Overview
With the implementation of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA), the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program has introduced new arrangements for UK passport holders. Here are the key changes and how they affect UK citizens looking to experience Australia on a Working Holiday visa.
Important Dates and Changes
– From 1 July 2023: UK passport holders aged 18 to 35 years can apply for a Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa.
– From 1 July 2024:UK passport holders can be granted up to three Working Holiday visas without meeting any specified work requirements. This applies to all Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa applications lodged by UK passport holders from this date.
Eligibility
– These new arrangements are available to applicants holding a passport issued by the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, including the British National (Overseas) passport (BN(O)).
– UK citizens who previously entered Australia on a Working Holiday visa using a different eligible passport (e.g., Republic of Ireland) can apply for their second or third visa using their UK passport from 1 July 2024, without needing to meet the specified work requirement.
Age Range
– The eligible age for UK applicants is now 18 to 35 years inclusive. Applications can be lodged until midnight (AEST) on the day before the applicant’s 36th birthday.
Specified Work Requirement
– Traditionally, to be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday visa, applicants needed to complete specified work. However, from 1 July 2024, UK passport holders will no longer need to meet this requirement for their second or third visas.
Maximum Stay
– Working Holiday visa holders can stay in Australia for up to three years, granted through three separate 12-month visas. UK passport holders can apply for each of these visas while still meeting the age requirement, without needing to stay in Australia continuously.
Other WHM Program Settings
– All other existing WHM program rules, including the six-month work limitation per employer and the four-month study limitation, will continue to apply.
