The governments of New Zealand and the U.K. have updated their Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) and Working Holiday Scheme (WHS) by 2024.

The countries have agreed to:

  • Increase the eligible age range from 18-30, to 18-35 for both YMS and WHS applicants.
  • Increase the length of stay from two years for YMS visas and 23 months for WHS visas to three years for both programs.
  • Extend the visa holders right to work for the full duration of the visa.
  • Place a 15,000 cap for U.K. nationals applying for the WHS.

Additional Information: More information on the YMS is available here. Information on the WHS is available here.

BAL Analysis: The improvements to the YMS and WHS will not be implemented until legislation has been passed. The governments of New Zealand and the U.K. have committed to implementing the changes by 2024 at the latest.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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