Australia has officially increased the age limit for working holiday visas from 30 to 35 years old, opening up the opportunity for approximately 16 million British citizens to apply for the visa.
This change is a result of the free trade agreement between the UK and Australia.
The expansion of the working holiday visa programme will also facilitate easier work and travel opportunities for Australians in the UK.
This development aligns with a similar agreement between New Zealand and the UK, which also extended the age limit for working holiday visas to 35 years old.
Under the revised rules, British individuals working and living in Australia will be eligible to stay for up to three years. Previously, there were limitations on the types of work that Brits could engage in, but these restrictions are set to be lifted by 2024.
Previously, completing 88 days of agricultural work was a requirement for staying in the country, but this rule has now been relaxed, allowing visitors to work across various industries.
Moreover, the three-year visa allowance does not need to be used consecutively and can be utilized until the age of 35.
This update aims to accommodate the growing interest from foreign travelers in recent years, as highlighted by Sally Cope, the UK regional general manager for Tourism Australia.
Australia’s minimum wage currently stands at around $21.38 (£11.22), while the UK’s minimum wage for individuals aged over 23 is £10.42.