Dreaming of a working holiday? The maximum age limit for this destination is set to increase

Australia's reciprocal working holiday program with the United Kingdom is set to expand. Here's what you need to know.

The maximum age limit for Australian passport holders applying for working holidays in the UK is about to increase. Source: iStockphoto / Getty

Key Points

• The maximum age limit for Australians applying for the UK's working holiday scheme will rise from 30 to 35 years old.
• The age limit for UK citizens applying for Australia's Working Holiday Maker program will also increase.
• The expansion is part of the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement.

Young Australians dreaming of a working holiday to the United Kingdom will soon have an extra five years to get there, the federal government has announced.

The maximum age limit for Australians travelling to the UK on working holiday visas will rise thanks to the Australia-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA), which came into force on 31 May.

The UK's Youth Mobility Scheme (YMS) is currently restricted to those aged 18-30 years old inclusive for Australians, but this age limit will be extended by five years under the free trade deal.

The age limit for UK citizens applying for working holidays in Australia will also rise to 35.

The changes will "deliver enhanced reciprocal pathways for young UK and Australian passport holders to live and work in each country,” Immigration Minister Andrew Giles said.

What's changing for Australians applying for the UK's Youth Mobility Scheme?

From 31 January 2024, the upper age limit for Australian citizens seeking to take working holidays under the UK's YMS will change from 30 years to 35 years inclusive.

The UK is extending the age limit for its working holiday visas for visitors from Australia. Source: Getty / Karl Hendon

Under the expanded agreement, Australians aged 18-35 will also be able to stay an extra year in the UK under the YMS, with the opportunity to extend the working holiday from two to three years if they choose.

Eligible Australians can apply for the scheme via the UK government's website at a cost of £259 ($495).

What's changing for UK citizens applying for Working Holiday visas in Australia?

From 1 July 2023, the age range for UK citizens applying for Australia's Working Holiday visa program will change from 18-30 to 18-35 years old inclusive.

The change means the UK joins a handful of countries that allow young people up to and including the age of 35 to apply for working holiday visas, with an age limit of 30 still applying for most countries that are part of Australia's Working Holiday Maker scheme.

Source: SBS News / Ken Macleod

Some of the work requirements for UK passport holders undertaking working holidays in Australia will also be removed next year.

From 1 July 2024, UK citizens eligible for a Working Holiday visa in Australia will be able to stay for a total of three years without having to undertake any specified work requirements.

Under the previous deal, UK passport holders were required to complete three months of work in specified areas to extend their working holiday to two years, and six months of specified work to extend it to three years.

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program

Australia's Working Holiday Maker program (WHM) was established in 1975 to allow young adults to have an extended holiday and support themselves by working in temporary jobs. The program is reciprocal in nature, with similar arrangements for Australian citizens wishing to work and holiday abroad in partner countries.

There are now 47 countries participating in Australia's program, and applicants can apply at a cost of $510. The program includes visa subclass 417 and subclass 462 and allows them to work and holiday in Australia for a year, with opportunities to return for a second and third year if certain requirements are met.