After the good news about the increased age limit from 30 to 35 for Canadian and Irish passport holders, there’s even more good news for all backpackers in Australia!
More areas
From November 5, 2018, there will be more regional areas eligible to work in (agriculture, plant and animal cultivation) to use to stay in Australia for a second year. Currently only working holiday visa makers in Northern Australia are eligible.
6 – 12 months with same employer
From November 5, working holiday visa holders can stay with the same agricultural employer for 12 months instead of only 6.
3rd year on a WHV
After July 1st 2019, working holiday visa holders who undertake 6 months of specified work in a specified regional area during their second year will have the option of staying for a third year in Australia.
Increase in annual cap
In the next few weeks the annual cap will be increased for a number of countries participating in the 462 visa program. (Check eligible countries).
The reason behind these changes is the fact that the Australian government is trying to increase the number of WHV holders available for seasonal work in Australia.
What is plant and animal cultivation?
This type of work generally includes:
- the harvesting and/or packing of fruit and vegetable crops
- pruning and trimming vines and trees
- general maintenance crop work
- cultivating or propagating plants, fungi or their products or parts
- immediate processing of plant products
- maintaining animals for the purpose of selling them or their bodily produce
- immediate processing of animal products including shearing, butchery, packing and tanning
- manufacturing dairy produce from raw material
Where are the new regional areas?
Apart from Northern Australia, the regional areas will also be located in parts of NSW, QLD, VIC and WA as well as all of the NT, SA and Tasmania. The exact details of the specific postcodes will be published on the Department’s website soon.
You’ve got more questions about the working holiday visa? Check out our Factsheet!
