal is to be ratified by next week. Let’s hope the age changes come immediately into effect
That would be excellent news! Have you got a link for that?
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7985262/mps-back-australia-uk-free-trade-deal/
Same one as I posted above. Scroll down a little
Could someone answer this for me please?
I’m 31 years old from the UK.
If the deal goes through while I am 31yrs old and I apply for my first WHV and get it, for the 2nd and 3rd WHV, do I still have to be under 35 years of age?
Basically, do I have to be under 35yrs old when applying for my 3rd WHV?
The latest you would be able to apply for the WHV would be one day before your 36th birthday.
This would include the 3rd WHV?
What I’m trying to understand is, if I was 36yrs old and had already had my 1st and 2nd WHV at ages 32 and 33 say, I would then be too old at 36 to apply for my 3rd one?
The WHV is available for those aged 18-35 inclusive. So at 36 you would be too old. At 35 and 363 days you wouldn’t be.
If the necessary work requirement isn’t removed immediately (which is very possible, almost a certainty from what I’ve read) you’d also need to have done that in both your first and second years.
https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/7985262/mps-back-australia-uk-free-trade-deal/
This looks like very good news.