Australia Opens Working Holiday Visa to 19 Countries

The Australian Government's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that citizens from 19 countries and jurisdictions can apply for the Working Holiday visa (subclass 417). This visa allows young travelers to work in Australia for up to six months with the same employer and study for up to four months.

Eligible countries include Belgium, Canada, Republic of Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Republic of Ireland, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan, and the United Kingdom. The visa is primarily intended for those whose main purpose is holidaying, not full-time work or study.

Applicants must hold a valid passport from one of the listed countries, and residents or permanent residents without the relevant nationality do not qualify. Completing three months of specified work may allow holders to apply for a second Working Holiday visa.

The six-month limit with a single employer and the four-month study cap are key conditions of the visa.