Great news for backpackers – Changes to Working Holiday Visas

Great news for backpackers

Visa changes have been announced for working holiday/work and holiday makers (subclass 417 & 462) commencing from July 2019, as a means to widen the amount of overseas workers in the farming and agricultural industries.

417’s & 462’s

Currently WHM’s are only eligible to work for one employer for up to 6 months.

From July 2019 WHM’s will be eligible to:

• Work for an agricultural employer for 6 – 12 months.
• Apply for a third year visa upon completion of 6 months regional work during year two.

462’s only

Currently work undertaken in certain areas of northern Australia in tourism and hospitality, plant and animal cultivation, forestry and fishing allows 462 visa holders to apply for a second year visa.

Changes to the 462 visa program will include:

• Regional priority areas extending further afield for second year visa applicants working in plant and animal cultivation.
• Annual caps will be lifted on participating 462 eligible countries to allow for more applicants to apply for the WHV.

If these changes impact you and you’d like to discuss them further, contact us at Four Corners.