Upper age limit increase for Canadian, Irish Working Holiday applicants

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Australia has raised the Working Holiday age limit for nationals of Canada and Ireland.

What does the change mean? Nationals of Canada ages 18 through 35 (inclusive) can apply for Working Holiday visas. The age limit was also raised for Australian nationals applying for Working Holiday visas for Canada and Ireland.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Working Holiday visa (subclass 417).
• Who is affected: Canadian and Irish nationals applying for Working Holiday visas (subclass 417).

Background: Working Holiday visas are valid for one year and allow successful applicants to come to Australia for travel, study and short-term work. The age limit for most Working Holiday visa applicants is 30, but officials recently raised the limit for nationals of Canada and Ireland. “Both Canada and Ireland have been part of Australia’s Working Holiday Maker program since it began in 1975, so it is fitting that they are the first countries to become eligible for the extended age range,” said David Coleman, Australia’s Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs.

Analysis & Comments: The change will give some employers more flexibility by allowing them to hire Canadian and Irish nationals on a Working Holiday visa through the age of 35. Visa holders are generally allowed to work for an employer for up to six months, though in some cases they can work for up to 12 months provided they do not work for the same employer in any one location for more than six months.

Source: Deloitte LLP. Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom.