Student and Working Holiday Maker visa changes to boost critical workforce shortages

  • 21 January 2022
Hospitality staff performing on job training
The Australian Government have announced a range of temporary measures to address critical workforce shortages, and to incentivise the return of international students and working holiday makers to Australia. 

•    International students and working holiday makers who arrive in Australia between 19 January and 19 March 2022 (for international students) and 19 April 2022 (for Working Holiday Makers) will be eligible for a refund of their visa application charge. Eligible travellers will have until 31 December to apply. 
•    Working holiday makers no longer have to ask for permission from the Department to work with the same employer for more than six months. This will allow working holiday makers to continue to work in current roles, should that suit them and their employers. 
•    The 40 hour per fortnight work restriction for international students have been removed and students can now seek employment and start work before their course commences. 

Further details on the Department of Home Affairs website

Page last updated on 21 January 2022