Visa News

"Significant improvements to Working Holiday Maker Scheme"

20 June 2003

The United Kingdom will make it significantly easier for younger Australians to enjoy a working holiday in Britain, Acting British High Commissioner Robert Court said today.

"I am delighted to confirm major improvements to the Working Holiday Maker (WHM) Scheme. More than 20,000 Australians take up WHM visas each year, and the UK is confident the reforms announced today will see this number increase in the future," Mr Court said.

The changes to the scheme are:

• The upper age limit for WHMs will be extended from 27 to 30;
• All work restrictions in the UK will be removed;
• WHMs will be permitted to switch to a work permit visa after one year in the UK

Two important aspects of the WHM scheme will not change:

• WHMs visas will continue to be issued for a maximum two years stay in the UK;
• Individuals will not be permitted a second WHM visa.

The changes will have immediate effect for visa holders already in the UK, and will apply from 25 August 2003 for all new applicants.

Australians need to apply for a WHM visa from the British High Commission Consular Section, and meet the visa requirements. Information and application forms are available from www.britaus.net under the Visa button, or by calling 1902 941 555 (charges apply).

Mr Court said an extensive global review had reinforced the significant
benefits to the UK of the very popular scheme, including that working
holidaymakers helped alleviate acute recruitment difficulties in certain sectors of the UK economy.

"Many working holidaymakers are highly skilled and the UK is delighted to be able to make maximum use of their skills to boost the productivity of the UK workforce. Allowing working holidaymaker visa holders to switch to work permit status within the UK will also benefit UK businesses, as they will be able to recruit skilled Commonwealth nationals more quickly," Mr Court said.

The UK will also introduce a special visa category to allow gap year
entrants of all nationalities to enter the United Kingdom for a period of one year and take paid employment in schools.

Source: British High Commission media release: 20 June 2003