Good news for Irish and Canadian passport holders

From 1 November 2018, the age requirement for Irish and Canadian passports holders applying for the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) has increased from 30 to 35 years old.

The Working Holiday visa (subclass 417) is a temporary visa for young people who want to holiday and work in Australia for up to a year. It is a temporary visa that encourages cultural exchange and closer ties between Australia and eligible countries.

The age increase also applies to the second working holiday visa requirements.

Last year more than 16,000 citizens from Canada and Ireland were granted working holiday visas for Australia. The increase in the age requirement will allow more people to access the visa, who would have previously missed out.

As Australia heads into the summer months, with long summer days spent at the beach, there has never been a better time to escape the winter months in Ireland and Canada. The general requirements for Irish and Canadian passport holders for the first working holiday visa (Subclass 417) are:

• have not previously entered Australia on a Work and Holiday (Temporary) visa (subclass 462)

• hold an Irish or Canadian passport

• are aged between 18-35 years of age

• are a genuine visitor who wants to have a holiday in Australia

• have enough money to support yourself on a working holiday (about AUD 5000)

• have enough money to buy a return or onward travel ticket at the end of your stay

• will not be accompanied by dependent children at any time during your stay.

Contact one of our consultants today to understand your opportunities, and come and enjoy an Australian Christmas!

Disclaimer: The information provided herein is of a general nature only and does not constitute immigration advice. For more detailed and case specific information or advice, please contact SCA Connect.