Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa arrangements for UK passport holders

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:

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.
Eligibility: These new provisions are exclusive to applicants using UK-issued passports, including British Nationals (Overseas) passports.
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.
Work Requirement Waiver: Starting July 1, 2024, UK passport holders need not fulfill specified work criteria for their second or third visa applications.
Maximum Stay: The three-year maximum stay remains unchanged, with three separate 12-month visas granted.
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.
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.
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.”

Festive season office closure

During the festive season, Thames Migration offices in both Australia and the United Kingdom will close from Friday 22nd December 2023 and reopen on Monday 8th January 2024.

From the entire Thames Migration team, we wish you all a merry festive season and a Happy New Year!

Your Passport to Australia – Upcoming London Seminar 20th September

This seminar is suitable for all skilled applicants seeking to emigrate to Australia. Learn how to make the move to Australia. Over the years, our clients have found these seminars to be useful and informative providing a true insight on how you can successfully relocate to Australia and provide you information on various Australian visa options. Learn about the pathways to permanent residency from the Australia visa experts in the UK. The Western Australia state government representative will also be present to discuss lifestyle and employment opportunities in WA.

September Seminar Details:

Date:           Wednesday, 20th September 2023
Venue:        OFX – 4th Floor, The White Chapel Building, 10 Whitechapel High St, London E1 8QS
(Closest Tube Station – Aldgate)
Time: 5.30pm – 8pm
Cost:           FREE (Registration essential). Seating is limited.

Partners Attending:

Our MARA Agent Hannibal Khoury has been a guest speaker at many migration seminars and exhibitions for over 20 years.

Unable to attend this seminar? Thames Migration holds regular seminars throughout the United Kingdom and in Australia. Please register your interest for our upcoming seminars throughout the year and we will be in touch.

We urge you to attend and learn more about the process of emigration to Australia and meet the partners on the day.

To book a place at the event please contact us on 0208 996 0120 or via our below form

Australia-United Kingdom FTA -Working Holiday Visa Arrangements

The Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement enters into force today.

The agreement also includes measures designed to improve the mobility of skilled workers and young people, in both directions. From 31 January 2024, Australians up to the age of 35, up from 30, will be able to apply for working holidays in the UK and stay for a maximum of three years instead of two.

Commencement of new arrangements

Under the new arrangements:

from 1 July 2023, UK passport holders can apply for a Working Holiday visa between the ages of 18 and 35 years inclusive
from 1 July 2024, UK passport holders can be granted up to three separate Working Holiday visas without having to meet any specified work requirements.

The new arrangements will apply to all Working Holiday (subclass 417) visa applications for UK passport holders lodged from the date of implementation.

Australia is a beautiful country and a destination on many people’s bucket list. It’s known for its breathtaking landscapes, friendly locals, laid-back culture, and world-class beaches. This new agreement offers a fantastic opportunity for UK passport holders to experience all that Australia has to offer. Whether you’re interested in working, travelling, or both, the new arrangements make it easier to achieve your goals.

Age Limit Increased and No Regional Work Requirement!

The Subclass 417 Working Holiday Visa arrangements will remain largely unchanged, except that visa holders will now be able to apply for year long visas for up to three years and no regional work is required after 1 July 2024. This means that you can choose to apply for a first, second, and third visa at any time, as long as you comply with the eligible age requirement.

If you’re interested in taking advantage of this fantastic opportunity, you’ll need to plan your trip carefully. Australia is a big country, and there’s a lot to see, so it’s worth taking some time to research different areas and plan your itinerary.

Reciprocal Health Care

As well as the benefits of traveling and working in Australia, the new arrangements also come with another benefit for UK passport holders. You’ll be able to access reciprocal healthcare arrangements for essential medical treatment during your stay in Australia.

A Unique Opportunity

All in all, the new Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement offers a fantastic opportunity for UK passport holders looking to travel, work, and experience Australia’s amazing culture. The new arrangements will make it easier for UK passport holders to apply for and use Working Holiday Visas, with the age limit now increased to 35 years.

