Working Holiday Maker updates
6 month work limitation relaxed
The Treasurer and the Minister announced have announced that the 6 month limitation on working for the same employer or organisation has been lifted for Working Holiday Makers (WHM) from 19 January until 31 December 2022 when it will be reviewed.
- WHM will not need to request permission to extend this employment.
- WHM visa holders must meet Australia’s vaccination requirements or have an approved travel exemption to enter Australia.
- WHMs who arrive in Australia from 19 January 2022 to 19 April 2022 can apply for a refund of the Visa Application Charge (VAC) for their WHM visa.
What does this mean for employers ?
If you have a foreign national who holds a 417 or 462 visa, you can employ them for a full 12months rather than the previous restriction of 6 months until 31 December this year. Please note that the term of employment must still be within the visa validity dates.
Switzerland to access Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visa
Switzerland will become the 45th country to have access to Australia’s Working Holiday Maker visa program.
From 1 January 2022, people from Switzerland, aged between 18 and 30, can apply to travel to and stay in Australia for one year and undertake short-term work and study while holidaying.
The Swiss Government has also announced that Australians can travel to Switzerland without a visa from 1 January 2022.
