Australia Expands Working Holiday Visa Program

Due to its thriving economy, the Australian Government is encouraging greater cultural exchange by expanding its Working Holiday Visa (WHV) Program to a larger list of partner countries. This expansion has increased travel and employment opportunities for many and has sparked renewed interest in migration to Australia from across the globe.

With over 249,000 working holiday visas granted in the 2012-13 period there was a 15.8% increase in successful applicants from the previous year and these visas were granted to people from a wide range of countries including South Korea, Taiwan, Germany, France, the United Kingdom and more.

Australia is currently in negotiations to expand their list of partner countries for the WHV Program with countries including Czech Republic, Greece, Mexico, Poland and Portugal, just to name a few. There has also been a record number of Second Working Holiday Visas granted, which is when working holiday visa holders obtain a further 12 months stay after their first year by completing three months (or 88 days) of specified work in a regional area of Australia. The increase in the number of Second WHV’s granted since this opportunity was first introduced in 2005 is significant with the amount growing from 2692 in the 2005-2006 period to over 38,862 in 2012-13.

Statistics published by the Department of  Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP) for the most recent fiscal year indicate that over 75% of cases for the First WHV were finalised within 6 calendar days and most Second WHV applications finalised within approximately 21 days. Cases where additional checks are required, such as health or character, will result in a longer processing time.

A Working Holiday Visa is a great way for young people to visit Australia and experience the diversity that Australia has to offer. If you or someone you know is considering a Working Holiday to Australia, Migration Expert can help make it a reality.

Source: Migration Expert