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 the UK.

Australian business looking to enter or expand into the UK market can seek assistance from Thames Migration UK visa and migration consultants. To learn more about how to get UK Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and also for UK applicants seeking to gain Australian PR from Working Holiday Visa – Step by Step Process Contact Us

Resource: Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement

3 Year Working Holiday Visa -Australia-United Kingdom (FTA)

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

Breaking Migration News -1st July Changes

TSMIT Increase & PR Pathways for all Short-term TSS 482 Visa Holders

Temporary skilled migration income threshold raised to $70,000

The Albanese Government will increase the Temporary Skilled Migration Income Threshold (TSMIT) from $53,900 to $70,000 from July 1 (Australian Financial Year).

This is the Government’s first action in response to the independent Review of the Migration System led by Dr Martin Parkinson, which found that Australia’s migration system is broken.

The Albanese Government is also announcing that by the end of 2023, Temporary Skill Shortage (TSS) short stream visa holders will have a pathway to permanent residency within our existing capped permanent program.

This will provide employers and migrants with more certainty, and will help increase the skill level in our permanent skilled program.

To learn more contact us today.

Australia Day Office Closure

Thames Migration offices in Australia will close from Thursday 26th January 2023 and reopen on Monday 30th January 2023.

From the entire Thames Migration team, we wish you all a happy Australia Day!

Festive Season Office Closure

During the festive season, Thames Migration offices in both Australia and the United Kingdom will close from Monday 19th December 2022 and reopen on Monday 9th January 2023.

From the entire Thames Migration team, we wish you all a merry festive season and a Happy New Year!

Upcoming 1st July Changes

VAC Increases – CPI 3%

Australian Visa Application Charges will increase on 1 July 2022 by 3%, in line with the previously forecast Consumer Price Index increase. The increases will be rounded to the closest $5.00.

The increases come into effect for applications lodged on or after 1 July 2022.

This Instrument commences 1 July 2022. Migration Amendment (Visa Application Charges) Regulations 2022 – F2022L00828.

Subclass 485 – Skilled occupation concession

Regulations to temporarily remove the requirements for Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate) applicants in the Graduate Work stream to nominate an eligible skilled occupation and to obtain a skills assessment.

This concession is to allow applicants who have studied for occupations that are not on the skills lists to live and work in Australia for a further temporary period.

This amendment will provide this temporary concession for applications made between 1 July 2022 and 30 June 2023 (inclusive). This Instrument also includes a provision for the Minister to extend this date beyond 30 June 2023 based on prevailing economic conditions.

Migration Amendment (Occupation Nomination and Skills Assessment for Subclass 485 Visas) Regulations 2022 – F2022L00822

This Instrument commences 1 July 2022.

Pathway to PR From 1 July 2022

The Australian Government has just released legislation on the permanent residency pathways for visa holders on the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL), in response to the strong labour demand and the declining number of temporary visa holders in 2021 due to the pandemic.

From 1 July 2022, a Subclass 457 or 482 visa holder nominated in a STSOL occupation will be able to access the permanent residency pathway under the Subclass 186 Temporary Residency Transition Stream (TRTS), if they:

– Have been in Australia for at least 12 months between 1 Feb 2020 and 14 December 2021; and

– Meet the TRTS requirements (that is, 3 years of employment as a Subclass 457 or 482 visa, age, English language, etc.)

This new legislation provides a pathway to permanent residency for Subclass 482 visa holders in the short-term stream, regardless of whether their nominated occupation is on the Medium & Long-Term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL), the Short-Term Skilled Occupation List (STSOL) or the Regional Occupation List (ROL).

Furthermore, the grandfathering provisions for those who held, or had applied for, a Subclass 457 visa on 18 April 2017 has now been extended.

To learn more about your eligibility for this pathway, please contact Thames Migration in Australia or the United Kingdom.

Source to Legislation: Migration (Specified persons and periods of time for regulation 5.19) Instrument (LIN 22/038) 2022