Australia Updates Second Working Holiday Visa Rules, Offering 12 Month Extension For Eligible Travelers

• The changes provide more details on the visa application process and set clear guidelines for applicants.

• Those who have already held a First Working Holiday visa can apply for the extension.

Australia has updated the rules for the Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417), allowing travelers to extend their stay for an additional 12 months.

The changes provide more details on the visa application process and set clear guidelines for applicants.

Those who have already held a First Working Holiday visa can apply for the extension.

The revisions to the Second Working Holiday visa are meant to simplify the process and resolve concerns raised by past candidates, according to the DAAD Scholarship.  These changes affect visa cancellations, location declarations, and processing timeframes.

The Australian government has cautioned that high volumes of applications may cause delays.

Significant changes to the visa application procedure

The new revisions include numerous significant improvements for applicants:

• Visa cancellation risk: If applicants apply for another visa, such as the eVisitor (subclass 651) or Transit visa (subclass 771), while on a Working Holiday visa, their existing visa will automatically expire.  This results in a loss of employment privileges and may render them ineligible for another Working Holiday visa.
• Accurate location declaration: Applicants must appropriately declare their present location during the application procedure.  If the location is inaccurate, your visa application may be denied.
• Processing delays: The Australian government has cautioned that processing times may be extended due to a high volume of applications.  Applicants should plan for probable delays and apply in advance.

What is the second Working Holiday Visa?

The Second Working Holiday Visa (Subclass 417) allows eligible individuals to stay in Australia for an additional 12 months after completing a First Working Holiday Visa.  During the extension, travelers can:

• Stay in Australia for another 12 months.
• Work short-term jobs to support your stay.
• Study for up to 4 months.

• Travel into and out of Australia as needed.
• Complete six months of specified work to qualify for a third working holiday visa.

The visa costs AUD 650, and processing periods vary according on the amount of applications.

Eligibility for the Second Working Holiday Visa

To apply for the Second Working Holiday visa, candidates must complete a few requirements:

• They must already have a First Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417).
• They must be between the ages of 18 and 30 (35 for nationals of qualified countries such as Canada, France, and Ireland).
• Applicants must have completed three months of designated work in Australia’s regional areas, such as farming, hospitality, or construction.
• Applicants must hold a passport from an approved country.
• Applications must be submitted separately, as family members and dependent children cannot be included.
• Applicants must also apply while having a valid substantive visa or within 28 days of their previous visa expiring.

How to Apply for the Second Working Holiday Visa

To apply for the Second Working Holiday Visa, follow these steps:

• Check eligibility:  Ensure that you meet the age and work criteria.
• Gather documents:  Prepare the relevant documents, such as your passport and proof of stated work.
• Apply online.  Submit your application through this link.
• Wait for approval.  Processing times may vary, so do not make travel plans until your visa is approved.
• Begin your extended stay:  Once approved, you can start your extended stay in Australia.

What to know:

The amended rules for the Second Working Holiday visa may effect applicants in many ways:

• Applying for another visa will result in the loss of work rights under the Working Holiday visa.
• Incorrect location statements may result in visa refusal.
• Longer processing delays may cause travel plans to be delayed, therefore applicants should apply early and wait for visa clearance before making any travel preparations.

These modifications are aimed to simplify the application process and avoid issues for future candidates.