Frequently Asked Questions about Working Holiday Maker Visa
I have a Working Holiday Maker visa:
Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visas cannot be extended. But, if you have completed three or six months of ‘specified work’ in Australia, you may be able to apply for a second or third WHM visa.
Specified work and conditions:
Working Holiday Makers in Australia can work in any occupation or industry while in Australia, generally for up to six months with one employer. All workers in Australia have the same rights and protections at work, regardless of citizenship or visa status.
You can also choose to undertake specified work to become eligible for a second or third Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visa or Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa.
Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) can now count critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors undertaken anywhere in Australia after 31 January 2020 as ‘specified work’ to apply for a 2nd or 3rd WHM visa.
For further information see latest news from DIBP.
Transitioning earlier to a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa:
From 5 January 2021, WHMs working in agriculture can apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic Event visa up to 90 days before their current visa expires. They do not need to show that they cannot leave Australia.
WHM and critical COVID-19 work
Arrangements for former Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) undertaking critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors on (Subclass 408) COVID-19 Pandemic event visas:
From 14 November 2020, former WHMs who transitioned to a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa to continue undertaking critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors can count this work as specified work towards eligibility for a second or third WHM visa. These new arrangements recognise the contribution of WHMs doing critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors and ensure they can still access subsequent WHM visa options.
Critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors to count as ‘specified work’:
From 19 August 2020, WHMs can count critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors undertaken anywhere in Australia after 31 January 2020 as specified work to apply for a second or third WHM visa.
Bushfire recovery efforts to count as ‘specified work’:
On 17 February 2020, the Government announced changes to the WHM visa program to assist communities to recover from recent bushfires. WHMs can now count paid or volunteer bushfire recovery work in a declared disaster area, after 31 July 2019, as ‘specified work’ towards eligibility for a second or third WHM visa.
Bushfire recovery work for up to 12 months with one employer:
From 17 February 2020, Working Holiday Makers (Subclass 417 and Subclass 462 visa holders) assisting bushfire recovery efforts can now do paid or unpaid work for up to 12 months (instead of 6 months) with the same employer or organisation without requesting permission.
Third Working Holiday or Work and Holiday visa:
Visa holders who carry out 6 months of specified work while on their second Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visa or Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa, or on a bridging visa in certain circumstances, may be eligible to apply for a third visa. The 6 months of specified work must all be carried out on or after 1 July 2019, so a successful application cannot be lodged before January 2020.
If you are not eligible for a second or third WHM visa and you are not working in a critical sector for COVID-19, you should apply for another visa. This will allow you to remain lawful until you are able to return to your home country. Agriculture, food processing, healthcare and medical, aged and disability care and childcare are critical sectors for COVID-19. Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for a Visitor visa (subclass 600).
To be granted a new visa, you must meet the necessary requirements for that visa, including any age limits, English language, health and character requirements.
Applying for a second or third WHM visa:
You may be eligible for a second or third Working Holiday (Subclass 417) visa or Work and Holiday (Subclass 462) visa. Find out if you are eligible and how to apply on the Department’s website:
- Second Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa
- Third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa
- Second Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
- Third Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
You must apply for a new visa before your current visa expires. You may be able to be granted a bridging visa that will keep you lawful until a decision is made on your visa application.
I work in a critical sector:
Working holiday makers who have an offer of employment or who are employed in the COVID-19 Pandemic critical sectors of agriculture, food processing, health, aged and disability care and childcare who aren’t eligible for a second or third WHM visa can apply for a COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. There will be no visa application charge.
Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) can now count critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors undertaken anywhere in Australia after 31 January 2020 as ‘specified work’ to apply for a 2nd or 3rd WHM visa. For further information see latest news and specified work conditions.
COVID-19 Pandemic event visa
If your WHM visa is expiring, you are not working in a critical sector, you are unable to return home because of travel restrictions and you can’t meet the requirements for another visa, you may still be eligible for the COVID-19 Pandemic event visa. You’ll need to demonstrate why you can’t meet the requirements for another visa. This could include a statement and evidence that you do not have access to sufficient funds to be able to pay another visa application charge (VAC).
Latest article on COVID-19 and Refunds and waivers of Visa Application Charges can be found here: https://www.noborders-group.com/news/covid-19-and-refunds-and-waivers-of-visa-application-charges
Some visa holders affected by Australia’s COVID-19 travel restrictions will soon be able to apply for a refund or a waiver of their Visa Application Charge (VAC).
Need help with getting Australian Visas?
NO BORDERS: #1 TRUSTED MIGRATION AGENTS
Email: [email protected]
Tel: +61 (07) 3876 4000
Consultation: https://www.noborders-group.com/form/free-consultation
We will help you by exploring visa options and securing application. As part of our services, we will assess the eligibility of the application for a partner visa and help you to get out of the abusive relationship and provide you with detailed advice on your chances of success. If you would like to discuss your visa options and evaluate the pathway to permanent residency, please make an enquiry or book a consultation to get expert advice with one of our knowledgeable and experienced Migration Agents/Lawyers on 07 3876 4000 or email: [email protected].
#AustralianImmigration #Australianvisa #Working Holiday Makers (WHMs) #WHM #417 #462 #workingholiday #workingholidayvisamaker #whm #whms #NSW #skilledoccupation #skilledvisa #skilledmigration #immigrationservices #migrationagent #australianpr #AustraliaPR #australiavisa #SkilledOccupationList #190visa #COVID19