- Australia has suspended the Working Holiday Visa program for Chinese nationals.
- Citizens of China, India and Vietnam will need to take part in lottery-style bids for the Working Holiday Visa in FY ending 2025.
- Australia will introduce a new visa to attract exceptionally talented workers.
Australia’s government has suspended its Working Holiday Visa program for nationals of China, a spokesperson for Australia’s Department of Home Affairs has said.
Confirming the new changes, the spokesperson noted that citizens of China along with those from India and Vietnam will need to take part in lottery-style bids for the Working Holiday Visa program in the financial year ending June 2025, VisaGuide.World reports.
According to the spokesperson, the intake of Chinese applicants in his financial year has been halted while the changes are being established.
Over 136,600 Working Holiday Visas Active as of March 2023
A report from Work in Australia notes that by the end of March 2023, there were a total of 136,621 Working Holiday visas active in Australia.
Australia’s Working Holiday visa permits internationals aged 18 to 30 to stay in Australia for longer periods than normal visits and also work in order to support themselves financially while staying in this country.
The initial visa is valid for 12 months; however, it can be extended for a second and third year under specific conditions.
Foreigners can come to Australia through two types of Working Holiday Visas: Working Holiday Visa (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday Visa (subclass 462).
While those planning to go to Australia through subclass 462 need to obtain a letter of support from their government of origin, those in subclass 417 are not required to provide such a letter.
Besides, those planning to apply through the subclass 462 visa need to have certain educational qualifications as set by the Immigration Department, a requirement that is not needed for subclass 417.
Australia to Introduce New Innovation Visa to Attract Talented Workers
Authorities in Australia have also announced plans to introduce a new visa in order to attract exceptionally talented workers, thus replacing a controversial investor migrant program.
