The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), signed virtually on 17 December 2021.

On 17 November 2022, the Australian Government Joint Standing Committee on Treaties (JSCOT) handed down its report on the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA).

Finally, after 17 months since inception, the Australia – UK Working Holiday visa to be implemented by 31st of May 2023.

What this means for UK applicants;

– three year working visas between the Australia and the United Kingdom,
– UK citizens up the age of 35 can obtain three year temporary visas to Australia and vice versa.
– UK citizens will be able to apply for Permanent Residency whilst in Australia (Onshore)

While some details were announced in the media release, others appear to be still under negotiation. Two provisions are available at this time:

-a framework for professional bodies to agree to streamline licensing processes to facilitate the movement of qualified professionals between Australia and the UK and,

-within two years of entry into force, Australians will be able to apply for working holidays in the UK up to the age of 35 and stay for a maximum of three years instead of two.

It is not yet clear if the removal of the regional work requirement for UK Working Holiday Makers has been included or how Labour Market Testing will be handled in the agreement.

Much of migration practise is about positioning; positioning is then about pathways. Holding a 3 year Working Holiday visa is most advantageous especially when seeking to remain in Australia permanently.

To learn more about how to get Australian PR from Working Holiday Visa – Step by Step Process, contact us today.

Reference- Media Release