COVID-19 Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Expiring FAQs

Working Holiday Makers in Australia are able to work in any occupation or industry while in Australia, for up to six months with one employer.

Working Holiday Makers have the choice to undertake particular work in specified positions to become eligible for a second or third Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa or Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa.

 

What’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program?

Australia’s reciprocal Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program allows young adults to have a 12-month holiday, during which they are able to undertake short-term work and study in Australia. The WHM program now includes over 40 partner countries or jurisdictions in two visa subclasses, the Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa and the Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa. 

 

What’s a COVID 408 Visa?

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Australian government has launched flexible temporary visa arrangements in line with the country’s health measures. The Temporary Activity (subclass 408) Australian Government Endorsed Event (AGEE) stream visa (COVID-19 Pandemic event visa) has been put in place to manage the unexpected circumstances that have arisen due to Covid-19 pandemic. This is a temporary measure which is subject to ongoing review and will be terminated when the pandemic ends. 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What are the recent updates?

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.

 

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. 

 

If a Working Holiday Maker entered Australia on a Working Holiday Maker (WHM) visa, you can count critical COVID-19 work in the healthcare and medical sectors undertaken on a subclass 408 COVID-19 Pandemic event visa towards eligibility for a second or third WHM visa. 

 

What are some critical sectors?

The Government is making a number of changes to temporary visa holder arrangements during the coronavirus crisis in order to protect the health and livelihoods of Australians, support critical industries, and assist with the rapid recovery post the virus.

 

The critical sectors include:

-Health; aged and disability care; agriculture; food processing; and childcare.

Please note that some flexibility may be provided.

 

How do I know if my visa has been granted with work rights?

Only people working in critical sectors will be permitted to work upon receiving their COVID-19 pandemic event visa. All other applicants will not be allowed to work on their COVID-19 pandemic event visa. 

 

Work permission in Australia is controlled and managed through mandatory condition 8107. Applicants working in critical sectors and indicate their work activities in their visa will be allowed to continue working once the COVID-19 pandemic event visa is granted. 

 

However, a work permit will not be granted for those who apply as a last resort, to lawfully remain in Australia until the pandemic is over. Pursuant to condition 8107, individuals who undertake work on this visa when they’re not entitled to are engaging in activity that are not compliant with their visa conditions. As such, actions will be taken to cancel the visa.

 

Are you looking for visa options?

NO BORDERS: #1 TRUSTED MIGRATION AGENTS

Email: [email protected]

Tel:  +61 (07) 3876 4000

 

No Borders Law Group can help you exploring visa options and securing your application.Our experienced migration agents and lawyers have extensive knowledge of the legal requirements, eligibility criteria, and supporting documents required. Simply dial 07 3876 4000 or email: [email protected] and let us help you start with your way towards obtaining an Australian visa.

 

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