Changes to Working Holiday Maker (subclass 417 and 462) visas and Seasonal Worker Program

 

Changes to Working Holiday Maker visas:

 

• Work and Holiday makers (subclass 462) will be able to undertake regional plant and animal cultivation work in additional priority areas to become eligible for a second visa.

 

• Extension of the period a WHM (subclass 417 and 462) may work with the same agricultural employer from six to 12 months.

 

• Introduction of a third year visa option for WHM (subclasses 417 and 462), who from 1 July 2019 onwards complete six months of regional work in the second year.

 

• Increase the number of places available for Work and Holiday Maker program (subclass 462) by lifting annual caps available to a number of countries participating in the subclass 462 visa program. These changes require a strict workforce test to be applied to ensure Australian workers are given

the first opportunity for work.

 

Changes to the Seasonal Worker Program:

 

• Increase work period in Australia to nine months for all workers (currently six months for some countries).

 

• Increase validity of labour market testing prior to recruiting workers from three to six months.

 

• Reduce out of pocket expenses for employers (workers repay their full travel costs except for the first $300; a reduction from the previous $500). 

 

 

Yana Asmalovskaya,
Migration Agent 0957026
For questions about Australian visas, or to deal with relevant visa application please email to yana@becomeaustralian.com