The Australian Government and the Department of Home Affairs have made several changes to the Working Holiday Maker Visa to promote post-COVID-19 recovery in the tourism and trade sectors. The following changes have been announced:
Italy and Denmark: Age Limit Increase
From 1 July 2022, the age limit will increase from 30 to 35 years of age for Italian and Danish citizens. Australia also benefits from this in a reciprocal arrangement, where Australian citizens can apply for working holiday visas in Italy and Denmark up to the age of 35.This has previously been announced for the United Kingdom. It will provide Australia with additional international workers to address labour shortages.
Hungary, Austria and the Slovak Republic: Cap Increases
For 2022-2023, a 30% increase in places available to nationals from Hungary, Austria and the Slovak Republic will be introduced. In addition, 1,400 more places will be available each year for citizens of Hungary, Austria, and the Slovak Republic on a Working Holiday Maker visa. This is a reciprocal arrangement and therefore also applies to Australian citizens travelling to those countries.
Brazil and Mongolia: New Reciprocal Arrangements
Australia recently signed two new agreements with Brazil and Mongolia to facilitate reciprocal Work and Holiday arrangements. This will assist all countries involved to re-build their economies following COVID-19 and it also expands the number of countries that are participants in the Work and Holiday Maker Program to 47 in total.
Australia’s Work and Holiday Maker Program is a popular visa arrangement for international workers and travellers. Due to COVID-19 there has been a significant reduction in Work and Holiday Visa Holders because of border closures and restrictions. Since 22 November 2021, the reopening of Australia’s borders has reignited the Work and Holiday Maker Program and 51,000 working holiday maker visas have been granted and over 14,000 working holiday makers have arrived in Australia.
Related Pages
- Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417)
- Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462)
- Changes to Working Holiday Maker Visas Affected by COVID-19
- Working Holiday Visas will Increase for UK and Australians up to the Age of 35
- Work Beyond 6 Months on Working Holiday Visa
- Visa Flexibility for Working Holiday Makers Supporting Critical Sectors
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