The Australian Government has announced changes to the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (Subclass 462) Programs.
The changes are designed to assist regional employers in Australia with workforce shortages, hoping that working holiday makers will be able to fill the gap in the labour market.
Employment restrictions lifted
Under the changes, subclass 462 visa holders will be able to undertake regional plant and animal cultivation work in additional priority areas to become eligible for a second visa.
Furthermore, both subclass 417 and 462 visa holders may work with the same agricultural employer for 12 months. Currently, visa holders may not work for any employer for more than 6 months.
Visa validity extended
The changes also introduce a third year visa option for subclass 417 and 472 visa holders who from 1 July 2019 onwards complete six months of regional work in the second year.
For more information, please get in touch with our migration agents.