As we draw closer to 1st July 2024, we note the significant change to the Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) for UK passport holders regards to Work Requirement Waiver: Starting July 1, 2024, UK passport holders need NOT fulfill specified work criteria for their second or third visa applications. However, this may offer a unique opportunity for Working Holiday Visa applicants to apply for a Subclass 482 visa or even permanent residency.  

As per the Department of Home Affairs recent update, ALL 482 visa holders (including short-term) will have access to Permanent Residency after 2 years.

Permanent Residency pathways are available to short-term 482 visa holders through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination (subclass 186) visa.

Permanent Residency pathway for short-term 482 visa holders after 2 years

Permanent Residency pathways available to short-term 482 visa holders through the Temporary Residence Transition (TRT) stream of the Employer Nomination (subclass 186) visa. This stream is open to ALL Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) visa holders whose employers wish to sponsor them and will no longer be restricted to 482 visa holders with occupations on the Medium and Long-term Skilled Occupation List (MLTSSL). In addition to all 482 visa holders having access to permanent residency, the length of time in which an applicant will need to hold a 482 visa in order to access PR has also reduced.

NOTE: To prevent inefficiencies and additional costs, the department will consider 186 applications in the TRT stream where lodgement has occurred a few days prior to the applicant meeting the ‘Work Experience Requirement’.

These changes aim to expand pathways to permanent residence for temporary skilled sponsored workers, providing more equitable access and certainty to TSS visa holders and their employers. This a welcome update for employers as well as they will now have a wider range of occupations available for permanent employer-sponsored pathways, helping alleviate skills shortages.

The Government is also removing limit on the number of 482 visa applications in the short-term stream that a visa holder can make in Australia.

Much of our migration practise is about positioning; positioning is then about pathways.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.

Exciting news for UK passport holders planning to travel to Australia! The Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement has paved the way for fresh Working Holiday Maker (WHM) program and Youth Mobility Scheme arrangements, effective from July 1, 2023.

Here’s what’s changing:

1. Extended Visa Opportunities: UK citizens aged between 18 and 35 can now apply for Working Holiday visas. Plus, from July 1, 2024, they can obtain up to three separate visas without any specific work requirements.
2. Eligibility: These new provisions are exclusive to applicants using UK-issued passports, including British Nationals (Overseas) passports.
3. Age Extension: As of July 1, 2023, the age bracket for UK applicants extends from 18 to 35 years. Applications are accepted until midnight (Australian Eastern Standard Time) the day before turning 36.
4. Work Requirement Waiver: Starting July 1, 2024, UK passport holders need not fulfill specified work criteria for their second or third visa applications.
5. Maximum Stay: The three-year maximum stay remains unchanged, with three separate 12-month visas granted.
6. Flexible Application Process: UK passport holders can apply for their first, second, or third Working Holiday visas at any time within the eligible age range, even if not consecutively. Applications can be made both within and outside Australia.
7. Transition for Existing Visitors: UK passport holders who’ve already spent time in Australia under different passports can still benefit from the new rules. They can apply for any remaining visas under the updated regulations from July 1, 2024.
8. Continued Program Settings: Other WHM program rules, such as the six-month work limit per employer and four-month study limit, remain in place for UK passport holders.

Please Note: Disclosing character and health issues during the visa application process is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, failing to disclose relevant information can lead to serious consequences, including visa rejection, barring from entering Australia in the future or even removal if discovered later. Additionally, providing accurate information allows authorities to assess the applicant’s eligibility and make informed decisions, ensuring the safety and well-being of both the individual and the host country. Hence, it’s imperative to openly disclose any character or health-related concerns to streamline and ensure a compliant visa application process. Should any questions or concerns arise regarding your character or health status, Thames Migration is well versed and stands ready to provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the visa procedure.

Don’t miss out on these fantastic opportunities to explore Australia while broadening your horizons! Apply for your Working Holiday visa today and embark on an unforgettable adventure Down Under.”