Australia has increased the age range for the country’s popular Working Holiday Visa to 35 years inclusive, a five-year increase from the previous maximum age of 30 years.
The change is part of the recently announced Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), which saw new arrangements for both Australia’s Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and the UK’s Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS).
New data on working abroad has shown that 45% of 25 to 34-year-olds wish they had taken a gap year when they had the chance, and close to 1 in 10 believe they are too old to start again.
It also revealed that 49% of 25 to 34-year-olds want to take a career break without losing momentum.
Australia’s variety of available jobs will allow professionals from all fields to find employment – contrary to the belief held by 46% of 25 to 34-year-olds that working holiday visas are a good way to see the world, but will stall career development.
Sally Cope, Tourism Australia’s Regional General Manager for UK & Northern Europe said: “Every year, more than 35,000 young Brits head to Australia to work and play. Our research reveals close to half of 25 to 34-year-olds are considering working abroad to advance their careers, so this five-year age range increase presents a world of openings to these young professionals.
“We’re sure there are many 30 to 35-year-olds who thought they had missed their chance to live and work Down Under who will jump at this exciting prospect; and Australia is ready to welcome them.”
Further changes to Australia’s Working Holiday Visa are expected from 1 July 2024, where Brits will be able to apply for up to three years to live and work in Australia (previously two years) without any specified work requirements.
