As part of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (Australia-UK FTA), individuals holding a passport from the United Kingdom (‘UK’) have access to a more stable working arrangement in Australia through the Working Holiday Visa (‘WHV’) program.
From 1 July 2024, individuals holding a passport from the UK will not need to undertake any specified work to be granted a second or third WHV. This removes the requirement to undertake 3-6 months of specified work as outlined by the Department of Home Affairs here.
This is a welcomed change to the program, which comes after the recent eligible age increase for UK nationals from a maximum of 30 years old to 35 years old.
As of 1 January 2024, WHV holders can now work for the same employer in Australia for more than 6 months without asking permission if the work is:
- in different locations and work in any one location does not exceed 6 months;
- in plant and animal cultivation anywhere in Australia;
- in certain industries, including aged care and disability services, fishing and pearling, tree farming and felling, construction and mining, in northern Australia only;
- natural disaster recovery work;
- in critical sectors, including agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare, anywhere in Australia;
- in the critical sector of tourism and hospitality anywhere in Australia.
It is important to remind individuals from Ireland, Scotland, and other neighbouring countries to the UK, that they do not qualify for the above specified work exemption unless they hold a UK passport.
If you are lodging another WHV in Australia, it is important that you remain in Australia while the application is processing – as you need to be in Australia when the Department finalises it. Likewise, if you lodge your second or third WHV outside of Australia, you need to make sure that you remain outside of Australia for it to be granted.
If you are a WHV holder and want to know your options moving forward, or what work rights you have currently, make sure to contact our team to discuss your circumstances.
Nevett Ford Lawyers – Immigration Lawyer Melbourne & Australian Citizenship Lawyer
Telephone: +61 3 9614 7111
Email: melbourne@nevettford.com.au
Visit our website: www.nevettford.com.au