Changes to Working Holiday Maker Visas Affected by COVID-19

1. Working Holiday Visa Extension

This change allows for onshore Working Holiday Maker Visa Holders impacted by COVID-19 through the inability to work and travel without restriction, to be granted a further WHM visa to remain in Australia for an extended period. This will give Subclass 417 and Subclass 462 visa holders the opportunity to meet specified work requirements and apply for further WHM visas.

To be eligible the following criteria apply:

2. Exceptions to Visa Application Process

Due to the nature of COVID-19 and travel restrictions, the Australian Government acknowledges that this has provided obstacles for individuals needing to renew or reapply for passport documentation. As a result, when applying for a working holiday maker visa extension, the Government has allowed applications to be made without a valid passport. This gives applicants extra time to allow for their passports to be renewed and validated. However, it must be noted that the Working Holiday Maker Visas will NOT be granted without a valid passport. Therefore, applicants must ensure their passports are renewed and valid at the time of the visa grant.